Gut Health and Hormones: How Probiotics and BHRT Can Aid in Weight Loss

When diagnosing a patient’s overall health and prescribing weight loss therapies, Dr. Fliedner is among the leading doctors focusing on the complex and delicate relationship between gut health and hormonal balance. “Your gut isn’t just about digestion,” explains Dr. Fliedner, “It’s the foundation of your overall health, driving weight management and hormonal balance in ways we’re just beginning to fully understand.”

Recent research highlights the crucial role a thriving gut microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive system—plays in supporting overall health. Your gut doesn’t just process food; it serves as a communication hub between your brain and body, influencing everything from emotional responses to physical well-being. Let’s dive into this fascinating relationship and discover how probiotics, along with hormone therapy, might be the missing link to better health and vitality.

The Gut-Brain Axis

Your gut and hormones are closely linked through the gut-brain axis (GBA) and the endocrine system. 

Your brain and gut constantly communicate, forming a powerful partnership that influences your physical and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever had a “gut feeling,” you’ve experienced this connection firsthand. It’s the reason why anticipating something exciting might give you “butterflies in your stomach,” while dreading an event can feel downright “gut-wrenching.”

This two-way communication extends beyond emotions—it also impacts decision-making, as reflected in the phrase “going with your gut.” Through the nervous system, your brain sends signals to every part of your body, but it shares a particularly close relationship with your gut. More nerve cells exist in your gut than anywhere else in your body outside of the brain, making the gut a significant hub of neurological activity.

The microorganisms in your gut influence hormone production, regulate metabolism and affect stress levels. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and other health challenges.

Gut health impacts three key hormones:

  • Cortisol: Chronic stress and poor gut health can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can result in weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings. High cortisol levels also contribute to increased abdominal fat storage, creating a feedback loop of stress and weight gain.
  • Insulin: Gut bacteria influence blood sugar regulation, directly impacting insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. An imbalanced microbiome can exacerbate insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
  • Estrogen: The estrobolome, a specific collection of gut bacteria, plays a key role in metabolizing estrogen and maintaining its balance. When the estrobolome is out of balance, it can cause hormonal imbalances, potentially leading to conditions like estrogen dominance, which has been linked to weight gain, PMS, poor libido, and even some cancers. 

Dr. Fliedner explains, “Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) along with prescription probiotics can be a transformative solution for individuals dealing with hormonal imbalances due to poor gut health.”

How Probiotics Help

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut environment. By restoring balance to your gut microbiome, probiotics can:

  1. Enhance Digestion: Probiotics help break down food more effectively, improving nutrient absorption and reducing bloating. This improved digestion ensures your body gets the building blocks it needs for hormone production.
  2. Boost Metabolism: A balanced gut supports efficient metabolism, aiding in weight loss and energy production. Certain strains of probiotics, like Lactobacillus gasseri, have been linked to reduced abdominal fat.
  3. Regulate Hormones: Probiotics influence the production and regulation of hormones like serotonin, insulin, and estrogen, contributing to better mood, energy levels, and hormonal harmony.
  4. Reduce Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often rooted in gut dysbiosis, can disrupt hormone signaling pathways. Probiotics help reduce inflammation, creating a healthier environment for hormone regulation. Read more about chronic inflammation, the “silent killer,” in our article,  Dr. Fliedner’s Guide for Reducing Chronic Inflammation

Foods and Supplements for Gut and Hormone Health

Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can be as simple as choosing the right foods or supplements. Here are some options to consider:

Probiotic-Rich Foods:

  • Yogurt: Look for varieties with live and active cultures. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice due to its high protein content.
  • Kefir: A fermented milk drink rich in probiotics and easy to incorporate into smoothies or enjoy on its own.
  • Kimchi and Sauerkraut: Fermented vegetables that support gut health while adding a flavorful punch to meals.
  • Miso and Tempeh: Fermented soybean products that are gut-friendly and nutrient-dense.
  • Pickles: Choose naturally fermented options without vinegar to maximize probiotic content.

Probiotic Supplements:

High-quality supplements can bridge the gap if you find it challenging to get enough probiotics through food. When selecting a supplement, consider:

  • Strain Diversity: Look for products with multiple strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These strains target different aspects of gut health.
  • CFU Count: Aim for supplements with at least 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per dose to ensure efficacy.
  • Probiotics: Many supplements include prebiotics, which are fibers that feed probiotics and enhance their effectiveness. Foods like garlic, onions, and bananas are natural sources of prebiotics.
  • Dr. Fliedner’s Supplement Guide: Dr. Fliedner has taken the time and care to create “The Daily Dose,” his daily recommendation of supplements and probiotics. Here you will find his recommendation for Ultrabiotic Probiotic Pro, a daily scoop of powder for a healthy microbiome. Available through NutriDyne.

Foods for Hormone Support

  • Leafy Greens: Rich in fiber and antioxidants that promote hormone detoxification.
  • Fatty Fish: High in omega-3s, which reduce inflammation and support hormone production.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Flaxseeds and walnuts are excellent sources of healthy fats and phytoestrogens.
  • Avocado: A nutrient-dense food that supports hormonal balance and gut health.
  • Whole Grains: Rich in B vitamins, which are essential for hormone synthesis and energy metabolism.

Lifestyle Tips to Optimize Gut and Hormone Health

Improving gut health and achieving hormonal balance isn’t just about what you eat. Your lifestyle choices also play a critical role:

  1. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt your gut microbiome and elevate cortisol levels. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress and support gut health.
  2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity promotes a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. Exercise also helps regulate insulin and cortisol levels.
  3. Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep quality can harm your gut microbiome and disrupt hormone production. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption, aiding overall gut health.
  5. Limit Antibiotics: While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can disrupt your gut microbiome. Consider taking probiotics during and after antibiotic treatment to restore balance.

Dr. Fliedner states, “Small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can yield significant improvements in gut and hormone health. The key is to listen to your gut and prioritize balance.”

Articles on the Impact of Gut Health

We recommend these articles to learn more about the importance of probiotics in improving the microbiota and overall health.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Improving gut health and achieving hormonal balance isn’t an overnight process, but small, consistent changes can lead to significant results. Begin by incorporating more probiotic-rich foods into your diet, considering supplements tailored to your needs, and prioritizing a balanced, nutrient-dense eating plan.

At North Texas Vitality, we understand the intricate relationship between gut health, hormones, and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances, our team can help you find a personalized solution, including hormone therapy and gut health strategies.

Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to better health.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen.