The #1 Probiotic You Need in Your Life with Microbiome Expert Amanda Wikan

Previously, we discussed the importance of strain specificity, dose, and therapeutic purpose with Microbiome Expert Amanda Wikan. Today, we’re exploring an incredible homemade probiotic tool that has numerous health benefits, including but not limited to:

• Improves sleep quality by balancing cortisol and inflammation

• Enhances skin health (collagen production, elasticity)

• Accelerates healing and tissue regeneration

• Improves bone density and mineral absorption

• Reverses hair loss (supports follicle health, reduces inflammation)

• Reduces harmful gut bacteria (e.g., proteobacteria)

• Aids in the prevention of SIBO by temporarily colonizing both small and large intestines for about three days before it is passed through your system with your bowel movement

• Produces reuterin, an antimicrobial compound

• Boosts oxytocin, promoting social bonding and reducing anxiety/stress

• Supports mental well-being and gut-brain communication

And you can make it at home! The concentrated, therapeutic yogurt delivers significantly relevant levels of beneficial microbes that virtually anyone can benefit from, regardless of age or health status.

Key Points:

1. The Strains

The yogurt contains two Lactobacillus reuteri strains, including DSM 17938, which has significant clinical research behind it. One of the main benefits is that it can decrease populations of pro-inflammatory bacteria.

This strain was originally native to the human microbiome but has been eradicated in ~94% of Americans, largely due to:

• Processed foods that don’t nourish/feed the beneficial bacteria, leading to their eradication.

• Antibiotic overuse that wipes out the beneficial bacteria

• Glyphosate exposure (an herbicide with antibiotic effects, notably introduced in 1994)

The scientists were able to isolate the specific Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 strain from a woman in Peru who still had the native strain.

2. Delivery and Dosage

The store-bought supplement (BioGaia Gastrus) has low doses (200 million CFU/tablet) of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, which may not be as effective for therapeutic effects. In our last article, we emphasized that a minimum effective dose is 10 billion CFUs per strain for effective therapeutic purposes.

By fermenting your own homemade yogurt, you can boost the colony-forming units significantly.

• Dosage: Start with 1–2 tablespoons/day, increasing gradually to ½ cup every 2-3 days.

• When travelling, to keep your levels alive, you can take the BioGaia Gastrus supplement.

  • Remember, supplemental probiotics are temporary visitors, staying for around 3 days. They don’t rebuild the microbiome—only feeding native bacteria (prebiotics) or fecal transplants can do that.

3. Strain Authenticity Warning

Dr William Davis popularized the concept of making Reuteri yogurt and originally recommended the Gastrus products to do so, but, due to trademark issues with BioGaia, he is selling a different strain that he can profit from. However, it is important to note that his strain has no published research backing it. It is therefore crucial to source the correct strain and make your own yogurt!

Making this yogurt can be challenging at first (requires sterilization and patience), but it's worth it. Ask your Client Advocate for our step-by-step guide.

*Not recommended for consumption during pregnancy or if you may become pregnant. Please consult your doctor.