Gut Health & Microbiome
IBS, SIBO & gut-healing seekers rebuilding their microbiome.
Gut-Immune Axis Optimization
Advanced ID: gut-health-advanced
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Address chronic gut dysfunction by targeting dysbiosis, leaky gut, and immune signaling through a multi-modal protocol combining precision postbiotics, peptides, and mucosal immunity enhancers.
Rx Components
- Sodium Butyrate – 600 mg twice daily
- Tributyrin – 300 mg with meals
- IgY Immunoglobulins – 500 mg/day
- Colostrum – 2 g/day, divided doses
- Bovine Lactoferrin – 300 mg/day
- BPC-157 – 250 mcg subq daily or oral lozenge (if available)
- Larazotide Acetate – 0.5–1 mg pre-meal
Targeted Integration
| Role | Type | Components | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbiotic Rebalancing | Metabolic Signaling |
| Enhances SCFA-mediated anti-inflammatory effects and supports gut–brain signaling via HDAC inhibition. |
| Immune Tolerance Modulation | Immunonutrition |
| Modulates gut immune activation, reduces antigen load, and promotes oral tolerance. |
| Mucosal & Barrier Repair | Peptide Therapy |
| BPC-157 promotes epithelial healing and angiogenesis; Larazotide modulates tight junctions and reduces gut permeability. |
Administration
- Postbiotics with meals to support digestion and signaling
- Immunoglobulins/Colostrum ideally on an empty stomach
- BPC-157 via subq in morning or oral lozenge split AM/PM
- Larazotide before meals, especially those containing gluten or inflammatory foods
Mechanism of Action
- Butyrate and tributyrin restore gut–brain homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines
- IgY and colostrum bind gut pathogens and modulate mucosal immunity
- BPC-157 enhances angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and mucosal regeneration
- Larazotide inhibits zonulin-mediated disassembly of tight junctions
Cycle & Duration
- 12–16 week protocol with periodic pulsing of immunoglobulin products
- Peptides: 6–8 week cycles with 2–4 week off periods
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Low-FODMAP or carnivore-style elimination to reduce dysbiosis burden
- Breathwork and vagal stimulation to reduce gut inflammation
- Sauna or heat therapy to boost HSP expression and mucosal recovery
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Immunoglobulins and colostrum may cause dairy-related reactions
- Butyrate can induce GI distress—start slow
- Larazotide availability may vary and lacks long-term data
Monitoring
- Track zonulin levels and inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin)
- Subjective: changes in bowel habits, bloating, fatigue
- Optional: Intestinal permeability tests or Cyrex Array 2
References
- Lloyd-Price, J. et al. (2016). The healthy human microbiome. Genome Med.
- Smith, P. M. et al. (2013). Gut microbiota and immune homeostasis. Science.
- Sikiric, P. et al. (2018). BPC-157: stable gastric pentadecapeptide. Curr Pharm Des.
- Kelly, C. J. et al. (2015). Crosstalk between microbiota-derived SCFAs and intestinal barrier. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol.
- Patel, R. M. et al. (2012). Lactoferrin and colostrum in gut health. Clin Perinatol.
Digestive Reset
Beginner ID: gut-health-beginner
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Establish foundational gut health by supporting microbial diversity, improving digestion, and reducing bloating through gentle, evidence-based interventions.
Rx Components
- Psyllium Husk – 5 g daily with water
- Inulin (Chicory Root) – 3 g daily
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – 10 billion CFU/day
- Saccharomyces boulardii – 250 mg, twice daily
- Digestive Enzymes Blend – with main meals
- Electrolyte Mix – daily, especially during increased fiber intake
Administration
- Psyllium: mix with water and consume immediately, separate from other supplements by at least 1 hour
- Inulin: add to smoothies or water; start with 1 g and increase gradually to minimize gas
- Probiotics: take in the morning on an empty stomach
- Saccharomyces boulardii: take with meals
- Digestive enzymes: consume just before or during meals
- Electrolytes: consume mid-morning or during periods of increased fiber intake
Mechanism of Action
- Psyllium husk provides soluble fiber that aids in stool formation and promotes satiety
- Inulin serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supports intestinal barrier function and immune modulation
- Saccharomyces boulardii helps maintain intestinal flora balance and combats pathogenic organisms
- Digestive enzymes assist in the breakdown of macronutrients, enhancing nutrient absorption
Cycle & Duration
- Begin with a 4-week cycle; assess tolerance and adjust dosages as needed
- Continue for up to 12 weeks to establish baseline gut health
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or kimchi to enhance probiotic effects
- Adopt a diet rich in diverse, plant-based fibers to support microbial diversity
- Engage in regular physical activity to promote gut motility
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Rapid increase in fiber can cause bloating or discomfort; increase intake gradually
- Probiotics may cause mild digestive upset initially; monitor and adjust as needed
- Ensure adequate hydration to support fiber supplementation
Monitoring
- Track digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, and stool regularity
- Note any changes in energy levels and mood
- Consider journaling dietary intake and symptoms to identify patterns
References
- Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. Nutrients.
- Ouwehand, A.C. et al. (2002). Probiotic and other functional microbes: from markets to mechanisms. Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
- McFarland, L.V. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology.
- Martinsen, T.C. et al. (2005). The role of pepsin and other proteolytic enzymes in the development of gastric ulcer. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.
Microbiome Restoration Protocol
Intermediate ID: gut-health-intermediate
Note: Every protocol follows the "low and slow" principle. Don't add everything at once. Start with one element, observe how your body reacts, and layer gradually. Everyone's system is unique—build up at your own pace.
Overview
Enhance microbial diversity, reduce gut permeability, and support short-chain fatty acid production through synergistic supplementation and mucosal support.
Rx Components
- Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum – 5 g/day
- Resistant Starch (e.g. unmodified potato starch) – 15–20 g/day
- Multi-strain Probiotic – 10–50 billion CFU/day
- L-Glutamine – 5 g twice daily
- Zinc Carnosine – 75 mg twice daily
- Butyrate (e.g. tributyrin or sodium butyrate) – 300–600 mg/day
- Saccharomyces Boulardii – 250 mg 1–2x/day
Targeted Integration
| Role | Type | Components | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microbial Rebalancing | Nutritional Therapy |
| Feeds beneficial gut flora while modulating the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, essential for reducing metabolic endotoxemia. |
| Mucosal Repair | Barrier Support Strategy |
| Improves epithelial tight junction integrity and soothes GI inflammation by supporting the mucosal barrier. |
Administration
- Take prebiotics (guar gum, starch) with or before meals
- Probiotics in morning on empty stomach
- L-Glutamine between meals for gut lining repair
- Zinc Carnosine with food to reduce GI distress
- Butyrate post-meal for SCFA support
- S. Boulardii with meals or when traveling/antibiotic use
Mechanism of Action
- Guar gum and resistant starch increase SCFA-producing bacteria like Roseburia and Faecalibacterium
- L-Glutamine fuels enterocytes, aiding epithelial regeneration
- Zinc Carnosine modulates inflammation and enhances mucosal repair
- S. Boulardii crowds out pathogens and boosts secretory IgA
- Butyrate reduces gut permeability and improves T-reg activity
Cycle & Duration
- Minimum 8–12 weeks for microbiome shift
- Rotate or pulse probiotics every 6–8 weeks to maintain strain diversity
Synergies & Stack Partners
- Polyphenol-rich foods (berries, green tea) to nourish gut flora
- Time-restricted eating to increase gut repair intervals
- Gentle movement (yoga, walking) to support motility
Contraindications & Side Effects
- Prebiotics may initially worsen bloating or gas—titrate slowly
- Butyrate may cause nausea in high doses—start with lower end
- S. Boulardii should be avoided in severely immunocompromised individuals
Monitoring
- Track stool consistency and frequency
- Assess bloating, gas, and abdominal pain patterns
- Optional: GI-MAP or uBiome test every 3–6 months for flora trends
References
- Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients.
- Rao, R. K. et al. (2012). L-glutamine in intestinal epithelial health. J Nutr Biochem.
- Matsumoto, K. et al. (2005). Zinc carnosine protects against indomethacin-induced ulcers. J Clin Biochem Nutr.
- McFarland, L. V. (2010). Evidence-based review of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Drugs.