The Key Role of Akkermansia in a Maintaining a Healthy Gut and Weight

Dr. Erin Hendriks • June 4, 2023

The Key Role of Akkermansia in a Maintaining a Healthy Gut and Weight

The gut is home to trillions of microbes that play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including digestion, immune function, and metabolism. Despite being a relatively new discovery, Akkermansia has emerged as a powerful player that holds the key to maintaining a healthy gut and achieving sustainable weight loss.


Akkermansia and Gut Health

A healthy gut is one that maintains a balance between beneficial and harmful microbes, and Akkermansia plays a pivotal role in achieving this. Akkermansia helps to maintain a healthy gut lining, reducing the risks of gut inflammation, gut permeability, and other gut dysfunctions.


Akkermansia and Metabolic Health

Akkermansia has also been linked to numerous metabolic benefits, including weight loss and reduced inflammation. Studies have shown that people with obesity tend to have lower levels of Akkermansia than those with normal weight. 


The anti-inflammatory properties of Akkermansia also make it a powerful ally in metabolic health. Inflammatory substances in the body can interfere with metabolic processes, leading to insulin resistance and weight gain. By reducing inflammation, Akkermansia promotes optimal metabolic health, helping people achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss.


Ways to Boost Akkermansia Levels

Dietary modifications involve cutting down on processed foods, sugar, and trans fats, and consuming food rich in fiber, polyphenols, and other nutrients. Such foods nourish the beneficial gut bacteria, including Akkermansia.


Exercise has also been found to increase Akkermansia levels and improve gut and metabolic health. 


Involve a Functional Medicine Practitioner

As beneficial as Akkermansia may be, it's important to remember that gut health and metabolic health are complex and multifaceted. Achieving optimal health requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple interventions, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, nutraceutical supplementation, and if necessary, medication.


As such, it's important to involve a functional medicine physician who can develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique health needs. Functional medicine physicians are trained to treat the root cause of health imbalances, rather than merely managing symptoms, and can help you achieve optimal health through a holistic approach.

*AI Disclosure: This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.

* Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on www.elle-md.com may contain affiliate links meaning that we will get a commission for recommending products at no extra cost to you.

*Blog Disclaimer: Please note that reading our blog does not replace any health or medical advice consultation. Read our blog disclaimer here.

Meet the Drs.

Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.


Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness! 


We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way. 

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Download your free guide

FREE GUIDE
June 2, 2025
Wondering how to check your gut health? Learn the best tests for gut health in Michigan and how functional medicine doctors uncover the root cause of your symptoms.
June 2, 2025
Struggling with bloating, fatigue, or food sensitivities? Learn how to heal leaky gut naturally using functional medicine, diet, and targeted supplements.
June 2, 2025
Wondering if functional medicine is legitimate? Learn how it works, what to look for in a provider, and how to find the best functional medicine doctor near you.
June 2, 2025
Looking for a functional medicine doctor near you or online? Learn what to look for, how to compare physicians, and where to find the best care for your needs.
June 2, 2025
Confused about functional vs. integrative medicine? Learn the key differences, similarities, and how to choose the best approach for your health needs.
June 2, 2025
Looking for the best holistic medicine doctors in Michigan? Meet top experts in women’s health, chiropractic care, mental health, functional medicine, and more.
By Dr. Erin Hendriks May 30, 2025
Learn what small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is, the key causes behind it, and its wide-ranging symptoms—from bloating and diarrhea to brain fog and fatigue. A root-cause functional medicine perspective.
By Dr. Erin Hendriks March 20, 2025
The food we eat provides more than energy—it also influences our body's acid-base balance, which plays a crucial role in overall health
By Dr. Erin Hendriks February 6, 2025
Discover how estrogen supports heart health, its role in cardiovascular protection, and strategies to maintain heart wellness before, during, and after menopause.
By Dr. Erin Hendriks December 26, 2024
As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to take control of your health.
More Posts