Probiotics Benefits + Myths | Improve Gut Health | Doctor Mike

This week's episode is all about probiotics benefits and myths. The discovery of the microbiome has started off a huge cascade of new research as well as the launch of some questionable health products. I think that the idea that we are covered inside and out by bacteria, with the majority of it being helpful, is pretty mind-blowing.

I decided to make this video because I've seen your comments and questions on the subject, usually in the in the form of "how can I improve my gut?" Also, I've noticed that my patients have begun taking these supplements to cure everything from a weight gain, to a weakened immune system to acne.

As you probably already know I am a healthy skeptic and believe that just because we see some correlations between disease and good bacteria it is not as simple as putting those bacteria into a capsule. I firmly believe in the next 20-30 years we will unlock some fascinating secrets about our gut that will redefine how we think about our health.

If there’s something that you’re curious about and would like me to explore in a video, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. We’ve got some really great videos coming up in the next
few weeks so be sure to subscribe to stay up to date! Love you all!

- Doctor Mike Varshavski

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Music by Julian Avila:

Animations by Vincent Blando:

** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.

#microbiome #probiotics #guthealth

[jesusp]

When he said people who are stressed more often harm their microbiome I started stressing.

[arcaneiconoclast]

This is what my PHD is on. The relation of gut and mind and how it can cure depression.

[dayumxx]

*me eating a ton of carbs, not enough veggies, slight insomniac, with anxiety and depression*
"A probiotic should do the trick" 😂

[audreykunes]

I had a lot of gut issues and changing my eating habits and adding Kefir /probiotics to my diet has helped me soooo much. Feeling my best at 33 🥰

[jbx]

Me: eating all of the bad food, having an anxiety disorder and basically not sleeping

My gut: 👁👄👁

[pardisarjmandi]

Dr. MIKE I got into med school! Your videos kept me inspired all this time i was studying.

[alfredocham]

I started down the Probiotic/prebiotic journey recently along with a change in diet and have some recommendations for others thinking of doing the same.
Food that have probiotic - Kimchi, Sauerkraut (fermented, make sure it mentions that it has live cultures, making it is also pretty easy), kefir, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, fermented foods (such as fermented pickles, but be careful, most pickles are made with vinegar instead of via fermentation).
Prebiotic foods:
Asparagus, Onions, garlic, artichokes, leeks, kiwi, Root veggies such as sweet potatoes, squash wild yams, parsnips.

My nutritionist recommended having 2-3 servings a day of prebiotic and probiotic food and to try getting both (pre and probiotics) from foods and not supplements.

If you plan your day/diet out right, you can get a good prebiotic intake going with minimal effort. Try the foods listed above, keep the ones that you like on your diet. Also research! You can find more foods that are in pre/pro biotic food list.

At first you may get cramps, constipated, etc. But once your body gets used to probiotic intake, you will feel better than you did before (probably, unless there is something about you specifically which does not want the foods you are adding to your diet, see a doctor?).

One last thing, change your diet! Look up why you should be eating organic food vs non organic. Research the amount of pesticide used in non organic veggies and what you are putting into your body when you eat things sprayed with pesticides freely. Drink more water (16 cups a day!). and look into intermittent fasting. If you can add all of these things to your routine, I think you will see great improvement as did I. I lost 10 pounds in the last month and feel much better (not that I was feeling bad to begin with). Good luck! Comment if you have any questions.

I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice, just sharing my experience and advice I would give a friend trying to start a probiotic regiment.

[mattwilliams]

All I know is I was having a ton of stomach and gut issues and after a week of using Probiotic supplements I haven't had any issues.

[lulWut]

Props to whoever does the editing because those clips are hilarious.

[MC-krhv]

Hitting like before I even watch the video because it's Dr.Mike.

[myfragilelilac]

I always found it pretty wild how bacteria basically control us. Seriously thats really not an understatement. We have more bacteria than cells. Currently having kimchi fermenting in my kitchen. It is pretty entertaining. It has already peed burped and farted within 48 hours.

[brookdavis]

I eat Kimchi, Natto, Miso and Sourdough, and I often drink Kombucha and sometimes Kefir. So I'm very glad that its not just a myth! I hope more research goes into it!

[deeslifestyleloves]

As a fellow healthcare provider thank you for mentioning over use of antibiotics!

[aljapolsak]

As a microbiologist....thank you for doing such in-depth, yet easily understandable video. Especially antibiotic overuse and (in some cases) selling pure lies in form of probiotics needs to be talked about more. :)

[taylorroice]

I just got my MS in nutrition, and I investigated the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on lactose intolerance for my thesis. This video is spectacular; it's straightforward, funny, and accurate.

[ehiggin]

Way back in 2009, I was off work and watching Dr Oz one day. He talked about how probiotics and cutting down on fried foods could help your heartburn / sour stomach. I had acid reflux and had been suffering frequent heartburn and acid reflux for a while, so I started eating a cup of probiotic yogurt every single day. It changed my life.

[rachelfellows]

This is what my PhD is on! We look at how the gut bacteria can influence our gene regulation. Thanks for the great video!

[LTime-qged]

Couldn't finish the video. When he said, "sleep", I went straight to bed.

[puwapuwafu]

I actually am having stomach pains right now and you have been so helpful. Thanks immensely Doc Mike !!!!

[seektruth-]

So glad to hear a healthcare provider be honest about big pharma and the supplement game. So many gimmicks out there but in most cases, whole healthy food is the answer.