A Gastroenterologist’s Take on Gut-Health Myths

A Gastroenterologist’s Take on Gut-Health Myths

In the realm of social media, searching for #guthealth yields an overwhelming amount of information, with promises to cure bloating, repair your microbiome, and more. However, with so much content out there, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. To shed some light on these trending topics, we spoke with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a renowned gastroenterologist and author, to separate myth from reality.

The Importance of Curating Experts

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Dr. B agrees that having access to information is a significant benefit, but also emphasizes the importance of curating experts and not accepting every opinion as truth. "We assign expertise or respect to an opinion based on how many followers an individual has, which can be disconnected from actual qualifications and expertise. This leads to a mess, and we have a personal responsibility to curate our experts and not accept everything we hear as the truth."

Common Gut-Health Myths

We started by asking Dr. B to weigh in on some popular trends:

Apple-Cider Vinegar: Fact or Fiction?

Dr. B believes it’s mostly fact, with a hint of hype. "When you consume apple-cider vinegar with the mother, it is a fermented food, which enhances the diversity within our gut microbiome. I like to start my day with a glass of water and a splash of apple-cider vinegar, not too acidic, but enough to taste it."

Castor Oil: Fact or Fiction?

Dr. B firmly believes castor oil is fiction. "I think we have an epidemic of constipation in the United States, and many people are trying to address this by consuming castor oil or other remedies. However, I believe we can find better ways to relieve constipation, and castor oil is not the solution."

Prebiotic Sodas: Fact or Fiction?

Dr. B deems prebiotic sodas fiction. "While you can enjoy carbonated beverages and take prebiotic supplements, paying a substantial amount of money for a soda with added supplements is not the way to go. The forms of fiber used in prebiotic sodas can produce gas and, when combined with carbonation, may lead to bloating. There are better ways to get our prebiotics."

Fasting: Fact or Fiction?

Dr. B considers fasting mostly fact, but with some exaggeration. "Time-restricted eating can be a strategy to give you control over your food consumption during the day. It helps with caloric intake, and people who follow a time-restricted eating pattern tend to have benefits. However, the key is not to focus on the number of hours but instead to understand that your body’s ability to metabolize food changes throughout the day."

Probiotics: Fact or Fiction?

Dr. B believes probiotics are fact, when used appropriately. "The issue is that probiotic supplement companies would have you believe that the solution to gut-health problems lies in probiotics. I don’t agree. However, I have seen thousands of patients use probiotics to alleviate digestive issues, and it may improve their symptoms. But this should not be the principal approach. We need to focus on a food-first approach and then consider supplements as part of that equation."

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Dr. B emphasizes the importance of a food-first approach to supporting a healthier gut. Little changes, such as staying hydrated or eating your last meal earlier in the day, can add up over time. Remember, if a trend on social media seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead, focus on science-backed tips like eating a greater variety of plants and including fermented foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to support gut health?
A: Focus on a food-first approach, including a variety of plants and fermented foods.

Q: What is the role of probiotics in gut health?
A: Probiotics can be helpful, but it’s essential to understand that they are not the primary solution to gut-health problems.

Q: Can I use castor oil to relieve constipation?
A: No, Dr. B advises against relying on castor oil for constipation relief. There are more effective and safer ways to address this issue.

Q: Is fasting the best way to promote gut health?
A: While time-restricted eating can be beneficial, the focus should be on understanding your body’s ability to metabolize food throughout the day rather than the number of hours you fast.