Probiotics and Prebiotics
Also called fermented foods
What Huberman said
Huberman says that under normal conditions people would focus on quality nutrition and take probiotics and/or prebiotics at a fairly low to moderate level, with higher amounts only during dysbiosis, such as after antibiotics, high stress, travel or a change of diet. He warns that excessive probiotic intake has been linked to brain fog, and his newsletter suggests low-sugar fermented foods from the refrigerator section.
Cautions he mentions
- Excessive amounts of prebiotics and probiotics, as in the capsule forms, can lead to some issues like brain fog if taken ongoing rather than for short periods.[3]
- Not high-dose probiotics except under conditions of dysbiosis.[2]
- Prebiotics and probiotics are supplements and not FDA-regulated; look for an independently validated product. Supplementation will impact individuals differently.[1]
Safety notes from independent sources
- NCCIH says the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or a weakened immune system, so speak to your doctor first if that applies to you. NCCIH: Probiotics
Where he said it
- 1
“In cases of dysbiosis, such as after taking antibiotics, during high periods of stress, traveling or changing your diet ... higher levels of prebiotics and/or probiotics can aid in recovery”
6 Key Tools to Improve Your Gut Microbiome Health
Newsletter · 2022
- 2
“and focus on ingestion of probiotics at a fairly low to moderate level and or prebiotics at a fairly low to moderate level.”
How to Enhance Your Gut Microbiome for Brain & Overall Health
Episode · 01:15:00 · 2022
- 3
“if they're taken ongoing, not for short periods of time, ... can lead to some issues like brain fog.”
Developing a Rational Approach to Supplementation for Health & Performance
Episode · 00:33:06 · 2023
This page reports what Andrew Huberman has said. It isn’t medical advice and NSDR.co isn’t affiliated with Huberman Lab. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Safety information