In this video, Dr. Michael Russo discusses a recent study that provides scientific evidence of how probiotics can improve leaky gut, a syndrome that may underlie many symptoms and conditions. The study, which analyzed 26 randomized controlled trials with over 1800 patients, found that probiotic supplementation reduced leaky gut, inflammation, and increased healthy bacterial populations. Dr. Russo suggests a protocol of using lactobacillus and bifidobacterium blend probiotics at a dose of 1-10 billion CFUs for 2-3 months. He also highlights that there is no need for stool zonulin testing, as blood testing is more effective for assessing leaky gut improvement.
Key Insights:
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, IBD, Celiac, GERD, abdominal pain, and altered bowel function are associated with an increased prevalence of leaky gut.
- Probiotics have been shown to improve leaky gut and reduce inflammation in as little as one to four weeks.
- Leaky gut occurs when the crucial membrane of the small intestine becomes dysfunctional, allowing particles and pathogens to leak through and stimulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation.
- The prevalence of leaky gut ranges from 36% to 88% in various symptom or disease states.
- Risk factors for leaky gut include a Western diet, alcohol use, poor sleep, chronic stress, dysbiosis (imbalances in gut bacteria), certain medications (such as antibiotics and NSAIDs), chronic diseases, and aging.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials found that probiotics can reduce leaky gut, inflammation, and increase healthy bacterial populations.
- The best dosing protocol for lactobacillus and bifidobacterium blend probiotics is 1 to 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) for two to three months. For soil-based probiotics, the recommended dose is 2 to 6 billion CFU per day for two to three months.
- Stool zonulin testing is not necessary, as it does not show significant changes after healing leaky gut. Testing blood zonulin is optional, but symptomatic improvements are often a better indicator of progress.
- Popular probiotic formulas for leaky gut include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium blend probiotics, as well as soil-based probiotics.
- The cost of probiotics ranges from $20 to $40 per bottle, depending on the brand.
- A personalized approach to treating leaky gut may be more practical than serial retesting, focusing on symptom resolution through various therapeutic approaches.
Transcript
If you have gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, IBD, Celiac, GERD, abdominal pain, altered bowel function, all of these indicate an increased prevalence of leaky gut. A recent study has provided definitive scientific proof that probiotics can improve leaky gut. Leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, occurs when the crucial membrane of the small intestine becomes dysfunctional. This membrane should absorb nutrients and prevent the entry of undesired particles and pathogens. However, with leaky gut, particles can leak through, leading to an immune system reaction and inflammation.
The small intestine is 22 feet long and absorbs over 90% of calories and nutrients. With its large surface area, equivalent to a tennis court, any dysfunction in its membrane can trigger chronic inflammation. Leaky gut is highly prevalent, with a 2019 systematic review estimating a prevalence of 36-88% in various symptom or disease states. So, it is important to consider leaky gut as an underlying cause of diagnosed conditions or chronic symptoms.
Various factors increase the risk of leaky gut, including a Western Diet, alcohol use, poor sleep, chronic stress, dysbiosis (bacterial imbalances), certain medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs, chronic diseases, and aging. It is crucial to note that leaky gut can exist without digestive symptoms, so it is important to understand the physiological connection between symptoms and gut health.
A recent study, titled „Probiotics Fortify Intestinal Barrier Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials,“ analyzed 26 clinical trials involving over 1800 patients. The study found that probiotics can reduce leaky gut, inflammation, and increase healthy bacterial populations. Specifically, probiotics reduced the direct leakage of particles, inflammatory cytokines, and improved markers of leaky gut. However, the study did not determine the optimum dosage and duration of probiotic supplementation.
According to a comprehensive review of the evidence, the best dosing protocol for lactobacillus and bifidobacterium blends is 1 to 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) for two to three months. For soil-based probiotics, the recommended dose is 2 to 6 billion CFUs per day for two to three months. Higher dosages do not necessarily lead to better outcomes.
Several probiotic formulas are available, and the cost ranges from $20 to $40 per bottle, providing a one to three-month supply. Testing for stool zonulin is not recommended based on the study’s findings, and blood zonulin testing may not be necessary as symptoms generally correlate with leaky gut. It is suggested to continue treating the individual until symptomatic resolution is achieved, rather than relying on serial testing.
In conclusion, probiotics have shown promising results in improving leaky gut. The protocol recommended is based on the currently available evidence, and it is important to consider the individual’s symptoms and response to treatment. Testing can be optional, but the focus should be on symptom resolution.
