4 min
Probiotics and a Flat Stomach: Truth or Myth?
Summary
Probiotics are one of the new dietary supplements that everyone is talking about. Knowing their roles and the different strains would allow you to choose a supplement to get a flat stomach.
But beware of false rumors! We explain everything in this article.
So, let’s get to the point, probiotics and a flat stomach, do they go well together?
Probiotics: What are they and how do they work?
The proper functioning of the intestinal transit is ensured by a colony of small bacteria called the intestinal flora or microbiota. These microorganisms number in the thousands. They manage the digestion of food and the absorption of essential micronutrients to keep us in shape.
These little creatures are associated with a mixture of yeasts and fungi that also play an important role in the balance of the intestinal flora.
This entire ecosystem protects the body, strengthens immunity, regulates weight, manages the absorption of vitamins, and even helps improve emotional well-being.
⛏️ “Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work we go...” Imagine a group of hyperactive little workers inside your digestive system, transforming what you eat and drink into energy. This energy is then used to ensure the proper functioning of the body, commonly called metabolism.
Operating in a hostile environment that requires stability and proper pH levels, the microbiota can be disrupted, and some workers (bacteria) may disappear. They can be destroyed by a diet too high in fat, sugar, frequent antibiotic use, and other external factors.
📕 Also read: The Good Carbs for Weight Loss: How to Incorporate Them into Your Diet
This loss of biodiversity within the microbiota can lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora and disrupt probiotic production. These disturbances affect the quality of life: weight gain, digestive discomfort, bloated stomach, fatigue, weakened immunity, etc.
As you might guess, the flora does not regenerate on its own; it needs a helping hand. Dietary supplements based on probiotics can be relevant to help maintain and restore the balance of the flora.
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Can probiotics really help achieve a flat stomach?
We break it all down for you!
Probiotics (our bacteria) are identified as living microorganisms that grow in the intestine in thousands of different strains. They are classified into four major families of probiotics: Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Streptococci, and Lactococci. They form a colony of 160 species in total for a healthy microbiota (according to Inserm).
But then, how can probiotics help reduce abdominal fat? Here are some clues:
Do you feel heavy after meals? Does your stomach swell and do you feel bloated? A healthy and balanced intestinal flora plays an important role in reducing flatulence and digestive discomfort, also helping to avoid a bloated stomach.
A well-functioning intestine can more effectively absorb the nutrients in food. Thus, intestinal well-being can contribute to easier weight management and fat storage.
📕 Also read: Diet and Bloating: Our Tips for a Smooth Digestion
Fact or Fiction: Debunking common myths about probiotics
Myth 1: “Probiotics quickly melt away abdominal fat.”
🪄 No! Probiotics are not a magic wand for quickly making belly fat disappear. Results appear over the long term with a holistic approach.
Myth 2: “All probiotics are effective for achieving a flat stomach.”
Not all probiotics are equal. Certain strains, like Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have been studied for their potential effects on weight management. Therefore, it's necessary to choose your probiotics carefully to achieve a flat stomach.
Myth 3: “Probiotics alone are enough to achieve a flat stomach.”
A balanced diet rich in fiber and prebiotics, regular physical activity, and good stress management are essential. Probiotics support this process, but they don't do all the work!
How to integrate probiotics into your diet to really achieve a flat stomach?
🌍 Protecting the planet's biodiversity is hard work! But taking care of your flora and restoring biodiversity in your gut is easier!
Taking probiotics helps maintain the balance (and thus biodiversity) of the gut microbiota. Here are our tips for integrating probiotics into your diet and perhaps... helping you achieve a flat stomach.
Consuming fermented foods regularly
Introduce good elements from a varied diet and focus on fermented foods:
Yogurt, rich in live cultures;
Kefir, either milk or water-based;
Kombucha drinks;
Fermented soy products (tofu, tempeh, miso);
And all forms of lacto-fermentation such as sauerkraut. 🫙😋
Choosing probiotic supplements for a flat stomach
For some people, consuming fermented foods isn’t enough. A course of probiotic supplements taken daily can help restore balance in the gut.
We recommend a daily intake for at least two months. Probiotics are best absorbed when taken in the morning on an empty stomach, before breakfast.
Make sure to choose supplements that contain multiple strains of probiotics to maximize the benefits. Focus on probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Adopting new lifestyle habits
Favor a balanced diet rich in fiber. Fiber nourishes probiotics. They can be found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, and dried fruits.
Do a prebiotic course to eliminate bad bacteria lodged in the intestinal flora. Prioritize foods like garlic, onions, bananas, apples, asparagus, and leeks.
Exercise helps maintain intestinal well-being, reduce belly fat, and achieve a flat stomach.
📕 Also read: Can You Take Multiple Supplements at the Same Time? Synergies and Risks to Know
Conclusion
Your intestinal flora is just waiting to feast on a balanced and varied diet, with fiber and probiotics.
Indeed, taking probiotics helps rebalance the microbiota, but they won’t be part of the “miracle solutions” to hope for a flat stomach. There’s no secret, a healthy diet and physical activity can help you reach your goals!
Camille VALLOIS
Specialized Writer - Wellness & Nutrition
After many years working as a caregiver, Camille transitioned into content writing. Specializing in the field of wellness and driven by a desire to share knowledge, she provides advice on diet and nutrition to help improve everyone’s well-being.