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I've been wondering for a while whether the obesity epidemic was brought by the widespread use of antibiotics after 1950.

Antibiotics disrupt the microbiome, causing dysbiosis. Could a lifetime of gut dysbiosis cause obesity? Has anyone looked into this?

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I believe eating fermented foods has been helping me on my journey since I had intestinal surgery this past May- I lost a portion of my upper intestines due to “holes in specific areas” of my intestines. ER doctor told me I have Diverticulosis, which I believe pouches burst, causing a disaster in my gut/stomach, etc. I don’t know what caused the holes in my intestins’- but, I’m sure part was my diet, & the other possible cause could have been antibiotics taken for different infections. So, I’m working on a healthier menu of clean foods, & rebuilding my inner Biome !

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Inflammation is a likely culprit, Patricia. Apparently lactobacillus reuteri decreases intestinal inflammation and helps repair gut mucosa.

"Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Diseases"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29725324/

"Lactobacillus reuteri maintains intestinal epithelial regeneration and repairs damaged intestinal mucosa"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32138622/

You might look for a probiotic that includes L. reuteri. I take a probiotic to maintain health, and always now make sure it includes L reuteri in the mix.

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Thank you for the information regarding gut biome- I apologize for the late reply. I will definitely continue the research, & definitely read the data in these links you provided!

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Good hunting, Patricia. :-)

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The largest consumers of antibiotics are factory farms. A primary function is to keep them alive through horrid living conditions, but it also fattens up the animals faster. Exactly as you mention, antibiotics disrupt the normal digestion process.

I would assume it has a similar impact on humans. And humans may also get some second hand antibiotics from the factory farmed animals they eat.

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Just searched PubMed

"Gut Microbiota and Obesity: A Role for Probiotics"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31703257/

"The human gut microbiota: Metabolism and perspective in obesity"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667480/

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