You may find it hard to believe, but the number of microbes (beneficial bacteria) in our intestinal tract greatly outnumbers the cells in our body. These beneficial bacteria are responsible for or related to many things. Some of the things that these bacteria help with are insulin control, energy harvesting, regulating of fat storage, inflammation, and satiety. It goes without saying, then, that having an imbalance of these bacteria could potentially have an effect on our weight.
So, you may be wondering, what can potentially change the levels of bacteria in our gut? Well, one of the things that is well known for causing changes in the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut is antibiotics. Antibiotics, although necessary at times, kill the some of the good bacteria in our guts in addition to the harmful bacteria that they are intended to take care of. That’s why it is important to take a good quality probiotic supplement, especially when it is necessary to take an antibiotic.
The effect that antibiotics have on gut bacteria is something that has been studied extensively in the medical community. That is not new news. Here’s something that is, though. Suzanne Snedeker and Anthony Hay, from Cornell, recently published an online paper that discussed the possibility that environmental chemicals/pollutants might have a detrimental effect on gut bacteria.
According to their research, mice that were exposed to a chemical called tributyltin (found in some marine paints, wallpaper, textiles, and floor coverings) gained more weight and had higher levels of insulin in the blood. Other research has found that the insecticide DDT, dioxin, and PCBs (found in plastics) have been associated with increasing risk for type II diabetes.
Find out what’s new at Georgia Bariatrics, and visit our website at www.Georgiabariatrics.com today. If you haven’t been into see Dr. McBarron for over a month, please make an appointment this week – she will be waiting for you.
Georgia Bariatrics Columbus
2904 Macon Rd
Columbus, Georgia 31906
706-322-4073
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Closed from 2pm - 3pm
|
Georgia Bariatrics Airport Thruway
2483 Airport Thruway
Columbus, Georgia 31904
706-323-4838
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10am - 7pm
Closed from 2pm - 3pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
|
Georgia Bariatrics Auburn
3051 Frederick Rd. Suite 10
Auburn, AL 36801
334-749-8190
Office Hours:
Mon. - Fri. : 9am - 6pm/CT
Closed from 2pm - 3pm/CT
Saturday: 10am - 5pm/CT
Doctor days are every Wednesday |
Sincerely,
The dedicated staff at Georgia Bariatrics
