Probiotics – should I take them? This is a question that pops into many peoples head particularly after a dose of antibiotics. Dr. Alan Desmond, consultant gastroenterologist answers this question here with some practical tips of what to do to help build up your gut health.
You don’t need a probiotic supplement to ‘balance’ your gut microbiome.
The human gut microbiome consists of a vast diversity of microscopic organisms and is a crucial player in gut and overall health
The bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and archaea, of the gut microbiome evolved between 2 and 4 billion years ago. They’ve been with humans on every single step of our own 7-million-year evolutionary journey
Humans and our gut bugs, we go way back! So it shouldn’t surprise you that to learn that you don’t need probiotic supplements to optimise or ‘balance’ your gut microbiome.
Despite a thriving probiotic industry – one that is worth a massive $70 billion a year. There is surprisingly little evidence to support the health claims often made by probiotic companies [1]. The current American Gastroenterology Association Guidelines indicate that in the vast majority of cases we should not prescribe probiotics to adults in an attempt to improve their digestive health or well-being [2].
Here’s Dr Alan’s age-old recipe for a healthy and diverse gut microbiome:
Eat a variety of plants – more than 30 a week is a great start. Spend time in nature. Spend time with friends if you can. Get enough sleep. Exercise. Avoid unnecessary medications. Add some fermented foods to your plate. No expensive supplements required!
If you have recently required a course of antibiotics – don’t panic, your gut microbes are tougher than you think! Some commonly prescribed antibiotics including amoxicillin and nitrofurantoin which have almost no measurable effect on our gut microbes. While many other antibiotics can drastically reduce our gut microbial diversity. In most cases they will have bounced back to normal – or near normal – within a few months. The above tips will help and there is no need to add a probiotic supplement to the mix. This may even slow down the recovery of your normal gut microbial mix.
Biodiversity and gut microbiome
Tips for a healthy gut with consultant gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond.
Short chain fatty acids and the importance of fibre in gut health
All are high in fibre and packed with delicious whole plant foods to give you plenty of plant diversity and gut loving fibre!
Our Gut Health Revolution course serves as your essential first step to enhancing both your gut and overall physical health in just 3 months!
Led by gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond, this course delves into the critical role gut health plays in your overall well-being, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to transform your gut health.
Dr Alan Desmond, AKA the Devon Gut Doctor, is Board Certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine. He actively promotes a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet, particularly for patients with chronic digestive disorders.
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