When it comes to weight loss or managing healthy bodyweight, most people turn to calorie counting, crash diet, or the latest “superfood” trend.

But the weight loss puzzle has an unseen piece that is most missed, an important factor: intestine microbiom. Bacteria trillions in our digestive system are not only regulated digestion, they shape metabolism, immunity and even hormone balance, making intestine health central for effective and durable weight management.

Calories are not full story

The intestine is called the “second brain” because it affects the signs of the brain and brain, affecting the stimulating for appetite and hunger. Each person’s intestine microbiom is different and affected by many factors, such as birth mode, diet habits, use of antibiotics and drugs, aging and other environmental factors.

Therefore, when it comes to losing weight, focusing on the intestine should be a priority and not only the counting of calories, says experts.

Dr. Shikha Sharma, Celebrity Dietician, recently spoke at Aajtak’s health summit, stating that the count of calories is the biggest myth in weight loss.

“Calorie was designed for machines, not people. Due to this myth, many people are caught in weight struggle despite eating less,” he said.

He stressed that metabolic calorie depends less on mathematics and more on how efficiently nutrients are absorbed, some are determined by intestinal health.

Crash dieting and eating late night, even if within low calories, slow the metabolism and damage the delicate balance of intestine bacteria.

“Your intestine is the entrance to all vitamins and nutrients. If this agreement is done, no supplements will work,” Dr. Sharma explained.

Intestinal health and menopause

During menopause, the link between intestine health and hormones becomes particularly important. Dr. Sharma said that more than 40 women often find out weight loss, especially disappointment, even with strict dieting.

“If you are 45 plus, dieting alone will not help you. You have to fix the health of your intestine first,” he said.

Hormonal imbalances caused by poor intestine and liver function may appear in the form of swelling in the legs, puffiness in the face, tight-fitting fabrics and persistent fatigue.

“No matter how much diet you eat, your weight will not be stable until your hormones are balanced, and it starts with your stomach repair,” he said.

Why microbiom matters

Dr. Nandita Iyer, Nutritionist, Health Coach and Author, agreed that intestine is far more noticeable in health weight management.

“Your nutrition is known that you are feeding your body. The brain and intestine work together to regulate hunger, perfection and metabolism,” he said.

These natural signs have been disrupted by eating modern lifestyle, sedentary jobs, highly processed foods, continuous snacking, and distracting.

Dr. Iyer said, “You consume more by using your phone while eating, which increases insulin resistance and weight. Adding a pomegranate a day can help reset your intestine microbiom.”

Intermittent fasting, correct

There are many misconceptions around intermittent fasting. While the practice of fasting can activate fat burning and cellular repair, it is often undone how people break their fast.

“If you start with tea, coffee, or processed food, the system crashes,” Dr. Sharma warned.

Instead, it recommends gently support coconut water, herbal brooage, or fruit to the intestine bacteria.

Dr. Iyer said that fasting should not be seen as a license to be proud of carcasses such as subudhana or potato. “There are more food items that allow to be rejected during fasting. Meditation should be on balance and stability, not lack,” he said.

How to build an intestinal -friendly plate?

So, what does an intestinal food look like?

Diversity of colors: “Your body thrives on diversity. A rainbow of natural foods – etiquette, fruits, nuts, seeds – enhances your microbiom,” Dr. Sharma said.

Protein Balance: Dr. Iyer insisted that Indian diets are often carb-root. “Lentils are more carb than protein. Start your day with eggs, cheese, or Greek yogurt. Balance every meal with protein.”

Raw and fermented foods: Raw salads, seasonal fruits, and probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt help in digestion.

Smart Snacking: Dr. Sharma suggests a simple office snacks such as roasted peanuts and pomegranate to avoid the loss of junk food.

Lose weight

Permanent weight management is less about diet and more about nutritious. Crash diet and “detox cleins” can give short -term results but damage the intestine in a long time.

Instead, adopt simple, consistent practices: Eat home-cooked food, focus on natural and seasonal foods, drink enough water, and keep your intestine bacteria rich.

If your intestine is not healthy, no dieting will help you lose weight.