One of the best supplement for fat loss?

We have talked about supplement more than once in previous blog posts at Momentum Training. We often get asked “should I be taking supplements if I want to …. <insert look good naked goal here>.”  Before answering this question please be aware that the following post is only my opinion based on my experience and research, you can choose to take it or leave it.  I am not a “qualified nutritionist” and I don’t pretend to be.

There is no such thing as a free lunch, and just by taking supplement you can never balance out a bad diet, your nutrition is important as so is the balance between exercise and sleep.  Supplements can help, but they are never a bandaid to a crappy diet, poor sleeping habits and limited physical activity.   I’ve spent years learning about health, fitness and nutrition by listening to experts in the field, study, asking questions, reading and researching to build my own opinions. There are many conflicting opinions in the nutrition industry and you need to find what works for you. I like to practice what I preach and I never take one persons word as fact.  Do the research, and everything you hear is bullshit until you can prove otherwise…. including this blog post!

I have been very fortunate to have trained with some amazing coaches and been lucky enough to have had some fantastic mentors. I’ve attended countless workshops and seminars, trained with some incredible coaches, built partnerships with blood labs, holistic nutritionists and holistic doctors.  Each of them have their own professional experience and advice to offer.

Where am I going with all of this and what does it have to do with one of the best supplement for fat loss?  Over the years, I’ve noticed that many of the experts I look up to and respect all talk about the importance of digestive health and fixing the gut.  You could have the best diet in the world and be eating all of the right things, but if the digestive system is not functioning correctly your body will struggle to absorb any of the high quality nutrients you are eating.  A healthy digestive system is key to a strong and healthy body.  

I could go on and start quote endless studies that talk about the links between gut health and mood, weight loss, immune system, disease, energy levels, mental and physical performance, hormones and so much more…  If you want to know more about the research then start digging and reading more about how gut bacteria can make us fat or thin and how poo transplants are helping obese people lose weight.

Its not rocket science, everybody who is looking to decrease their body fats should start by taking a good hard look at their digestive health.  Unfortunately, those of us who live in large cities (like London),  should all be taking a probiotic every day, all year, for the rest of your life. The high levels of stress, and the exposure to toxins in the air, water and food are killing many of the bacteria that live in the digestive ecosystem.  This has a huge impacts on our health, and therefor out body composition.

I will slap you in the face if you say “I eat yoghurt” or “I drink yakult” as this is a crock of shit in term of probiotics.  Not all probiotics are equal and there are many crappy brands on the market that contain very little probiotics.  Your digestive system is the key to your immune system and health.  Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and lean, and if the gut can not digest this nutrients effectively the impacts can cause illness, depressions and even weight gain.

Its also worth noting that if your taking any antibiotics you MUST take a high dosage of probiotic during and after the dosages.  Why?  Because antibiotics kill the good guys as well as the bad guys in your digestive system.

The best brands I’ve come across to date in the UK are:

1. 1. VSL #3 – Contains 450 billion live bacteria, and if you order it directly form VLS#3 they will post it to you on ice (as it should be).  Don’t be a cheap ass and buy it from reseller as most will not deliver it to you on ice and the quality of the product will be compromised.  Holistic nutritionists and doctors have recommended this brand to myself and clients in the past, I’ve also read some great reviews on this product form people I hold in high regard.

1. 2. Boulardii (from http://www.omnicareexpress.com/) – contains 7.5 billion bacteria and a slightly different species called “Saccharomyces boulardii.”  Typically clients who suffer from diarrhea or undigested food in the stool.   This is not normal and needs to be treated as soon as possible

1. 3. Bio-Kult – Contains 14 strains of bacteria and 2 billion live bacteria in each capsule (recommended dosage is 2caps twice per day = 8 billion bacteria).  I found this one while researching probiotics online.  I’ve been using this one personally for the last 6 months and find that is works well for me.

Which on is better?   Ideally you would go have a stool test and let a crazy mad scientist pull apart you poo to tell you what species of bacteria you are low on.  The British Gut Association are currently taking part in a open source crowd funded project run by the American Gut project that allows participants to have a gut bacteria test done for £75.  Well worth the investment if you ask me. More info in the video attached:

Once you know what species you are low on you can choose the right probiotic.   The other option is the trial and error approach.  Purchase one probiotic and use it for 3-4weeks.  Then purchase a different one and see which one works best for you. How will you know?   Trust me, you will know when you next go to the bathroom and take a good poo.