The Impact of Digestive Health on Weight Loss Success

Being overweight can take quite a toll on your mental well-being and affect your overall health as well. Several factors can contribute, including your gut health. That's why Dr. Kevin Marks provides a thorough assessment to get to the root at Premier Gastroenterology, serving Katy, TX, and the surrounding area. This, however, is what you should know about your gut health and weight loss success.

Microbial Balance

You have healthy bacteria throughout your body that keep the bad at bay. One place you have this healthy flora is your digestive tract, specifically in your intestines. Besides warding off harmful microbes, healthy bacteria in the gut help your body break down fibers and complex carbohydrates that your body can't break down on its own.

When you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, you could develop insulin resistance and inflammation, leading to weight gain and making it difficult for you to lose.

Stress and Anxiety and Gut Health

You may look at how anxiety and gut health play a role in other aspects of your life, such as your mood and sleep. However, stress and anxiety can also affect your gut health by causing an increase in cortisol hormones. When your body is constantly under attack from these, you may develop insulin resistance or inflammation that makes it hard for you to lose weight and may contribute to you putting on pounds.

Not to mention, when your body is under stress frequently, it can change the flora composition in your digestive tract, which can ultimately cause weight gain and inflammation.

We'd also like to note that anxiety can change your eating habits. You may overeat to combat your stress. You may also choose comfort foods and other unhealthy foods to calm yourself down. These foods often consist of high amounts of sugar and fat.

You could also find yourself not eating on a schedule and skipping meals when you don't feel like eating. Later, you may compensate by overeating, contributing to weight gain.

Nutrient Absorption 

If your digestive health isn't up to par, you may experience poor digestion. Unfortunately, when you're not receiving all the nutrition your body needs, you may be unable to burn calories effectively. A prime example: B complex vitamins are necessary for metabolism. Without enough of them, your metabolism could make weight loss in Katy, TX, more difficult. 

Premier Gastroenterology, serving Katy, TX, and the general vicinity, has Dr. Marks, who'll consider various aspects of your life and health, including your digestive function. Therefore, we may prescribe probiotics to help you manage stress more effectively.

Call (281) 392-0425 today.