A Gut Bacteria That Helps with Weight Loss
The weight loss miracle drugs, Ozempic, Wygovy, and now Zepbound have enhanced the lives of many people affected by Type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications are GLP/GLP-1 agonists that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. These medications work well and have become so easy to obtain that even those who don’t need them are using them for a quick fix. But are they essential for everyone? Can you lose weight and reverse metabolic conditions without these drugs? Of course! It may not be easy, but it is possible.
Alternatives to Injectable Weight Loss Medications
As happens with all drugs, now that scientists know that one of the keys to weight loss is GLP/GLP-1 receptors, there has been a surge in finding other substances that may also work other than injectable medications.
At the root of all disease is inflammation. Science has shown us that inflammation often starts in the gut and that the microbiome (the second brain) is a key component of our whole body health and inflammation. The bugs in our gut can make or break our health.
Specific Gut Bacteria Has Positive Effect on Weight Loss
Twenty years ago, a bacterium in our intestines called Akkermansia muciniphila was discovered. Ten years ago, it was found to be more abundant in the gut of healthy people than that of diabetic, obese patients with metabolic disorders and bowel disease. In 2021 a research study titled: “Akkermansia muciniphila: is it the Holy Grail for ameliorating metabolic diseases?” was published in the periodical Gut Microbes, which sent researchers into a fury of researching to verify if this simple organism could in fact, help curb appetite and improve health. In 2023, mouse studies demonstrated that this bacteria also affects the GLP-1 receptors similarly to the modern-day miracle drugs, Ozempic and Wygovy. Wow! Can a microbe in our gut help us lose weight and curb our appetite/cravings?
Taking a pill and eating certain foods to lose weight is certainly more appealing than injecting a drug. A number of human and animal studies have shown that the abundance of Akkermanissia in the gut can be enhanced through dietary interventions.
These include and are not limited to:
- Cranberry
- Concord grape
- Rhubarb
- Low saturated fat diet
- Avoiding alcohol
- Prebiotics such as FOS
How to Take Gut Bacteria Medicine for Weight Loss
Studies show that supplementing with Akkermansia has a dose dependent effect; meaning: the higher the doses the better. In addition, taking it with other probiotic organisms is better than taking it alone. Until recently, many countries could not get Akkermansia as a supplement and even here in the US, affordable quality products have been far and few between until recently.
At NatureMed, we are experts in sourcing good quality supplements at the best prices whenever possible. Luckily, a company we trust has come out with an excellent Akkermansia that is strong and well-priced. It is third party tested and available at NatureMed for less than you can find on the internet. It has been hard to keep it on the shelves, so please contact us or stop in to get your Akkermansia today.