Feeling fatigued or low on energy can be a frustrating experience, especially when you have a lot to do. Many people turn to caffeine or energy drinks to help them power through the day, but there may be a more natural solution to low energy levels. Recent research suggests that the trillions of bacteria living in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiota, can have a significant impact on your energy levels.
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The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, which are essential for energy production. Some of the key nutrients involved in energy production include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When these nutrients are broken down by the gut microbiota, they release energy that can be used by the body's cells. Additionally, the gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a byproduct of fermenting dietary fiber. SCFAs can be used as an energy source by the body's cells and have been shown to improve energy metabolism.
Backed by science
Reviews have supported the link between gut microbiota and energy levels. Researchers found that obese individuals had a less diverse gut microbiota and lower levels of SCFAs than lean individuals. Furthermore, the obese individuals reported feeling more fatigued than the lean individuals. The study suggested alteration in gut microbiota diversity and composition even contributed to the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-related disorders as well as blood insulin sensitivity.
Recent scientific evidence suggests that energy and fatigue are two unique unipolar moods with distinct mental and physical components.
In a study of 22 subjects who were physically active and not obese. They were assessed on four moods (physical fatigue, physical energy, mental energy, mental fatigue) by survey, and distinct metabolic profiles were also observed. The study conclusion suggested the previous 4 traits (physical fatigue, physical energy, mental energy, and mental fatigue) of energy have unique overlapping gut bacteria profiles, meaning distinct bacterial communities are related to unique traits of energy and fatigue.
In a randomized double-blind study with 63 healthy elders that consumed probiotics vs placebo for 12 weeks. Their gut health and brain function were measured as well as satisfaction with the life scale, stress questionnaire, and related several surveys were sampled. The study showed that probiotics alleviated stress and increase mental flexibility in healthy older adults along with making changes in the gut microbiota of the subjects.
We now have proof through numerous studies that have shown that probiotic supplementation improves health and the body through the gut-brain axis and the gut-muscle axis. The paper review concluded that probiotics play a critical role in the maintenance of health and their effect on the regulation of bone and skeletal muscle as well as the metabolism of energy and nutrition and alleviation of psychological stress, reducing exercise fatigue and improving exercise performance.
We are just uncovering the wonders of probiotics and their importance on our health especially for energy metabolism.
R's KOSO is a fermented drink made from over 100 different fruits, vegetables, herbs, seaweed, and mushrooms. It not only contains probiotics but also prebiotics, the energy source for the microbiome, and even postbiotics, the energy source for our body's cells. It has been proven to improve gut health and numerous other health benefits.
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