It is scientifically proven that being overweight is associated with chronic inflammation. There are various theories as to the origin of these inflammatory processes, but diet seems to play the main role.
Processed foods – the cornerstone of obesity and inflammation
The average Western diet is characterized by industrially processed foods that contain large amounts of isolated carbohydrates (refined sugar, flour, starch).
Anyone who regularly consumes these unnatural, nutrient-poor products is often not only overweight but also runs the risk of developing insulin resistance as a precursor to type 2 diabetes, which in turn makes it difficult to lose weight.
Insulin resistance is the result of a metabolic disorder in the glucose balance. This leads to a reduced ability of body cells to react to the hormone insulin, as a result of which the blood sugar level rises. This hormonal malfunction is diagnosed using a blood test.
However, a look in the mirror can give you a first visible clue. Because the larger the waist circumference, the higher the probability of existing insulin resistance.
The fat deposits in the abdominal area in turn release inflammatory substances that promote insulin resistance, which can be exacerbated in combination with a hereditary predisposition, lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
The first step towards achieving your desired weight and avoiding inflammatory processes in the body, which can lead to further chronic inflammatory diseases, must therefore be to avoid isolated carbohydrates, especially industrial sugar.
Industrial sugar = inflammation and obesity due to antinutrients
Refined sugar is ubiquitous these days. We already develop a preference for the sweet taste of breast milk, which presumably puts us in a comfortable state over the course of our lives and makes us reach for sweets, especially in emotional situations.
In contrast to natural sugar, processed sugar is an antinutrient that does not bring any nutritional benefit to our body but rather weakens it as a vital substance robber and inflammatory trigger. According to clinical studies, just one teaspoon of sugar a day is enough to develop chronic inflammation.
In the vicious circle of sugar consumption and insulin resistance, the excessive release of hormones also promotes the storage of fat.
As a result of obesity and insulin resistance, high blood pressure and other health issues can occur in the course, in addition to cell-damaging inflammation. In the following, we will see what role industrial sugar plays in the connection between intestinal flora and weight problems.
Lose weight – Healthy intestinal flora is crucial
Various theories are circulating in science as to whether intestinal flora regulates body weight.
It is considered certain that both inflammatory processes and insulin sensitivity as well as energy consumption and energy storage in the body are influenced by the intestinal flora. Research results have also shown that the composition of the intestinal flora differs between overweight and normal weight or lean people.
In overweight test subjects, a disturbed intestinal flora with a larger number of bacteria containing LPS (lipopolysaccharides) was mostly confirmed, which Ian Spreadbury from the Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit attributes to typical “Western” foods with a very high carbohydrate content (e.g. sweets, white flour products).
LPS are so-called endotoxins that are associated with diet-related inflammation, obesity and leaky gut syndrome.
In addition, obese people usually have lower levels of the beneficial bacterial strains Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus in their gut.
Animal studies in this regard have shown that lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) as well as bifidobacteria in the form of probiotic supplements contribute to healthy body weight and possibly support weight loss.
Dysbiosis – Obesity begins in the womb
An intact intestinal flora is particularly important during pregnancy because obesity probably begins in the womb. Scientists at Harvard University assume that the tendency to be overweight is hereditary since certain bacteria are transmitted from mother to baby during birth and breastfeeding.
Babies born by caesarean section are at greater risk of becoming overweight later because they are not exposed to the beneficial bacteria in the vaginal wall. However, the composition of bacteria in the child’s intestines, especially in the first years of life, is decisive for potential obesity in later years.
Although research has shown that diet has a clear effect on intestinal flora, the reverse can also be drawn. Because a disturbed intestinal flora can in turn promote poor nutrition and thus obesity.
In the case of a Candida fungal infection, it is particularly the excessive craving for sugar, since the yeast fungi exist mainly on the basis of simple carbohydrates.
A consistent, healthy diet that avoids industrial sugar and flour not only prevents a disturbed bacterial flora. Restoring a healthy intestinal flora is also an inevitable step for successful weight loss.
Low Carb – Losing weight with a low-carbohydrate diet
Although fad diets should be treated with caution when it comes to low-carb diets in the sense of low-carbohydrate nutrition, there is a certain consensus when it comes to weight loss.
When talking about carbohydrates to be avoided in this diet, what is meant are mainly industrially processed foods such as refined sugar and very starchy products such as bread, pasta, pastries and cakes made from flour.
The renunciation of these so-called “empty” carbohydrates keeps the insulin level in balance, which in turn counteracts cravings and thus potential obesity.
Since the organism is not burdened with anti-nutrients in this way, the susceptibility to inflammation, which in turn promotes obesity, is reduced.
A low-carbohydrate diet based on this principle not only banishes harmful foods from the digestive tract, but it also frees up space for antioxidant anti-inflammatory drugs and caloric lightweights such as fruit and vegetables.
If you supplement the low-carbohydrate diet with healthy proteins and fats, preferably in the form of nuts, seeds and omega-3- containing vegetable oils, you can also integrate small amounts of carbohydrates in a full version. Inflammation is eliminated with this form of nutrition and nothing stands in the way of a slim line.
But often one does not manage to eliminate the beloved carbohydrates from the menu with nothing. Yes, it’s almost worse when you’re only allowed to eat 50 grams of pasta and 70 grams of a slice of bread. It’s better not to eat anything at all. Because of such massive restrictions, some people miss the enjoyment and happiness of eating.
However, did you know that you can feast on pasta, rice and lasagne to your heart’s content even with low carb or even zero carbs? Not just any pasta, of course, but konjac pasta.
Konjak Noodle – The low-carb noodle
Konjac pasta is made from the konjac root and is available in many variations: konjac noodles, konjac lasagne, konjac fettuccine, konjac glass noodles and of course konjac spaghetti.
And if contrary to expectations, you do not feel like pasta, then there is fine konjac rice for pasta-free days.
All konjac products are not only carbohydrate-free but also calorie-free. Zero carbs, zero fat, and zero calories.
At the same time, konjac noodles are so filling that the thoughts constantly revolving around food suddenly disappear. You will feel full and well for hours – after just 100 grams of konjac noodles.
By the way, konjac noodles are prepared in just one minute!
You can read details about the konjac noodle here: The basic konjac noodle – without carbohydrates and without calories
And if you want to increase the satiating, appetite-suppressing and fat-reducing effect of the konjac root, then take konjac powder twice a day.
Recipe ideas with konjac noodles
In our recipe section, we present you with delicious recipes with konjac noodles and wish you every success in cooking them.
Konjac powder – your low-carb companion when losing weight
Konjac powder is available in capsule and powder form. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) also confirmed that taking konjac powder twice a day promotes weight loss.
According to a Norwegian study, you lose almost a kilogram more per week with the help of konjac powder than with a diet without konjac accompaniment.
Of course, the konjac powder does not work without side effects. However, these are not undesirable effects, as one is usually used to from side effects, but extremely positive side effects.
The konjac powder not only helps with weight loss. Its special fibre – the glucomannan – also lowers your cholesterol level, your blood fat level and your blood sugar level. The latter by preventing insulin resistance. The konjac powder also regulates digestion and ensures a healthy intestinal flora – which brings us to the next point:
Get the intestinal flora of the slim!
As an accompanying measure during weight loss, the targeted reconstruction of a healthy intestinal flora with beneficial bacteria from probiotics or fermented foods is advisable. Because the composition of your intestinal flora determines your weight.
For example, we know that some intestinal bacteria can still convert indigestible fiber into fat. Fat, which of course will immediately make its way to increase your love handles. But that’s not all. These fattening intestinal bacteria also cause the intestinal mucosa cells to suddenly produce many more sugar and fat transporters than usual. That means even more sugar and even more fat can enter the body from the gut if you’re harbouring those unwanted gut bacteria.
With the development of a good intestinal flora, however, you ensure that real slimming intestinal bacteria settle in your digestive system, which do not have all of the bad properties of the fattening intestinal bacteria.
On the contrary. The new intestinal bacteria have an anti-inflammatory effect and thus ensure faster weight loss on several levels.
Over time, the slimming gut bacteria then displace the fattening foods from your digestive tract and take their place. Soon you will have the intestinal flora of a slim person and losing weight will be much easier!