Let's Talk About Probiotics

Episode #201: Let's Talk About Probiotics! 

Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE. 

In this podcast episode I share a lot of perspective on why we need to consider probiotics in the modern world - my favorite one to start with. I talk about why fermented foods may not do what we think and what we need to consider beyond probiotics because they are not silver bullets. Lots of good insight in this one so you can consider the big picture of your health scape when it comes to considering probiotic use. 

Understanding Probiotics: Do You Need Them?

Today, let's dive into the topic of probiotics.

**Probiotic**
**PRO** = For
**BIOTIC** = Life

Do you need a probiotic? Does your gut need a boost in life?

Lately, in conversations with friends and colleagues, the subject of probiotics keeps coming up. Many are losing faith—do they actually work? Are they beneficial, or could they cause harm?

In the health and wellness community, I've noticed some saying that not everyone needs probiotics, especially if someone has a dysbiotic gut that reacts poorly to them. This is often a response to the marketing hype surrounding probiotics and the confusion about individuals’ adverse reactions. Many have tried ineffective or low-quality probiotics, or they may be taking a haphazard approach to restoring their gut health. We often dismiss what we don't fully understand, and it's a common human tendency to condemn the unknown.

However, this isn't the whole story. Just because someone struggles with tolerating the right probiotics initially doesn't mean they don't need them. Unfortunately, this fear and confusion around probiotics can lead to resistance against their use.

While it’s true that not all probiotics are created equal, it’s essential to remember that all humans require microbes to thrive. Many people suffer from depleted microbial populations and imbalances in their gut.

The Importance of a Healthy Biome

Did you have a good start for your microbiome? Many individuals weren't properly inoculated at birth due to factors like C-sections, antibiotics given to the mother during labor, or not being breastfed. These early disruptions can have lasting effects.

Throughout life, our microbiome can be further compromised by antibiotics, medications, toxins, and even the water we drink. With summer approaching, many will swim in chlorinated pools without considering the impact of such exposure. Fluoride in municipal water and glyphosate from pesticides can also contribute to gut issues. Additionally, chronic stress is a major factor affecting gut health. Personally, I noticed that stress, anger, and intense emotions would cause my gut to become irritable and inflamed.

Numerous studies show that continuous stress can promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in the body. By the time someone reaches their 20s or 30s, they may contend with various health issues due to a low and unbalanced microbial population.

Rebuilding Your Microbial Population

So, how and when do we rebuild our gut health? Should we wait until we feel less sensitive, even though our microbiome comprises more of us than our own cells? If gut health significantly impacts overall well-being, why isn’t rebuilding it prioritized? Are fermented foods the only solution? And do store-bought ferments truly contain beneficial probiotics?

Most people don’t have the opportunity to engage with microbial-rich soil, which is how we once maintained diversity in our microbiomes. We’ve largely lost touch with the natural world—no more eating dirt-covered foods or sleeping on the ground.

To effectively rebuild your gut, it’s crucial to understand its current state. This process will take time; it’s not an overnight fix. You may need to experiment with various strains to gradually restore balance without becoming overly reliant on them.

Will the journey be smooth? Perhaps not. Introducing beneficial bacteria can cause some disruption, much like decluttering your home for a sale. However, this doesn’t have to lead to imbalance or discomfort. In fact, probiotics can enhance digestion, reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and broaden your dietary options.

Taking a slow and steady approach with prebiotic-rich foods can promote the growth of beneficial microbes, such as Bifidobacterium, while reducing harmful bacteria.

Rebuilding your microbiome is a journey worth taking for your overall health and well-being.

Understanding Your Microbiome: The Role of Probiotics

As I mentioned earlier, many people suffer from atrophied microbiomes, akin to having weak muscles from lack of use. Strengthening our microbiome is essential for overall health—it’s like building a strong core from the inside out.

The Quality of Probiotics Matters

Not all probiotics are created equal. The market is flooded with low-quality options, often marketed aggressively. You can find cheap, kitchen-sink formulations boasting numerous strains and high CFU counts, but more isn't necessarily better. The belief that "if some is good, then more is better" doesn't hold true for probiotics.

It's crucial to do your due diligence. Using an inappropriate probiotic could lead to negative experiences, and I’ve heard many stories over the years. Thankfully, ongoing research is helping us navigate this complex landscape.

Why Choose Spore-Based Probiotics?

Bacterial spores represent a natural form of probiotics, and personally, I advocate for spore-based options as a broad and effective choice. However, not all spores are created equal, so it’s essential to research and understand what you’re using.

Spores found in soil are dormant until they reach the intestines, making them distinct from live soil-based organisms that often die in stomach acid. Spore-based probiotics have a protective shell that allows them to survive gastric conditions and arrive alive in the gut. Once there, they locate and eliminate pathogens while supporting beneficial populations—a process known as reconditioning the gut.

The Importance of Akkermansia

Spore-based probiotics promote microbial diversity and aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria, including keystone species like Akkermansia. Low levels of Akkermansia are linked to a weakened gut barrier, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. In fact, low Akkermansia levels are commonly observed in clients I've tested, indicating many may have a leaky gut.

Research has shown that spore-based probiotics can improve leaky gut markers and decrease inflammation within just 30 days of use.

How Spore Probiotics Work

When you take a spore-based probiotic, it navigates through your stomach and releases into the small intestine, where it encounters specific receptors, allowing it to establish itself. Once there, it requires nutrients—adequate fluids and proteins—to become active. They then engage in quorum sensing, reading the microbial signatures in the area. This process allows them to identify overgrown harmful microbes and compete with them effectively.

Spore probiotics can shift the microbiome by as much as 30% in just a few weeks, producing prebiotic and postbiotic compounds that nourish beneficial organisms.

Addressing Concerns About Probiotics

I've encountered many people hesitant to try spore-based probiotics due to misinformation online. I’ve used these probiotics for over eight years in my practice and with my family, and I’ve helped hundreds of individuals start using spores. While they are not a "silver bullet," they provide significant support for the microbiome.

Many people fear the initial experience when starting probiotics. To ease this, I recommend starting ultra-slow, even for those who haven't yet adopted a clean diet. While they aren’t the sole solution for gut repair, I believe they are foundational and have witnessed many positive outcomes.

If someone experiences a reaction, communication is key. In my experience, I’ve never had a client encounter a horror story with these probiotics. Even when issues arise, we address them. Personally, it took me four months to tolerate the recommended dose when I began, as my gut was in poor condition. This experience makes me empathetic to others who are sensitive.

I've also seen the benefits firsthand—gaining the ability to reintroduce foods into my diet after years of uncertainty about what would trigger flare-ups. It’s a psychological challenge that no one should endure.

Additional Thoughts on the spores

The repair potential of spore-based probiotics is worth exploring, provided you approach them with patience and engage in open communication with a knowledgeable practitioner. Temporary reactions can provide valuable insights for deeper healing. Additionally, I often recommend Saccharomyces for those with a history of antibiotic use or yeast infections, and specific strains of Bifidobacterium longum for individuals experiencing chronic stress and sleep challenges.

I recently conducted a poll on Instagram and received several questions that I’d like to address quickly.

Probiotics and My Child’s Experience

I started my nearly 4-year-old on Renew Life 10 billion probiotics, but she ended up with a bad ear infection and pink eye. This highlights a common issue with "kitchen sink" probiotics, which often contain over a dozen strains in high doses. Not all strains are well-studied for their compatibility with the gut, and some may actually promote unwanted bacteria. These formulations tend to cover a lot of bases without sufficient research backing.

Probiotics for SIBO

When it comes to SIBO, spore-forming probiotics have shown better outcomes compared to traditional options like Lactobacillus. Recent research suggests they are also more effective than a low-FODMAP diet alone in alleviating SIBO-like symptoms. While I have successfully used them with many clients, it’s important to remember that SIBO often coincides with other gut issues. In such cases, additional support may be necessary, but spore probiotics can certainly provide relief.

Choosing Probiotics for Specific Conditions

If you're dealing with conditions like histamine issues, PCOS, or Hashimoto's, spore probiotics are a good starting point. However, it's crucial to understand your unique gut biome since everyone's microbiome is different. This knowledge allows for a more targeted approach to address your specific health concerns.

Fermented Foods vs. Probiotics

Many people wonder if they can simply rely on fermented foods for gut health. While these foods can provide beneficial nutrients and support your gut bacteria, they do not create lasting ecological changes in the gut or deliver living probiotic cells to the large intestine. If you can tolerate fermented foods, they can be a nutritious addition to your diet, preferably homemade or from high-quality sources. However, they may not be sufficient for the targeted repair most people need for gut restoration.

Takeaway

For those seeking a deeper understanding of their gut health, I recommend the functional test called BiomeFX. This tool has been invaluable in helping many individuals see the bigger picture of their gut issues, allowing us to develop targeted correction plans. Personally, having undergone this testing years ago motivated me to address my gut health, saving me from years of guesswork and struggle.

Links that were mentioned in the episode if you want to dig further: 

• Order MegaSporeBiotic -60 capsules HERE
• Order MegaSporeBiotic- 180 capsules HERE
• Order Restorflora HERE
• Order ZenBiomeDual HERE

Get functional nutrition support: 
• HTMA & BIOME FX [ Minerals & Microbes ]  HERE

Grab my FREE Magic of Magnesium Starter Kit HERE

This is a whole-picture, balanced approach—no isolating magnesium or popping pills to chase symptoms. You’ll discover how to incorporate magnesium in a way that respects your body’s unique needs, helps you move towards lasting wellness, and makes sense for your health journey. No harsh protocols. No overwhelm. Just mindful, informed choices that empower you to truly take charge of your well-being.