As more and more people want to lose weight, there’s a growing interest in natural ways to support metabolism. Specifically, they want to look outside of calorie counting or taking supplements as ways to shed unwanted pounds. Interestingly, natural probiotics such as Akkermansia muciniphila may help boost GLP-1 levels without drugs.
The gut hormone GLP-1 is especially popular now, what with its proven efficacy in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. Incidentally, it’s also the same hormone behind blockbuster medications Ozempic and Wegovy.
In this article, let’s talk about how GLP-1 works, Akkermansia’s role in gut health, and their impact on your metabolism.
What is GLP-1 and Why It Matters
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. Specifically, it’s a hormone your gut makes when you eat.
Its job? It signals the pancreas to release insulin, slow stomach emptying, and help you feel full faster. GLP-1 also helps regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.
Correspondingly, this is why synthetic versions like semaglutide are popular for diabetes and weight loss.
But GLP-1 isn’t only drug-related. Your body can make it naturally—with the right gut environment.
Akkermansia: Next-Gen Probiotic
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut microbe presently gaining major attention in metabolic research. In particular, it lives in the mucus layer of your gut lining. In healthy people, Akkermansia makes up three to five percent of their gut bacteria.
Interestingly, studies show that people with more Akkermansia often have lower inflammation, better blood sugar control, and less body fat.
Currently, it’s not in most commercial probiotics yet. But newer supplements are starting to include it—especially for metabolic health.
Akkermansia & GLP-1 Production
So, how does Akkermansia connect to GLP-1?
It starts with the gut. Gut microbes like Akkermansia break down mucus in your gut to release short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs then stimulate the L-cells in your intestines—the same cells that release GLP-1.
A 2021 study discovered that when participants took Akkermansia for three months, their GLP-1 levels increased and insulin sensitivity improved. They also found out that Akkermansia releases the protein P9 which works with gut lining cells, triggering additional GLP-1 secretion.
Additionally, Akkermansia also strengthens the gut lining, reducing inflammation and promoting better nutrient signaling. Overall, these are all crucial for hormone balance.
Meanwhile, in animal studies, Akkermansia boosted GLP-1 levels and improved fat metabolism—without weight gain.
The takeaway: a healthy gut can help your body naturally support GLP-1—and Akkermansia plays a key role. Let’s zoom in on the bacteria’s weight loss benefits in the next section.
Akkermansia: Metabolic Mastery
Because Akkermansia strengthens the gut barrier, it overall helps support metabolic health. In turn, this promotes weight loss.
Improved Gut Barrier Function
A strong gut lining prevents unwanted substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. Specifically, this process is called “metabolic endotoxemia”, which shares a connection to inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight gain.
LPS are molecules outside certain bacteria. They’re sort of like invaders or bad guys in your gut which trigger inflammation. Consequently, chronic low-grade inflammation can actually lead to health problems like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Essentially, high levels of LPS in the bloodstreams slows down your metabolism, making your body store more fat. As a result, hormones like insulin and leptin don’t work properly. Insulin manages your body’s blood sugar levels, while leptin is your body’s appetite regulator.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can disrupt metabolism. In particular, Akkermansia helps calm that down, making it easier for your body to burn fat efficiently.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Multiple studies have found that higher levels of Akkermansia are associated with better blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Both of these mechanisms support weight loss.
Satiety and Energy Regulation
Akkermansia also influences hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate appetite and glucose metabolism.
GLP-1 Probiotics
To clarify, there’s no such thing as a “GLP-1 probiotic” in the direct sense.
Overall, probiotics don’t contain GLP-1. But they can help your body produce more of it naturally.
Correspondingly, Akkermansia is one of the most promising microbes for that job. Meanwhile, others like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains may also influence GLP-1 indirectly through SCFAs and gut barrier support.
In summary, probiotics can help. But you need the right strains, and consistency matters more than hype.
Boosting Akkermansia Naturally
If you want to help Akkermansia thrive, then focus on feeding it, not just supplementing it. To clarify, you want to create an environment that helps the bacteria grow.
Here’s how:
- Eat more polyphenol-rich foods. Cranberries, pomegranates, green tea, cocoa, and red grapes are great options.
- Add prebiotic fiber. Think asparagus, garlic, leeks, oats, and bananas.
- Limit processed foods. Emulsifiers and additives can damage the gut lining.
- Practice intermittent fasting. Akkermansia thrives when your gut gets a break.
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. They can wipe out good bacteria like Akkermansia.
Lifestyle counts, too. Specifically, regular exercise can increase SCFA production, hence, improving gut diversity.
If you’re considering a supplement, then look for those containing pasteurized Akkermansia. Overall, it’s more stable and still biologically active.
Future of Probiotics
We’re only beginning to understand the power of gut bacteria to influence hormones like GLP-1.
Interestingly, Akkermansia muciniphila stands out as a promising player in the natural support of metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and weight management.
Drugs like Ozempic aren’t going away—but many people want a natural approach first. Also, most GLP-1 drugs may be on the expensive side. Hence, supporting your gut is a powerful start.
To do so, focus on a fiber-rich diet, add probiotics where appropriate. Furthermore, prioritize gut health as it’s the foundation of metabolic wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akkermansia available as a supplement?
Yes, pasteurized Akkermansia is available in some advanced probiotic supplements aimed at metabolic health. A 2017 study has shown that pasteurizing Akkermansia actually improves the bacteria’s beneficial effects versus that of live bacteria.
Brands such as Pendulum, Vitamatic, Double Wood, and Vinatura sell Akkermansia supplements.
Are GLP-1 drugs and probiotics the same?
No. GLP-1 drugs are synthetic. Probiotics support your body’s own production of GLP-1 via gut bacteria.
Which probiotics produce GLP-1?
To clarify, probiotics don’t necessarily produce GLP-1. But some probiotics do stimulate and boost GLP-1 secretion. Some examples include Akkermansia municiphilia, certain lactobacillus strians, bifidobacterium strains, and Clostridium butyricum.
Can Akkermansia help with weight loss?
Yes, Akkermansia can help with weight loss, as it is beneficial for metabolic health. It strengthens the gut’s barrier and makes your body burn fat efficiently. At the same time, it also improves insulin sensivity and regulates appetite, all linked to help promote weight loss.
Is Akkermansia safe to take?
Generally speaking, Akkermansia supplements are safe. But more research is needed to determine its potential side effects or overall safety, especially on people with health conditions.
Does fasting destroy gut bacteria?
No, fasting does not typically destroy all gut bacteria. But it significantly alters the gut’s composition.
How do you flush bad bacteria from your gut?
Overall, creating a healthy gut environment will keep bad bacteria at bay. Overall, a combination of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle can contribute to this. In addition, taking certain probiotics may help.
Diet-wise, consume lots of fiber, limit processed foods. Lifestyle-wise, exercise regularly, get lots of sleep, stay hydrated, limit alcohol, and keep stress levels at a minimum.
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