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My experience with beneficial bacteria and weight loss
Medical articles
Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Al-Wadani, Consultant in General and Obesity Surgery

I have always struggled with excess weight, and have had difficulty losing it despite following strict diets and exercising regularly.

My experience with beneficial bacteria

For many years, I fought a fierce battle against my excess weight and annoying irritable bowel syndrome.

Deep down, I felt that there was a main reason behind all this suffering, but I did not find it until I visited the specialist doctor. Frequent and incorrect use of antibiotics When I have influenza, for a long period of time without medical advice, The main reason was an imbalance in beneficial gut bacteriaHere was the answer to an important question: What are these bacteria and what does antibiotics have to do with it?

What are beneficial bacteria?

Good bacteria, also known as probiotics, are beneficial microorganisms, of which we have millions, that play an important role in maintaining a healthy body. 

Probiotics help digest food and absorb nutrients, as they produce essential vitamins, such as folic acid, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12 in the digestive tract.

Probiotics also help protect the body from harmful bacteria by competing for food and preventing their growth.

Probiotics can be obtained from fermented foods, such as yogurt, yogurt, and pickles.

Probiotics have been shown to help relieve symptoms of conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and they also support a healthy immune system.

Although there is no recommended daily amount, experts recommend adding more probiotic-rich fermented foods to your diet to support gut health.

During my research journey regarding this bacteria, it was very helpful for me to read the following article: Everything you need to know about beneficial bacteria and their health benefitsI advise you to read it. 

Does antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria?

The doctor told me more about the negative impact of antibiotics on intestinal health, as she explained that these medications, despite their effectiveness in combating harmful bacteria, also harm the beneficial bacteria, those microorganisms that live in our intestines and play vital roles in our health, as I mentioned to you.

But I still feel better when taking antibiotics, so why are they so harmful? 

The doctor continued by saying that the influenza cases that afflict all of us are nothing but viral organisms that are not treated with antibiotics and do not need them. Rather, they have a short life cycle that causes some annoying symptoms and resolves automatically in most cases. As for antibiotics, they affect our bodies as follows:

  • Broad-spectrum killing: Antibiotics are designed to target all types of bacteria, including beneficial and harmful.
  • Imbalance: Eliminating beneficial bacteria leads to an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, which creates a more favorable environment for the growth of harmful bacteria and causes weak immune system functioning and digestive system disorder, as happened in my case.
  • Antibiotic resistance: Indiscriminate administration of antibiotics may contribute to the development of bacterial strains resistant to these drugs, making infections more difficult to treat and making them more frequent.

I then realized that gut health is the key to the health of my entire body, and that... Consulting a doctor before taking any antibiotic is imperative.

I did not hesitate for a moment, and began my journey with beneficial bacteria. I also added probiotic supplements to my diet as instructed by my doctor.

I had some questions about it that I will share with you, the first of which was how can I lose weight?

Does eating beneficial bacteria reduce weight?

The doctor answered me that studies have shown that probiotics may reduce the body's absorption of calories from food, and enhance intestinal health and digestive processes.

It also helps better control appetite, through its potential role in regulating the hormones that control appetite.

In addition, there is more research that it may help increase levels of proteins that enhance fat burning and reduce fat storage, and that it contributes to reducing chronic inflammation associated with obesity.

Book your consultation now at Obesity treatment center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

 When do beneficial bacteria take effect?

The doctor explained to me not to expect immediate results, but to keep working hard to support my digestive health, and indeed I do During the first week of adding probiotic supplements To my daily regimen, I did not notice any significant change in my symptoms of digestive disorders. I felt a slight improvement in my digestion. The swelling decreased slightly.

From two weeks to four weeks, I began to notice a noticeable improvement in my irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

After a few months, I began to feel a radical change in my health.

Through my experience, I realized that there is no specific answer to the question, “When do probiotics start working?”

But I have some necessary advice about the matter to remind you of, which is that it is important to consult a doctor before starting to take any nutritional supplements, including probiotics, to determine the type and dosage that is appropriate for you.

You should also choose high-quality products that contain reliable bacterial strains with proven effectiveness. 

Because I had certainly become afraid of the harmful effects of medications, I asked the doctor at the beginning of my trip about possible side effects.

Does taking beneficial bacteria cause harm?

Of course, like any nutritional supplement, probiotics can cause some side effects, which include:

  • Temporary digestive changes: Some people may experience bloating, increased gas, or changes in bowel movement during the first days or weeks of taking probiotics.
  • Constipation: Some types of probiotics may cause constipation and increased thirst.

They also have less common risks, such as:

  • Skin rash or itching: In rare cases, probiotics may cause skin allergies, especially in people with allergies or intolerance to certain ingredients.
  • Infection: In very rare cases, probiotics may increase the risk of infection in people with weakened immune systems.
  • Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine: Probiotics may not benefit people with this condition, as they can worsen symptoms.
  • Antibiotic resistance: There is a small risk of ingesting antibiotic-resistant bacteria when taking some types of probiotics.

After her answer, the doctor advised me not to take any type of beneficial bacteria without consulting her, and to adhere to the attached medical prescription. She also emphasized starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it according to my need. She advised me to monitor any side effects and consult her directly if any worrying symptom appeared.

She continued by saying that there is no need to be afraid, and that the benefits of probiotics far outweigh the potential risks.

In conclusion, my experience with beneficial bacteria was an inspiring journey that changed my life forever.

I am sharing my experience with you today out of my belief in the importance of spreading awareness about the benefits of beneficial bacteria and their role in achieving a healthy and happy life.

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