Intermittent Fasting And Gut Microbiome Changes In Obesity
- There's growing evidence that having a diverse and healthy gut microbiome can be good for your health.
- Research has found that individuals and animals with obesity tend to have a less varied microbiome compared to those at a healthy weight.
- A study from China suggests that a diet approach called intermittent energy restriction (IER), which involves eating normally on some days and cutting back on calories or fasting on other days, not only helps people shed pounds but might also change their gut microbiome.
- It's important to note that this study was small and observational, which means it only shows a connection between losing weight and microbiome changes and doesn't prove that one directly causes the other.
Recent research shows growing evidence of how the human microbiome can influence our health. The microbiome comprises bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes that live inside and on our bodies. An average healthy adult carries around 1000 different types of bacteria, most in the gut.
While the core microbiota tends to remain relatively stable throughout adulthood, the composition of the gut microbiota can vary significantly from person to person. It can be influenced by factors such as body mass index (BMI), how often you exercise, your lifestyle, cultural and dietary habits, and your use of antibiotics.
Research on obese individuals has consistently shown that they often have a less diverse gut microbiome, and the types of microorganisms present differ from those found in leaner individuals. Some studies have suggested a potential link between the ease of weight loss on diets and the makeup of one's gut microbiome. However, it's important to note that there hasn't been a consistent and clear association established between gut microbiota and obesity.
A meta-analysis of previous studies found that weight loss is generally connected to an increase in the microbiome's diversity and a decrease in the permeability of the intestinal lining.
Now, a small-scale study from China has proposed that intermittent energy restriction (IER) not only assists people with obesity in losing weight but also has the potential to change their gut microbiota.
Gut Bacteria Changes Linked To Weight Loss And Obesity
In this study, 25 individuals with body mass indexes (BMI) ranging from overweight to severely obese were recruited. They didn't have any other major health issues.
To kick things off, they ate their regular diet for four days, and the researchers used this as a baseline to measure daily calorie intake. After that, the study alternated between normal calorie intake days and days with significantly reduced calories, which a clinical dietitian determined.
Throughout the two-month study, the researchers collected blood and faecal samples from the participants at the beginning, middle, and end of two phases: one with strict fasting control (phase II) and another with less strict fasting control (phase III). They also tracked their body weight, waist size, body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at these points.
Participants lost 7.8% of their body weight during the study. By the end of phase II, their gut microbiome diversity had increased compared to the starting point. However, at the end of phase III, the study's beginning was similar.
There were also changes in the types of microorganisms in their gut. Some, like Escherichia coli, decreased, while others, like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacteroides uniforms, increased.
How Gut Microbiome Balance Affects Digestion And Metabolism
Changes in gut bacteria can impact health in various ways. For instance, certain bacteria in the gut, like F. prausnitzii, are commonly linked to good health and a robust immune system. P. distasonis is another bacterium known for breaking down carbohydrates and producing useful metabolites, mainly thriving in fibre-rich diets. B. uniformis is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and involvement in processing complex sugars from our diet.
The shifts in gut microbe abundance brought about by dietary changes can offer benefits by influencing metabolic and immune processes. However, it's important to note that further research is necessary to grasp these alterations' long-term effects comprehensively.
Additionally, these changes in gut bacteria were associated with noticeable reductions in the activity of brain regions related to appetite and addiction regulation. The precise impact of these changes on appetite is yet to be fully understood.
Gut-Brain Axis Research And Appetite Control
The gut microbiome plays a role in a bidirectional communication system with the brain. It produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins that can access the brain through nerves and the bloodstream. Conversely, the brain influences eating behaviour, while the nutrients from our diet can alter the composition of the gut microbiome.
It's important to note that this research, being observational, cannot establish a causal relationship between intermittent energy restriction (IER), weight loss, and changes in the gut microbiome. Nonetheless, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting a connection. Researchers recommend utilizing long-term dietary interventions to sustain weight loss and better understand the interplay between the gut microbiome and the brain.
It is advised to focus on maintaining balance and diversity among gut bacteria to support a healthy gut microbiome, which may be more critical than specific species. General advice for nurturing the microbiome includes adopting a plant-rich diet and leading an active, healthy lifestyle to promote an optimal gut environment and a thriving microbiome.
If you need help, Mobi Doctor can provide valuable medical assistance and guidance through its mobile platform, offering convenient access to healthcare services and professional advice.
