The probiotic industry would have you thinking that there are hundreds of types of beneficial bacteria with extensive research.
And if you’ve done a stool test you find there’s a lot more gut bug varieties than there are probiotics that have been created.
The probiotic industry has started to market targeted probiotics for certain conditions.
But research has shown certain probiotics work together synergistically to maintain the gut lining, immunity and health as a whole.
Wouldn’t it then be better to utilize the synergistic effect of probiotics that have been proven in 10,000 + research studies over the last 100 years to be the most beneficial for human microbiomes?
This is a question that Natasha brought up in our podcast and one I’ve been thinking about for a while.
In my 17+ years in practice I’ve tried to target deficiencies in certain bacterias and went on killing sprees against yeast, mold, parasites and bacteria.
The results haven’t been as amazing as touted by colleagues and supplement companies.
What I’ve seen work for the gut, over and over again?
The basics.
- Slow down to eat & doing nothing but eating
- Figure out what foods your body likes and doesn’t based on pain, bloating, rashes, fever, irritability, heart rate, blood sugar elevation, feeling off – any negative reactions
- Digestive enzymes and Betaine HCL to improve digestion
- Pressure cooking or sprouting grains and legumes
- Binders for molds, parasites and toxins – not for those who are constipated
- Spore based probiotics for diarrhea + enzymes/stomach acid
- Magnesium + enzymes/stomach acid for constipation
Once the gut is moving well adding in probiotics that contain at least 3 of the 4 most researched probiotics would be the next step.
The 4 most researched probiotics that have been proven to be beneficial to humans are: (click HERE to access research list with white paper)
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus, NAS
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii, subspecies bulgaricus – LB-51
- Bifidobacterium bifidum – Malyoth superstrain
- Bifidobacterium infantis – mainly used in babies to provide beneficial bacteria not received when born c-section (toddlers up to adults can use it)
Where my protocols in the past have differed is the probiotic that I recommend the most doesn’t have the Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS nor the Lactobacillus bulgaricus strains.
The NAS strain of Lactobacillus is most effective for microbiome regulation because of it’s ability to stimulate the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the gut to wipe out non-beneficial bacteria.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus, the most beneficial bacteria for the gut as it helps in the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus also monitors the GI system for invaders and stimulates natural killer cells to go after non-beneficial microbes in the gut.
Bibidobacterium species regulate the immunity of the gut.
The infantis strain is what is missing when babies are born c-section.
I never knew that these bacteria could do all of this together!
What Natasha has introduced me to makes quite a bit of sense and going forward I will be switching to her line – Natren (and the pro line Protren) Probiotics.
As with anything I do, I will be sharing how these products are working in my clients and myself.
I’ve been using the “Trenev Trio” which is the Professional line of Natren Probiotic’s “Healthy Trinity” formula.
It contains the 1st – 3 probiotics on the list above.
It’s been almost a month and I’ve been feeling pretty good.
I have a few of my clients on them too to test things out.
These bacteria work together and make sense for what I’m seeing as the most needed areas in gut health restoration.
Have questions? Hit reply.
On Friday I’ll be talking more about things to think about to keep your gut healthy with age.
Stay tuned!
Here’s to your health,
Dr. J
