Author: Tursunova Balkadisha
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health, probiotics are an essential component of the gut microflora, which plays an important role in proper digestion. The most common bacteria found in probiotics are bifidobacteria. They play a significant role in digestion, immune defense, and also produce short-chain fatty acids that regulate hunger and body weight.
This study involved about a hundred obese children aged 6 to 18 years. According to the study's lead author, Dr. Flavia Prodam, all children ate a Mediterranean calorie restriction diet adapted to their needs. They then received either the probiotic for eight weeks or a placebo.
The result of the experiment was the same achievement by the two groups of children of a decrease in body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin resistance, as well as the concentration of E. coli bacteria in the intestine.
Scientists concluded that as a source of probiotics, you can take not only certain products or dietary supplements, but also natural products containing these substances. These include such fermented milk products as: kefir, yogurt, goat's milk, aged cheese varieties, sauerkraut.
Indeed, the health of the gut microbiome is directly related to overall health, as well as the food we eat. Healthy, natural food is the key to good digestion. After all, we are what we eat.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/07/health/probiotics-for-childhood-obesity-wellness/index.html
