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How a Healthy Microbiome Supports GLP-1 and Natural Weight Regulation

GLP-1 agonist medications have become a common weight loss method, but there are natural ways to increase GLP-1. GLP-1 increases satiety and is naturally produced by the body in response to nutrient density, but the amount of GLP-1 released depends on the presence of certain probiotic strains. Supporting gut health through diet changes and introducing healthy bacteria via supplementation can support the natural release of GLP-1 without taking medications.


An interesting study noted that GLP-1 agonist medications alter the intestinal microbiome with continued use. The same study found that glucose levels, BMI, A1C, and c-peptide levels are closely associated with intestinal flora. The study mentions that the microbiome alterations may be one of the primary mechanisms by which GLP-1 medications work to support diabetes and weight loss (Liang, et. al., 2024). This suggests that natural gut health support may be a point of significant leverage in managing T2D and weight.


The best foods for gut health naturally contain probiotics and prebiotics and support healthy digestive function.


Foods high in probiotics include:

  • yogurt

  • kefir

  • kimchi

  • sauerkraut

  • tempeh

  • miso

  • kombucha

  • fermented vegetables

  • sour cream

  • some cheeses


(Cleveland Clinic, 2025).


Prebiotics are fibers that feed probiotics and can be found in:

  • chicory root

  • artichokes

  • dandelion greens

  • garlic

  • leeks

  • onions

  • jicama

  • asparagus

  • bananas

  • apples with skin

  • whole grains

  • beans and legumes


(Boland, 2024).


Foods that support overall gut health include:

  • bone broth

  • raw cultured dairy

  • fermented foods

  • coconut products

  • sprouted seeds

  • healthy fats

  • fruit


(Axe, 2024).


For general gut health support, include some of these foods as a part of an organic whole food diet.


In the case of severe gut dysbiosis, it is often necessary to complete GI mapping tests to determine which strains of probiotics are missing so supplements can be used in a targeted approach. Such testing is available through Renewed Hope Nutrition. Supplements, including probiotics, can also be used to support overall gut health and GLP-1 release.


Several probiotic strains have been shown to support GLP-1 production. In several small studies, multiple strands of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been associated with higher levels of GLP-1 and lower blood sugar levels (Hanneman, 2025). However, a recent discovery has revealed a probiotic that has far more powerful results than these strands.


The probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila has been studied for its impact on GLP-1 levels and the results are promising. One study noted that extracts from Akkermansia “induce a robust, dose-dependent rise in GLP-1 secretion from NCI-H716 L-cells, with the highest dose achieving over a 2000% increase comparable to glutamine” (Arukha, et. al., 2025). This is a much larger impact, considering that Lactobacillus reuteri raised GLP-1 by 76% over a placebo (Hanneman, 2025), but Akkermansia increases GLP-1 by 2000% over glutamine, which also stimulates GLP-1 release. This drastic difference emphasizes the powerful effects that Akkermansia can have on GLP-1 secretion, implying significant benefits for weight management and diabetes support (Arukha, et. al., 2025). This probiotic strain is available in supplement form.


To take a deep-dive into your metabolic and gut health from a holistic perspective, schedule an appointment with Renewed Hope Nutrition. Tailored protocols with nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations can help you achieve your health goals faster.


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