Probiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeasts, that support health when consumed in sufficient quantities. Found naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, they are also available as concentrated supplements containing specific bacterial strains. Different strains serve distinct functions, making strain selection important for targeted health goals.
Expert Evidence
3 references from 2 experts
“I do believe in probiotics. I take probiotics. But there are studies that show that if you take lots and lots of certain probiotics like lactobacillus and you really ramp up the levels, there are things like brain fog that can come from that.”
How Foods & Nutrients Control Our Moods | Huberman Lab Essentials
23:112 references in 2 episodes from 2021–2025
Huberman takes probiotics and believes in their value, noting the gut microbiome communicates with the brain and can influence mood through neurotransmitter pathways. However, he cautions that excessive intake of certain strains like lactobacillus can cause brain fog. No specific brand, dosage, or timing guidance is provided.
“VSL#3 is the probiotic that I take. The sachets have 450 billion, which is more than what the capsules have. 450 billion is like 10 times more than what most probiotics have.”
Tim Ferriss on Ketosis, Microbiome, Lyme Disease, and Biomarkers
44:151 reference in 1 episode from 2015
Rhonda Patrick takes VSL#3 probiotic, specifically the sachet form with 450 billion CFU, which she notes is about 10 times more than most probiotics. No specific benefits, timing guidance, or cautions were discussed.
Side Effects
- Mild bloating or gas during initial use
- Temporary changes in bowel habits
- Brain fog at very high doses of certain lactobacillus strains
- Rare allergic reactions to carrier ingredients
$0.83/ct
$24.95 total
$0.48/ct
$29.00 total