We all have that friend that seems to drop pounds simply by looking at a piece of lettuce (or, you know, easily).
Well, it turns out that some people can lose weight more easily than others, after all. According to a recent study out of Denmark, up to 50% of people may not even benefit from traditional dieting advice at all.
So, how can you tell if you’re one of them? Take a look at your poo (yup).
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Your Poop May Reveal Which Diet is Best For You
The researchers from the Danish study mentioned above analyzed data from 57 participants. The participants were following either a standard Danish diet or a New Nordic diet.
The “data” was collected through feces samples (poop).
The New Nordic diet is high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, unlike a standard Danish diet. By contrasting the two diets and then analyzing the fecal matter, the researchers hoped to find if a person’s body composition determined the success of a diet.
They found that those with higher levels of Prevotella, an intestinal bacteria, compared to Bacteroides, another intestinal bacteria, lost more weight on the New Nordic diet than the Danish diet. The weight loss was significant, too, averaging about 7 pounds more.
What does that mean?
The researchers concluded that the success of a diet, as measured by weight loss, is greatly determined by gut bacteria.
Choosing a Diet That Works For You
Unfortunately, this study doesn’t make it all that much easier for you to select the right diet. While it would be nice to be able to send a poop sample to a lab to receive an outline of the best diet for you, it simply doesn’t work that way.
Instead, try stick to a diet full of fresh plants, such as fruits and vegetables. Opt for whole grains instead of carbs, and keep the protein low and lean.
Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep each night. Find a healthy outlet for stress and nurture your relationships.
Even if you’re not losing weight rapidly, you are still providing your body with ample support to manage diabetes.
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Healthline. URL Link. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
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