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Supporting a Healthy Microbiome While on GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools, but to get the best results — and feel your best — supporting your gut microbiome is key. Whether you’re new to a medication like semaglutide or have been using it for months, small adjustments can help reduce digestive discomfort and improve long-term outcomes.
Key Gut-Supporting Practices
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Eat More Fermentable Fiber
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Choose cooked greens, oats, root vegetables
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Stay Hydrated
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Fluids support bowel movements and barrier health
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Chew More, Eat Slower
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Improved digestion = better fermentation patterns
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Rotate Your Foods
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Microbial diversity thrives on variety
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Not all strains are helpful for everyone, but some to consider include:
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Bifidobacterium longum (reduces inflammation)
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Lactobacillus plantarum (supports digestion)
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Akkermansia muciniphila (available in supplement form)
Why Test, Not Guess
Everyone’s microbiome responds differently to GLP-1 medications. Personalized gut testing lets you measure your bacterial landscape and fine-tune support.
Conclusion
GLP-1 therapies work with your biology — but they also change your biology. Understanding and supporting your gut can help you get the best outcomes with fewer side effects.
References
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Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417–1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417
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Rosenthal, M. D. (2016). Hydration and gut health. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 19(5), 422–428. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000316
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Marcason, W. (2015). What is mindful eating? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115(7), 1098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2015.05.004
Metabolism
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Why Some GLP-1 Users Get Digestive Issues
It’s not uncommon for people on GLP-1 medications to report side effects like constipation, gas, or nausea. But what if these aren’t just side effects — what if they’re signals from your gut microbiome?
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What GLP-1 Medications Are Doing to Your Gut Bacteria
GLP-1 is released by cells in the intestine when we eat. It triggers insulin release and slows stomach emptying, making us feel full faster. But it also interacts with gut microbes and may change the way they behave. In turn, some bacteria produce molecules that signal the body to make more GLP-1 — creating a feedback loop that links food, gut, hormones, and health.
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Understanding the Gut Microbiome: A Key Factor in Health
Our gut bacteria significantly impact our health, making the gut microbiome a valuable tool for our overall wellness. But do our food choices influence our gut bacteria, or do our gut bacteria influence our food choices? It’s actually both! The relationship is bidirectional, meaning our diet influences our gut bacteria and vice versa.
