Although the topic and research are still in their infancy, a study published in the Gastroenterology journal suggests that the composition of our gut microbiome could predict how our gut impacts weight loss.

"The constant communication between our nervous and digestive systems is central to regulating our metabolism and appetite. Gut hormones play a critical role in this exchange of information, passing on signals of nutritional status from our gut to the brain, so the brain can interpret the body’s energy needs and respond to them accordingly."

There is also growing evidence that overweight individuals have less diverse and contain less beneficial bacterial strains compared with lean individuals. More studies are displaying evidence that losing weight tends to increase the diversity of microbiota and favors the growth of more beneficial strains.

What about exercise? That too may change the composition of your microbiota. According to a review published in the Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases journal, "exercise can promote the growth of the beneficial strains, while decreasing the obesity-related Proteobacteria."

So, starting with your gut on a weight loss journey may be the key to losing and keeping off those unwanted pounds. If you are looking to improve your gut health consider foods rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, and avocado. Also seek out natural sources of wild fermented foods rich in probiotics including yogurt, kefir, tempeh, miso soup, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. And don't forget to feed those good gut buddies with the appropriate prebiotic foods including garlic, onions, chicory root, chickpeas, artichokes, beans, leeks, green bananas, oats, and almonds.

GutBiome6 Gut Support can also help foster a microbiome environment of beneficial bacteria.