Gut bugs could be making you fat!
I hate to break the news to you, but there are millions and millions of tiny organisms living in your stomach. And according to research we found at Better Humans .com, those 'gut bugs' could be to blame for any extra pounds you're carrying around. Here's the deal:
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that certain micro-organisms that live in our stomachs actually help the fat cells in the body get fatter.
According to the study's chief researcher, Jeffrey Gordon, there are 9 times as many micro-organisms living in or on us, as there are cells in our bodies. It may be creepy - but it's a fact. And over time, some strange relationships have developed between 'gut bugs' and people. Some microbes help break down foods we can't digest, but others pack on the pounds by keeping the body from telling our cells, "Stop storing fat."
The researchers found the microbes by studying special germ-free mice. Those mice ate a third more than normal mice but had half the body fat. When they were exposed to the bad microbes, their body fat increased by more than 60 percent!
Researchers hope that studying the bugs will help them figure out what mix of micro-organisms will turn our bodies into lean machines.
So how long until your doctor helps you drop pounds by playing stomach exterminator? Researchers aren't sure, but we'll keep an eye on the story and keep you posted.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that certain micro-organisms that live in our stomachs actually help the fat cells in the body get fatter.
According to the study's chief researcher, Jeffrey Gordon, there are 9 times as many micro-organisms living in or on us, as there are cells in our bodies. It may be creepy - but it's a fact. And over time, some strange relationships have developed between 'gut bugs' and people. Some microbes help break down foods we can't digest, but others pack on the pounds by keeping the body from telling our cells, "Stop storing fat."
The researchers found the microbes by studying special germ-free mice. Those mice ate a third more than normal mice but had half the body fat. When they were exposed to the bad microbes, their body fat increased by more than 60 percent!
Researchers hope that studying the bugs will help them figure out what mix of micro-organisms will turn our bodies into lean machines.
So how long until your doctor helps you drop pounds by playing stomach exterminator? Researchers aren't sure, but we'll keep an eye on the story and keep you posted.
