Gut & Digestion

Independent, primary-sourced research on gut health and the microbiome — probiotics, fibre and digestive supplements graded by the actual strength of the evidence.

Probiotics: Why the Strain on the Label Matters More Than the CFU Count

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Key takeaways Strongest evidence: Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea risk, and multi-strain probiotic mixtures reduce C. difficile-associated diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (Cochrane 2017). “Probiotics help gut health” as a category claim is not supported — EFSA rejected essentially every general immune and digestive-health claim submitted for … Read more

Gut Health: Supplements That Work vs Popular Ones With No Evidence

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Key takeaways Psyllium (soluble fiber) has the strongest guideline-backed evidence among gut supplements — ACG recommends it specifically over insoluble fiber for IBS symptoms. Probiotics only work when strain-matched to a specific outcome: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 and B. bifidum MIMBb75 show benefit in specific IBS trials, but “more strains is better” claims are not supported … Read more

Gut Health: Prevention and Management — The Complete Evidence-Based Guide

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Key takeaways ACG’s clinical guideline recommends soluble fiber (psyllium) — not insoluble bran — as the best-supported nonprescription first step for IBS symptoms. A structured, time-limited low-FODMAP diet trial improves global IBS symptoms per a 2022 network meta-analysis of RCTs, but it’s meant to be short-term with dietitian-guided reintroduction, not permanent restriction. Enteric-coated peppermint oil … Read more