How to Start Losing the Fat

The first step in getting rid of unwanted fat is to stop the bad bugs from growing in the gut and encourage the growth of the good ones.  The ideal ratio is 80/20, good to bad.  Listed below are some generalized instructions.  I'll add specifics, later.

 How do you ensure the good microbes are growing in your gut?

A. Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber is fertilizer to the gut. There are certain foods that are better sources of fiber than others. Some sources will cause weight gain!

B. Eat more resistant starch. It’s starch you cannot digest, thus it has zero calories, but is food for good microbes.

C. Eat food that will increase the population of your native bacteria OR take a full-spectrum probiotic that contains other phytochemicals that offer specific protection to the growth of the microbes. Otherwise, you’re just throwing your money away as research shows only about 4% of the live bacteria survive in capsules before making it to your gut.

3. Avoid the Toxins that kill the Good Gut Flora.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of toxins that kill our good microbes. Here is a list of the worst offenders:

Pesticides

Antibiotics

Chlorine

Fluoride

Antacids

Artificial Sweeteners

As you can see, it is almost impossible to avoid the above, altogether. But here are a few ideas that will help you minimize your exposure.

A. Buy food from your local farmer’s market or farm stand to decrease the exposure to pesticides, herbicides (especially if you can buy from an organic farmer) and antibiotics. Remember, conventionally raised beef, pork and some poultry are all injected with antibiotics. If you’re not sure where to find one, go to www.localharvest.org to find a farm near you.

B. If you need to take an antibiotic, you must repopulate your intestinal flora with a full-spectrum probiotic, remembering that they are not all of equal value.

C. If you experience heartburn, antacids may help, temporarily, but as result of decreased stomach acid, yeast and bad bacteria are able to populate your gut.

D. Minimize your exposure to fluoride and chlorine by filtering your water. I don’t recommend bottled water because you cannot be certain what’s in that water.

E. Avoid eating and drinking any liquids or foods containing ANY artificial sweeteners. If you check the labels of packaged foods, you might be shocked at how much of these sweeteners are used...including in breads, crackers, canned tomatoes and nut butters, let alone breakfast cereals, soda and any “diet” foods. DON’T eat these, period.

Dr. Esther