An Imbalanced Digestive Tract Contributes to Obesity

A fascinating study¹ shows that children lacking good digestive bacteria at birth were much more likely to become overweight by age 7 compared to children with healthy levels of friendly digestive bacteria. 

Not breast feeding a child is a common reason for a child developing the wrong bacteria and has already been associated with higher risk for obesity.  This is likely due to the fact that most formulas are fortified with iron, which stimulates the growth of hostile bacteria.  Of course, once a child goes down the path of repeated antibiotic use it is likely he or she will develop an overgrowth of hostile bacteria or Candida albicans.  Such problems are made worse by high sugar diets.

The researchers did not understand why imbalanced flora would lead to weight gain.  One theory was that hostile bacteria would cause low-grade inflammation that may disrupt metabolism.  It is clear from my research on Candida albicans that this yeast actually sends out signals to the human endocrine system that disturbs metabolism and promotes weight gain.

The bottom line is that a healthy GI tract is important for proper metabolism, in young or old.  Any digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, food intolerance, etc. must be addressed by those who are struggling with body weight.  They should be addressed in children to reduce the likelihood they will end up overweight.  Helping to restore friendly acidophilus is one thing that may help balance your GI tract.