You Can Transform Your Body Without Hitting the Gym—Here's How

You can add weight to the growing list of bodily functions that are controlled (or at the very least, impacted) by your gut. Yep, the all-powerful microbiome can even make it more or less difficult for you to shed unwanted pounds (even if you're eating healthy and working out consistently). 

"Your immune system, brain, and mood are all largely controlled by your microbiome, and we are constantly discovering more connections between gut health and weight," explains Dr. Will Cole, a functional medicine practitioner. "I find that many patients are not able to lose weight until they deal with their underlying gut problems." Here are the three main gut issues that may be standing in the way of a healthy weight, as explained by Cole:

You Have a Bacterial Imbalance

Good and bad bacteria exist in your gut, and sometimes these bacteria can be off-balance. "Research has found that people who are overweight and obese have lower microbiome diversity," explains Cole. The choices we make about the foods we eat can directly impact our gut microbiota levels, which in turn can lead to weight gain.

Your Gut Is Disrupting Your Sleep

Of course, there's also a lot of the sleep hormone, melatonin, in your gut. "In short, an unhealthy microbiome will mess up your sleep," notes Cole. "The problem? Losing out on sleep can make fat cells less able to deal with your fat-storing hormone, insulin." The end result for many is weight-loss resistance or even weight gain.

Your Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels Are Low

Short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs, prevent gut problems, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in your stomach. "Research is finding that our SCFAs also promote weight loss, and the three types of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) all decrease cravings," adds Cole. A lack thereof can result in overeating or potential weight gain.

To rectify these issues, stick to this gut-healthy eating plan, and shop "The Complete Gut Health Cookbook" for more.