Do bad bugs cause obesity

Gentle Reader, How are you doing with your resolve to become a healthier you in 2011?

First of all, it is not as easy to keep up the tiny steps one must do consistently every day over a long period of time to get the results we all want out of life. The right choices every time we put something in our mouth. The consistent effort to take a 30 minute walk every single day.

Here's an ordinary person, Aileen, putting it out there for everyone to see on a you tube video made in her living room. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDyIvVFgBwY

We'll cheer her on and get inspiration.

Second, I want to share this interesting article that came across my desk a few days ago about the challenge bad bugs--unhealthy bacteria--in our intestinal track may cause as we are trying so hard to stick to our healthy eating. Read on from Dr. Chaney:

"I came across a very interesting and thought provoking article the other day in a very prestigious scientific journal (Vijay-Kumar et al, Science, 328: 228-231, 2010).

"But first, a bit of background information:

"It has been known for some time that the types of bacteria found in the intestines of obese people are different than those found in the intestines of lean individuals.

"But no one really knew the significance, if any, of that observation.

"The current study compared a strain of mice that are genetically predisposed to obesity with wild type (genetically lean) mice.

"They first looked at the intestinal bacteria. It turned out that the obese mice and lean mice had the same differences in intestinal bacteria that humans have.

"And just like obese humans the obese mice displayed insulin resistance, and elevated levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar (They were pre-diabetic).

"Since the obese mice also ate more than the lean mice many of the observed differences could have been due to the excess calories and resulting weight gain.

"To test that hypothesis, the scientists limited the amount of food that the genetically obese mice (the mice that were genetically predisposed to obesity) ate so that it was identical to what the genetically lean mice ate.

"Even though the genetically obese mice were no longer overweight they still displayed increased insulin resistance compared to the genetically lean mice.

"Based on this and other experiments the scientists eventually concluded that it was the insulin resistance that was causing the mice to overeat and, therefore, become obese.

"The scientists then decided to test the hypothesis that the particular bacterial strains found in the intestines of genetically obese mice might be causing the insulin resistance.

"In the first experiment they killed off the intestinal bacteria in the genetically obese mice by putting high dose antibiotics in their food.

"Depleting the intestinal bacteria created some health problems for the mice, but it completely prevented the insulin resistance, overeating and obesity normally observed with this strain of mice.

"In the second experiment they sterilized the intestines of the genetically lean mice and then colonized their intestines with intestinal bacteria from the genetically obese mice.

"When they did this, the genetically lean mice developed many of the characteristics of the genetically obese mice including insulin resistance, overeating, obesity and hyperglycemia.

"In short, the genetically lean mice became overweight and developed diabetes.

"Based on these experiments and other studies the scientists hypothesized that the wrong kinds of intestinal bacteria can make a significant contribution to insulin resistance, which in turn can lead to overeating and obesity.

"In short, they concluded that bad bugs may make you fat.

"Does this mean that you should rush out and buy some probiotics (friendly bacteria) as part of your weight loss strategy?

"The simple answer is no. That would be premature. These studies were performed in mice and genetics obviously played a role in the results.

"In short, we are a long way from knowing to what extent intestinal bacteria might contribute to obesity in humans.

"However, there are many very good reasons to make sure that you supply friendly bacteria to your intestinal track on a regular basis.

"For example, we know that bad bacteria in your intestine can compromise your immune system, convert foods that you eat to cancer causing chemicals, and cause chronic inflammation - which contributes to a number of major diseases.

"We can't yet say whether good bugs will help keep you slim, but we do know that they can help keep you healthy."

Dr. Stephen G Chaney

My own experience with bad bacteria was extreme. I had to stop eating all fruit, all dairy, all refined carbohydrates and take a twice daily dose of asidophilus/bifidus, plus garlic to get rid of the pesky yeast (unfriendly bugs) in my system. It wasn't easy, but I am not plagued by pre-diabetic conditions any more. They would easily come back and I do have those symptoms around the holidays when I allow an excess of sugary treats and wine.

Consider combating bad bugs even thought the research isn't complete. You'll be glad you did.
For help, use Shaklee's Vitalizer which has Optiflora along with a multi, carotinoids/E/Omega and B/C. Add Garlic and a Soy shake to your daily routine and eat plenty of vegetables, small servings of organic meat, fish and chicken and you'll be surprised at how you can alter your intestinal flora for the better. Cinch is a delicious way to get at least one healthy meal a day. Watch the inches disappear and your tendency to sickness along with them.

In good health,
Betsy
Betsy Bell's Health4U
206 933 1889
http:HiHohealth.com