Boost Weight Loss By Revamping Your Gut Microbiome

I meet a lot of patients interested in losing weight. Often they have tried several diet and exercise programs only to wind up exactly where they were when they started. Aside from the pounds they wish to shed, there can be many different symptoms that seem completely unrelated yet, are actually part of the whole picture. I find the best way to help patients lose weight and correct the underlying imbalance is by healing the delicate ecosystem of the gut microbiome.
In-depth Testing of Bacterial Balance = Personalized Care
Like all health conditions, weight loss requires personalized medicine that works on the specific needs of the individual. A one-size fits all approach will fail for most people-especially when talking about diet. It’s only through proper testing that the exact nature of the underlying processes can be illuminated and corrected.
Quintron Testing– Hydrogen and Methane breath testing in NYC at the Kellman Center can highlight bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine commonly called SIBO.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)– This is a component of the cell wall of bacteria. High levels can be very inflammatory and used as a blood marker to assess leaky gut.
Stool testing– Bacterial imbalance can lead to weight gain and easily be detected through stool analysis looking at ratios of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes, parasites, fungi, pathogens and other GI health markers.
Microbiome Panel– This specialized blood and urine test includes a panel to measure metabolites produced by different strains of bacteria.
Additionally, improving insulin resistance can do wonders when it comes to weight loss and, its one of the best ways to improve the gut microbiome. A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a provocation test to measure how quickly glucose is cleared from the blood. It is a great tool to diagnose dysfunction in blood sugar processing especially insulin resistance.
Dietary intervention
I rely on two main dietary approaches to improve the microbiome based on the results of testing. The first is focused on removing pathogenic bacteria by limiting high-fiber fermentable compounds they require for nourishment. Once these food sources are omitted, bacteria in their weakened state are easily neutralized using targeted botanical supplements.
The second approach is actually the opposite and includes large amounts of pre and probiotic foods to feed and support friendly bacteria. Radish, jicama, onion, asparagus and leek are some of the top prebiotic superfoods shown to encourage the growth and reproduction of beneficial bacteria. The use of fermented foods
rich in live probiotic cultures can help increase the numbers and strains of helpful organisms living in the intestine. Additionally, supplement forms of L. rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri are the best available strains to help jumpstart weight loss.
While these diets seem like polar opposites, there is a lot of grey area between them and patients frequently respond to a combination of both. In some cases I may use the restricted diet but introduce fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut early on.
Often people begin their journey on the first diet, but transition to the prebiotic plan. When working with the microbiome, it is imperative to customize the diet to the needs of the individual for optimal results. At the Kellman Center our goal is always to put the unique needs of each patient first.
-
Archive
- All
- May 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- October 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- February 2019
- July 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- February 2018
- December 2017
- June 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- August 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014

Things You Can Do Right Now to Strengthen Your Immunity

Dr. Kellman’s Radio Interview on Thyroid Testing

The Power of Breathing- And How the Magnesphere Can Help

Vitamin D Deficiency: The Cause of Many Chronic Diseases

Frittata of Swiss Chard, Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Onion

New Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Beginning of the End

THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS (What Exactly is “Functional Medicine”?)

The Microbiome & Diet: Autism to Autoimmune

A Deeper Look At Depression and Anxiety Through The Gut Microbiome

Where The Functional Medicine World Is Failing Autoimmune Disease

The Microbiome Diet 101 (Part 3) – Spotlight On Supplements

PEMF – Improving Cellular Health Through Magnetic Fields

The Best Natural Treatments For Chronic Lyme Disease

Ten Healthy Eating Musts for Autoimmune Disease

Depressed? It’s Not All In Your Head! Microbiome Medicine Can Help.

The Secret Benefits Of A Healthy Gut Microbiome

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Terry Wahls

If You Are On Thyroid Medication and Still Don’t Feel Good-This One’s For You!

Thyroid- The Missing Link in Gut Disorders

Are You Saying These Five Things? It’s Probably Your Thyroid.

An Exclusive Interview with Ann Louise Gittleman: Diagnosing and Treating Parasites to Achieve Gut Health

Is There Proof in the Paleo Pudding? Three Reasons Why The Microbiome Diet is Better for Your Mind, Body, and Life

The Microbiome: An Essential Treatment for Healing Autoimmune Disease

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Importance of Diversity in Health, Healing and Life

Microbiome Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Coulis

Gluten-Free Microbiome Friendly Stuffing with Apple, Fennel and Fresh Herbs

Yacon: The New Weight-Loss Miracle Supplement

Want to Lose Weight? Stop Taking Prilosec!

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: Is There a Difference?

Why Fermented Foods Are Good for Weight Loss, Mood, Glowing Skin, and Overall Health

Nourish Your Healthy Bacteria and They Will Help You Lose Weight!

A New View of the Gut: No More Blind Tubes

Fermented Vegetables: Your New Weight-Loss and Beauty Aid

Who Are We, Really? Maybe Our Bacteria Have the Answer

Healthy Gut, Healthy Microbiome…Healthy Weight
