Have you seen ads for Akkermansia probiotics or heard of a new weight loss probiotic? We want to explain some of the Akkermansia benefits (including the potential for weight loss) and why it could be a good addition to a personalized weight loss plan.
What is Akkermansia?
Akkermansia muciniphila, also referred to as A. muciniphila, is a bacteria found in most healthy people and is unique because it lives in the gut lining of both the large and small intestines. Since it lives in the mucus layer, Akkermansia is vital for protecting the intestinal barrier from toxins getting into the bloodstream, which could eventually lead to leaky gut and other gut-related diseases.
Benefits of Akkermensia
Akkermansia is a powerful bacteria strain with many benefits for gut health, immune health, metabolism, and even weight management. How much Akkermensia you have in the gut lining seems to be associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, and more.
- Improves the gut barrier and protects against inflammation
- Supports short-chain fatty acids production for digestion
- Regulates insulin sensitivity and metabolic function
- Affects appetite hormones and the accumulation of fat tissue
Akkermansia and Weight Loss
As one of the most interesting Akkermansia benefits, weight loss may be possible with the help of this probiotic; however, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and more research is needed about the specifics.
Here’s what we know so far: there is a potential connection between the Akkermansia probiotic and improved insulin resistance, blood sugar regulation, and appetite. So, in addition to strengthening the gut barrier, this means that Akkermensia could have positive effects on glucose metabolism and appetite suppression, a couple of key components of treating obesity.
Our Functional Medicine Approach to Weight Loss
Knowing how to lose weight and keep it off isn’t a quick fix but rather a lifestyle of consistent, daily habits. At Elite Personalized Medicine, we tailor weight loss programs in Atlanta to each individual, based on an approach that looks at the whole body. So what does functional medicine for weight loss look like?
- Diet: Paleo, Mediterranean, low-carb, high-protein, intermittent fasting…we’ve heard it all, and what works for one person might not be the best option for you. We find the healthy eating habits for weight loss that fit your needs and lifestyle for sustainable results.
- Exercise: You don’t need a complicated workout routine in order to shed those extra pounds. Whether you require low-impact exercise or want to improve your stamina, we can help you explore exercises that you enjoy. The best place to start? Get in your 10k steps; walking is very beneficial!
- Stress: Chronic levels of stress can impact hormone function, gut inflammation, and metabolic function, so it’s important to keep your stress under control as much as possible.
- Supplements: An Aakkermansia supplement and other weight loss probiotics and supplements aren’t a cure-all for obesity, but rather a helping hand. We only recommend high-quality brands with a reputation for providing the best product.
Want to talk more about potential Akkermansia benefits and a personalized weight loss program for you? Contact our Atlanta weight loss specialists today!
