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Infectobesity

By Dr. David Peterson  

 

 

 Do you have the fat bug? Are you curious?

    Obesity is a major health problem because of its serious health consequences, including Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea, acid reflux, cancers, and a number of psychosocial concerns. Gut bacteria is often never even considered as one of the contributing or causative factors. Gut bacteria of overweight and slim subjects is very different in that the bacteria inhabiting obese people is unfortunately more efficient at extracting energy from food and depositing it as fat.

We are riddled with bacteria. From the moment we are born, bacteria start to grow and spread within us, competing for the prime real estate of the human body. Some of these bacteria are good for us (we evolved with it) and maintaining the relationship is essential for our survival. Some bacteria in the stomach help us to digest our food. However, there are bad bacteria, too. Disruption of bacterial balance in our digestive system can cause digestive problems such as IBS, Chron’s disease, and weight problems. The good and bad bacteria are in a constant battle with each other to control our bodies. This is known as mutual exclusion – survival of the fittest.

The most significant factor I have found is that stomach acid, enzymes and body chemistry regulate bacteria. A change in any of these components will result in non-optimal bacteria taking advantage of the situation. Disease causing bacteria can then begin changing your body to suit their desired environment, resulting in poor health.

     There are species of bacteria which will force your body to make fat, depriving you of energy and making it impossible to exercise your fat away. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus, a common probiotic, is generally believed to be safe with few side effects; however, if there is an overgrowth, it can have this effect. As a result, we often see a high Adiposity Index as one of the many obesity indicators noted on the GI Effects DNA Stool we offer at Wellness Alternatives.

So, is there any real scientific evidence? And how can we use this information to help people with weight problems?

There is a scientific term for this theory; it is called infectobesity. This is the emerging field of medical research that studies the relationship between pathogens (disease-causing organisms, such as viruses and bacteria) and weight gain. The current problem with research and treatment of infectobesity is that it focuses mainly on supplementing with prebiotics (bacteria food), and probiotics (good bacteria). The conditions of poor digestive chemistry, which allow any bacteria to turn bad, are largely ignored. This is the next frontier in weight loss. Using blood nutrition analysis and DNA stool testing, I am able to determine if you have bacteria-gone-bad, poor digestive chemistry, stomach acid imbalance, and/or inadequate enzymes making it difficult for you to lose weight.

Infectobesity… Do you have the fat bug?  Are you curious? Call today. 636-227-4949