Probiotic drinks are not just for digestion – they can also be a key to weight loss.
One study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology suggests that probiotic bacteria may help combat weight gain and obesity.
The idea behind this research is that gut bacteria can influence brain function, including appetite control.
Our gut is populated with bacteria, among which are many strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are known to play a role in weight regulation and energy metabolism.
If you take a supplement containing these bacteria, the results may include improvements in weight gain and appetite control.
In this post, we’ll go over my eight favorite probiotic drinks for weight loss that I personally love and recommend.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that contain the “good” or “friendly” bacteria that aid digestion.
It’s known that probiotics can help people who have digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea.
And many people now believe that probiotics are good for mental health — they may play a role in reducing anxiety and boosting mood.
There is also growing evidence that some probiotic strains may help with weight loss.
For example, one study found that women who consumed Lactobacillus Curvatus had more lean body mass than those who did not consume this type of microbe.
Researchers have suggested that the positive effects of probiotics are due in part to the production of short-chain fatty acids.
These offer many health benefits, including helping to regulate blood sugar, boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and help with weight loss (among other benefits).
Some research suggests that when probiotics are consumed as a pill or capsule, these effects may not be seen throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Further studies are needed to determine whether probiotic pills can produce significant changes in gut bacteria.
There is also some conflicting evidence about whether probiotics can lower cholesterol levels and help improve heart health.
Also, more studies are needed to determine the extent of these effects and how they may impact weight loss.
To get the most benefits from probiotics, it is recommended that consumers consume them in foods that contain a high amount of good bacteria. For example, yogurt and fermented vegetables are rich in probiotics.
Why Should You Add Probiotic Drinks To Your Diet?
If you’re serious about your weight loss goals, then taking probiotic drinks can be one thing that will really help you.
There are many reasons why probiotics may help you lose weight.
These microorganisms aid in digestion and may improve bowel regularity, which will allow your body to adjust itself to have fewer or smaller meals a day.
At the same time, certain probiotic strains keep your gut healthy by crowding out harmful bacteria and yeast that can cause bloating and gas.
Additionally, research has shown that these micro-hygiene building bacteria produce enzymes that break down complex carbs into simple sugars, which helps to maintain blood sugar levels in check throughout the day.
Furthermore, these bacteria can also produce acids that help to promote bone and tooth health, so that you won’t feel as much pain when chewing on your food.
The Benefits Of Probiotics In The Body
1. Improve Digestion and Reduce Gas
Digestive discomfort is a common complaint among dieters.
One reason for this may be because your body is given more of the undigested contents of your food to break down, which creates an increased amount of gas.
Luckily, probiotics can help with nausea and indigestion by crowding out harmful bacteria that may be contributing to these symptoms.
They will also help maximize nutrient absorption by binding to and breaking down food particles so that your gastrointestinal tract can absorb more nutrients from your food.
Research has shown that when people took a probiotic supplement for three months, their blood sugar levels dropped by nearly 8 percent, which could have contributed to weight loss due to this increased nutrient absorption.
2. Reduce Hunger and Weight Gain
Another way that probiotics can help weight loss is by making you feel more full after eating, which will help to curb cravings for unhealthy foods.
One study showed that those who took a probiotic for six months experienced a smaller increase in calorie consumption than those who participated in a placebo trial, and their calorie consumption did not change when they were provided with placebos.
Other studies have also shown that people who take probiotics can experience less hunger and overeating.
Researchers believe this is because they feel full sooner after meals since bacteria can help your body break down and digest food at a faster rate than you would be able to do on your own.
3. Improve Mental Well-Being and Manage Stress
Probiotic drinks may be able to improve your overall mood and help you manage stress.
Many strains of probiotics have been shown to decrease anxiety and depression, which can improve your quality of life when losing weight.
The increase in good bacteria also increases your body’s ability to deal with stress, and this can lead to an overall feeling of well-being.
Some researchers believe that the balance in gut flora could be a major contributor to emotions and behavior, so much so that they call this concept “gut-brain axis”.
4. Reduce Pain and Build Bone Strength
Some probiotic drinks may have even greater benefits in terms of managing pain and helping to maintain bone health.
Probiotics can help defend our bodies against strong bacteria and yeast, causing inflammation that can lead to pain and inflammation of the joints.
Additionally, probiotics can also slow down the breakdown of collagen to prevent osteoporosis, which is a major cause of bone-related fractures.
Researchers have found that women who took a probiotic supplement were more likely to experience reduced pain after they had surgery than those who took a placebo, which suggests that these microorganisms may be able to help reduce pain during weight loss as well.
5. Improve Skin Texture and Cleanse Your System
Another way probiotics can help is by improving the health of your skin.
One study showed that those who took probiotic supplements for six months had healthier skin, which may be due to the improved immune function.
This improved immune function could help your skin retain moisture, which could increase its elasticity and make it less wrinkled.
Additionally, taking probiotics has also been shown to improve acne symptoms when taken over a three-month period.
6. Help with Dental Health and Slow Down Ageing
There’s plenty of evidence that suggests that certain strains of bacteria may help to prevent tooth decay when consumed on a regular basis.
This is due to the antimicrobial effects of probiotics that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Research has also shown that probiotics may help slow down the ageing process by helping our body fight off inflammation.
7. Help Reduce Cravings for Junk Food
While the benefit of probiotics for weight loss is well documented, there may be countless other benefits that people who take these supplements may experience.
If you’re someone who truly believes in the idea of “use it or lose it”, then probiotic supplements could help you to build up your health and strength by making you feel more full and satisfied after eating food.
For those that struggle with mental health issues, this could lead to a feeling of great well-being since good bacteria can help reduce stress levels.
Some research even suggests that certain probiotics may help reduce cravings for junk food, which may be helpful during your weight loss journey.
Top 8 Probiotic Drinks For Dieters
1. Yakult
Yakult is a traditional Japanese probiotic drink made by fermenting skim milk using the Lactobacillus Casei strain.
This bacteria strain has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol and blood sugars, as well as prevent diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections.
I recommend Yakult as a probiotic drink to include in your diet (whether for weight loss or not).
This probiotic drink is designed to help slow the emptying of the stomach and thus promote a feeling of fullness, which can help control weight gain.
In addition, it may also help to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. You can purchase your Yakult packs online directly from their site.
2. Kefir
I love kefir, and it is a great probiotic drink for weight loss.
It does contain a certain bacterial strain that may help with weight loss, but it also has many other benefits.
There are many different brands out there, but I suggest getting the kefir grains from Whole Foods Market.
You can do this by ordering online or in person at your local market. This way you get all of the health benefits of kefir and improve your weight loss.
3. VSL#3
VSL#3 is a probiotic drink that contains a blend of different strains of bacteria.
It helps with digestion and provides other gut health benefits.
It also contains omega fatty acids which may help with weight loss as well as brain function and mood.
It is made from fermented foods including vegetables, legumes, and algae-based ingredients (although since it’s vegan, the proteins, fats, and calcium are not derived from animals).
This one is a bit pricey, but it has the health benefits to go along with it!
4. Greek Yogurt Drink
Yes, regular greek yogurt contains probiotics.
In fact, many kinds of yogurt contain live and active cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus.
These bacteria strains may help improve weight management by altering the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
They can also help with digestion overall – helping to prevent constipation and diarrhea as well as support overall gut health.
5. Coconut Yogurt
Coconut cream yogurt is a good probiotic drink to add to your diet.
It contains live active probiotic organisms.
One reason that this yogurt is a good choice for weight loss is because it may help with the production of key hormones in the gut that aid in appetite control, so you curb your appetite and also give you that satiety feeling.
It also contains probiotics that can help with maintaining a healthy gut balance.
6. Organic Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink that contains live cultures and probiotics.
The bacteria in kombucha can help with the gut, digestive tract, and metabolism of carbohydrates. It may also improve weight loss by decreasing appetite.
It can help with the digestion of nutrients, prevent constipation and diarrhea, and also reduce gas and bloating.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Probiotic Drink
Apple cider vinegar is a great probiotic drink. It may help with weight control by helping you feel full and reducing your appetite.
The goal of this drink is to eat less food because you are more satisfied, not lose weight fast. Apple cider vinegar may also help improve blood sugar control.
Apple cider vinegar in particular is rich in acetic acid bacteria, which may improve certain gut conditions and promote better digestion and gut health.
8. Organic Probiotic Soda
Although probiotics are not a soda, you can make your own probiotic soda.
Mix some fruit (organic!) with honey and let it ferment for a few days. Then enjoy a refreshing soda drink that is full of healthy probiotics.
This is a great option for weight loss because it is organic and contains many probiotics that are beneficial to the body.
It may also help with weight control because it has fewer calories than regular sodas, which tend to have high sugar content.
Final Thoughts on Probiotic Drinks for Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important to eat healthily and stay hydrated. Drinking probiotic drinks is a great way to do this.
Good bacteria can help with digestion and overall health, which can be a key factor in helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
Plus if you’re an active person who exercises regularly, then the added benefit of good bacteria is really going to help out with your overall health and weight loss.
I hope this article helped you find some great probiotic drinks that may help with weight loss. Please feel free to leave a comment or question below!
