Intermittent fasting and regular protein intake are very beneficial for the intestinal flora, improve intestinal health and metabolism and at the same time support weight loss.
A new study involving experts from Arizona State University (ASU) examined the relationships between intermittent fasting, so-called protein pacing, intestinal flora, metabolism and weight loss. The results can be read in the English-language journal “Nature Communications”.
Influence of low-calorie diet investigated
A total of 41 people (27 women and 14 men) who were overweight or obese took part in the study. The team compared how two different low-calorie diets affected the participants.
These included a heart-healthy, continuously reduced-calorie diet and a reduced-calorie diet with intermittent fasting and regular protein intake (protein pacing), the researchers explain.
Better gut health and more weight loss
Participants who adhered to intermittent fasting and a protein intake evenly distributed throughout the day were found to have significantly better gut health, greater weight loss and better metabolic responses than participants who followed simple calorie restriction, the team reports.
Participants with intermittent fasting and protein pacing also experienced fewer symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and the diversity of their intestinal flora increased significantly compared to participants who adhered to simple calorie restriction.
Intermittent fasting with protein pacing led to an increase in beneficial microbes in the gut while simultaneously increasing the levels of special proteins (so-called cytokines) and an increase in amino acid byproducts that promote fat burning and support weight loss, the researchers explain.
Intestinal flora influences metabolism
According to the experts, these new findings could improve the understanding of the relationship between intestinal flora and metabolism as well as strategies for treating obesity.
“A healthy gut microbiome is critical for overall health, especially in the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases,” emphasizes study author Karen Sweazea in a recent press release.
The intestinal flora helps in the breakdown of food, the production of vitamins and the absorption of nutrients and it also influences metabolism, fat storage, insulin sensitivity and body weight.
“Gut bacteria influence how we store fat, balance blood sugar levels, and respond to hormones that make us hungry or full. Disturbances in the gut microbiota can lead to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight gain, highlighting the critical role of gut health in preventing and treating metabolic disorders,” Sweazea summarizes. (as)