Probiotics have faced controversy before, but recent news headlines have painted them as everything from completely useless to potentially harmful. That characterization in the media is the result of two studies recently published in the journal Cell. So what’s the real story when it comes to probiotics? Are they safe and helpful, or should you take them with caution? Listen as I discuss what the data really suggest about probiotics with Lucy Mailing, a microbiome researcher.
Posts with Category:
Probiotics & The Microbiome
Are Probiotics Useless? A Microbiome Researcher’s Perspective
A pair of groundbreaking studies have just been published that have led many to call into question the safety and utility of probiotic supplements. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, these studies suggest that probiotics don’t always colonize the gut and could even slow down recovery of the gut microbiome after antibiotics. So—should we avoid probiotics altogether? Read on to find out.
RHR: Are High-Fat Diets Bad for the Microbiome?
Those in the Paleo and ancestral health communities have a tendency to follow high-fat, low-carb diets. After all, when you cut out grains, you naturally cut out a lot of carbs. But are there downsides? What happens to our microbiome on a high-fat diet? If you’ve been following my work for a while, you won’t be surprised when I say, “It depends.”
How Artificial Sweeteners Wreak Havoc on Your Gut
From soft drinks to yogurt, artificial sweeteners have become commonplace in the food and beverage industry and are recognized as safe by the FDA. Yet a 2014 study found that artificial sweeteners are able to alter your gut microbes, and your health as a result. Read on to learn exactly what the researchers found and how artificial sweeteners might be contributing to the modern epidemic of metabolic disease.
The Microbiota and Bone Health: Yet Another Reason to Protect Your Gut
Could there be a gut–bone axis? Researchers are constantly finding new connections between the microbes that inhabit our bodies and our health, and emerging science suggests that bone disease might begin in the gut. Read on to learn how your gut microbes shape your immune system, influence nutrient status, and maintain skeletal health.
Why Diet Alone Is Not Enough to Treat SIBO
If you’re using a low-FODMAP diet to keep your SIBO under control, you’re not alone. However, diet on its own does not cure SIBO. In fact, eating a higher-FODMAP diet in combination with your antibiotic protocol leads to more successful eradication of the bacteria.
