How Gut Bacteria Can Affect Weight
By Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria can influence whether a person will be fat or thin. For instance, the gut bacteria in people who are thin are generally more diverse.
When you eat a meal, your gut secretes hormones that activate signals of pathways to the brain. Eventually, these signals relay the message the body is full, and so food consumption can stop.
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In twin studies, scientists looked at gut bacteria in obese and lean people. They found that slender people had more diverse intestinal flora, especially of a type called Bacteroidetes, which are microbes that efficiently break down bulky plant starches and fibers into energy.
Researchers also have tested this hypothesis in studies involving mice that were bred to be genetically identical.
The mice were raised in a germ-free environment to rid their bodies of any bacteria, then had their guts populated with intestinal microbes collected from obese women or their lean twin sisters. The mice ate identical diets, but those who received the bacteria from the heavier twin ended up with a higher ratio of body fat.
Another way gut microbes may shape bodies is through their influence over food cravings. The medical community used to think cravings were the body’s way of letting us know we were deficient in a particular nutrient. But emerging science suggests these cravings may be shaped by gut bacteria.
For instance, researchers have discovered that the urine of people who crave chocolate contains very different microbiological components than those who do not. This holds true even if they eat identical diets.
By Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria can influence whether a person will be fat or thin. For instance, the gut bacteria in people who are thin are generally more diverse.
When you eat a meal, your gut secretes hormones that activate signals of pathways to the brain. Eventually, these signals relay the message the body is full, and so food consumption can stop.
Special: This Gut Health Secret Is Key to Your Body's Immune Challenges
In twin studies, scientists looked at gut bacteria in obese and lean people. They found that slender people had more diverse intestinal flora, especially of a type called Bacteroidetes, which are microbes that efficiently break down bulky plant starches and fibers into energy.
Researchers also have tested this hypothesis in studies involving mice that were bred to be genetically identical.
The mice were raised in a germ-free environment to rid their bodies of any bacteria, then had their guts populated with intestinal microbes collected from obese women or their lean twin sisters. The mice ate identical diets, but those who received the bacteria from the heavier twin ended up with a higher ratio of body fat.
Another way gut microbes may shape bodies is through their influence over food cravings. The medical community used to think cravings were the body’s way of letting us know we were deficient in a particular nutrient. But emerging science suggests these cravings may be shaped by gut bacteria.
For instance, researchers have discovered that the urine of people who crave chocolate contains very different microbiological components than those who do not. This holds true even if they eat identical diets.
. Look to see flu cases get real serious, same with any type of infections, and who knows what. 
