May 4, 2026
Episode #5: Ask Doctor Jason FULL Episode 5 – Gut Health + Probiotics
Jason and Brian kick off this episode with their Hot Topic: Gut Health—one of the fastest-growing conversations in wellness right now. They break down what the gut microbiome actually is (hint: it functions like its own organ), why it’s essential for everything from digestion to immunity, and how it directly impacts mood, cognition, and overall health. They also explore how modern diets—loaded with processed foods, artificial ingredients, and low fiber—have disrupted this delicate system, and what you can do to restore balance.
🔥 Rapid Fire: Buy or Don’t Buy – Jason and Brian deliver quick, no-BS takes on trending supplements and ingredients including choline, vitamin E, yohimbine, DMG, progesterone creams, sea moss, BCAAs, D-mannose, MCT oil, and fenugreek. They cut through the noise to explain what actually works, what’s overhyped, and how to think about supplements as part of a bigger system—not a magic fix.
🧠 Mind and Body Connection – The episode wraps with a deeper look at the gut-brain connection. With up to 90% of serotonin produced in the gut and constant communication via the vagus nerve, Jason explains why taking care of your gut isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. From daily habits to smarter supplementation, the key takeaway is simple: real health starts in the gut, and consistency beats everything. Grounded in 60+ years of combined experience, this episode breaks down one of the most important (and misunderstood) areas of health today—while giving you practical, realistic ways to support your body from the inside out.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:05:46 Hot Topic: GLP-1
00:31:09 Rapid Fire: Buy or Don’t Buy
00:44:47 Mind and Spirit – Mental Health
Ask Doctor Jason: Instagram: @askdoctorjason Facebook: askdoctorjason TikTok: @askdoctorjason Youtube: @AskDoctorJason Website: askdoctorjason.com
Check out our sponsors: Probulin Total Care Probiotic, Aonic, Verdant Nature, Transparent Labs
References
[2:10] Electrolytes
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to “too much” electrolytes or “upper limit” but they’re designed to give you electrical stimulating minerals.
Reference: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance[4:05] Erectile Dsyfunction
ED can be linked to high blood pressure.
Reference: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Erection Problems?[4:06] Beet Root
Episode 5: Erectile Dsyfunction
Reference: Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes[7:15] Eli Metchnikoff
Eli Metchnikoff and the bulgarian peasants – the beginning of probiotic research.
Reference: Bulgarian yogurt: An old tradition, alive and well[8:25] Gut Health
Gut health is not just about digestion and immunity anymore – gut microbiome operates almost like an organ.
Reference: Role of the normal gut microbiota[10:15] Fiber
Fiber is key part of diet for supporting a healthy microbiome. slows absorption of sugar, and feeds living organisms.
Reference: Gut microbiota modulation by dietary fiber on human health[11:00] Food Engineering
Universities now teach “food engineering” what used to be called “farming”.
Reference: Agriculture and Food Careers[11:50] Gut Brain Axis
Gut brain axis and the serotonin connection – most serotonin produced in the gut.
Reference: Identification of human gut bacteria that produce bioactive serotonin and promote colonic innervation[13:00] Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve and the surprising connection between gut and brain where most of the signals come from the gut to the brain.
Reference: The vagus nerve’s mysterious role in mental health untangled[14:00] Gut & Mental Health
Taking care of gut health can impact emotional and mental health.
Reference: A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression[14:40] Yogurt's Bacteria
Many store-bought yogurts are not very high in living bacteria and instead have sugars, colors, etc.
Reference: Rethinking Yogurt’s Probiotic Value[16:00] Dysbiosis
Modern foods and chemicals including antibiotics and lead to “dysbiosis” or dysregulated gut microbiome.
Reference: Dysbiosis and the modern lifestyle[16:20] Smoking
Smoking is a factor that contributes to poor outcomes during menopause.
Reference: Reconsidering Hormone Replacement Therapy[16:30] Probiotics & Antibiotics
Probiotics have value right after or during antibiotics
Reference: Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea[17:15] Probiotics & Antibiotics part 2
Timing of probioitc supplements around antibiotics.
Reference: Can you take probiotics with antibiotics?[17:30] Probiotic Delivery
Delivery systems with probiotics are important.
Reference: Encapsulation of probiotics: past, present and future[18:00] Living Bacteria
Probiotics are living bacteria – need to deliver them alive.
Reference: Survival of Probiotic Lactobacilli in Acidic Environments Is Enhanced in the Presence of Metabolizable Sugars[18:30] Postbiotics
Probiotic organisms produce a lot of products in their lifecycle nowadays called “postbiotics”.
Reference: The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics[20:00] Butyrates
Probiotics create Butyrates, bacteriocins, vitamins, etc.
Reference: Bioactive molecules of probiotic bacteria and their mechanism of action[20:25] Probiotic's Environment
Probioitics help create a challenging environment for harmful bacteria.
Reference: The Effect of Probiotics on the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids by Human Intestinal Microbiome[21:30] Shipping Probiotics
Most probioitics are not shipped cold to the store.
Reference: Evaluation of Probiotic Survivability in Yogurt Exposed To Cold Chain Interruption[22:00] Shelf Stable Probiotics
“Shelf-stable” probiotics have become one of the fastest growing segments in the category.
Reference: Heat-Stable Probiotics Market to Reach USD 12.7 Billion by 2036...[22:30] "Shelf-Stable" Probiotics part 2
Most of the probioitcs currently sold in the fridge are relatively shelf stable at room temperature.
Reference: Heat-Stable Probiotics Market to Reach USD 12.7 Billion by 2036...[23:00] Probiotic's Sensitivity
Probiotics are sensitive to extreme heat, and also sensitive to moisture.
Reference: Pilot-scale Production and Viability Analysis of Freeze-Dried Probiotic Bacteria Using Different Protective Agents[23:45] Blister Trays
Blister trays are among the best protection from moisture and keeps every capsule protectedbetter than a twist-cap bottle.
Reference: Pilot-scale Production and Viability Analysis of Freeze-Dried Probiotic Bacteria Using Different Protective Agents[24:20] Symbiotics
“Symbiotics” are not just living bacteria it’s the prebiotic fiber + the postbioitic compounds built during their lifecycle all together.
Reference: The Future of Synbiotics[26:15] Postbiotics
Postbiotics may reduce competition among the healthy bacteria.
Reference: Gut Microbiota-Targeted Diets Modulate Human Immune Status[27:30] Coated Delivery System
The probiotic bacteria in supplements have difficulty surviving through stomach acid and should be coated in a delivery system to help survival into the colon.
Reference: Probiotic survival during a multi‐layered tablet development...[28:30] Enteric Coating
May brands of probiotic use an older technology called “enteric coating” which uses methyl acrylate or pthallate.
Reference: Targeted Release of Probiotics from Enteric Microparticulated Formulations[29:15] Phthalates
Phthalates are being identified as hormone disruptors
Reference: Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health[29:30] Daily Probiotics
Probiotics can be taken every day.
Reference: An insight into the functional alterations in the gut microbiome[30:00] Probiotic Colonization
It is difficult for supplemental probiotics to colonize permamently in the gut.
Reference: The Networked Interaction between Probiotics and Intestine in Health and Disease[30:30] Bacteria Disruption
Many types of medications, not just antibiotics, can disrupt bacteria in the human microbiome.
Reference: Drug-mediated disruption of the aging gut microbiota and mucosal immune system[31:25] Choline Bitartrate
Choline bitartrate is a more bioavailable form that is often promoted for liver and brain support. a readily available source of acetyl choline. Can be valuable
Reference: Future Directions in Choline[32:10] Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin with an RDI established by the government. Make sure you get the “D-Alpha tocopherol” which is the natural form.
Reference: itamin E and Metabolic Health[33:10] Mixed Tocopherols
Look for mixed tocopherols with your vitamin E supplement as the superior form over just D-alpha tocopherol alone.
Reference: Chemopreventive Activity of Vitamin E in Breast Cancer[33:45] Liquid Vitamin E
Liquid vitamin E can help support skin healing but should ideally be used when the healing of the skin cells is already underway rather than too early on in the healing process.
Reference: Vitamin E for Scars[34:30] Yohimbe
Yohimbe is a stimulant-like herbal supplement can raise blood pressure and is associated with some negative side effects.
Reference: Multifaced Nature of Yohimbine[35:30] DMG
DMG has been used to support immune health and oxygenation. It is also helpful for athletic performance.
Reference: Structural, Thermal, and Vibrational Properties of N,N-Dimethylglycine[36:40] Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone-like compound that has been used to support hormone balance but should be used carefully and with care of a health care practitioner.
Reference: A Steroid with Wide Range of Effects in Physiology as Well as Human Medicine[37:50] Sea Moss
Sea Moss is a “superfood” supplement that is touted as having essential minerals and vitamins.
Reference: Seaweed as a Safe Nutraceutical Food[38:40] Branched Chain Amino Acids
Branched Chain Amino Acids are helpful for athletic performance and recovery. Can be helpful for athletes but do not taste very good!
Reference: Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Inflammation Management in Endurance Sports[40:15] D-Mannose
D-Mannose is a sugar-like compound that is known for urinary tract support.
Reference: Considerations on D-mannose Mechanism of Action...[41:00] MCT Oil
MCT oil is a “medium chain saturated fats” are readily absorbed into the body for energy and helpful for energy and weightloss.
Reference: Food Intake and Satiety Response after Medium-Chain Triglycerides Ingested as Solid or Liquid[41:30] Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is naturally high in MCT oil.
Reference: Coconut oil and medium-chain fatty acids attenuate...[42:00] Fenugreek
Fenugreek became known for supporting blood sugar and more recently it has been investigated for testosterone support.
Reference: Fenugreek derived diosgenin as an emerging source for diabetic therapy[43:00] Fenugreek part 2
Fenugreek for testosterone support – identifying the correct potency.
Reference: Libifem® (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in conjunction with exercise on muscle strength...[44:30] Testosterone
What is “correct” range for healthy testosterone for men in their 40s?.
Reference: Low Testosterone in Adolescents & Young Adults[46:30] Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been studied to help with stress and athletic performance and healthy testosterone.
Reference: The benefits of ashwagandha[46:50] Ashwagandha part 2
Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen.
Reference: The benefits of ashwagandha[48:45] L-Theanine
L-Theanine helps increase alpha-waves in teh brain — a measure of relaxation. It will not make you sleepy.
Reference: L-Theanine: A Unique Functional Amino Acid[49:15] Saffron
Saffron extract can help to elevate mood. It may be related to serotonin in the body.
Reference: Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults[50:30] Omega-3
High-EPA omega-3 formulas have been studied for supporting mood
Reference: Disentangling the Molecular Mechanisms of the Antidepressant Activity of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid[51:00] Theanine, Ashwagandha, Saffron, and Omega-3
Theanine, ashwagandha, saffron, and omega-3 fatty acids can all be taken together.
Reference: Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action