u/fiftyonsix

Hello!

I am interested in supplementing berberine (500mg, cycled), since many sources say doing so has beneficial effects for overall gut biome "balance". However, I want to make sure I'm not inadvertently counteracting the probiotics I eat. For example, I read in this study that berberine inhibits bacillus subtilis, which is in natto. I eat natto every day and I have never felt healthier, so I don't want to nullify its probiotic effects by taking berberine. Natto is just one example, I also regularly ferment stuff using raw apple cider vinegar, eat kefir, etc.

Now, based on what I'm reading, it doesn't seem that berberine would kill all of the beneficial bacteria I am hoping to preserve. Most of the studies I have read indicate that berberine regulates the metabolized products of certain gut bacteria, not that it kills them all off. So I was going to go for it.

Then I came across this:

https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2024/08/berberine-potent-antimicrobial/

I don't really think I'm qualified to interpret the one study he cites, but I've seen his article linked in this sub before. Is he right, will berberine eliminate bacteria like bacillus subtilis? Is it really pointless to eat fermented foods and probiotics whilst taking berberine? Or are these claims exaggerated?

Hello,

I've seen comments in here before about the health benefits of beets. Beets are top of the list for me in terms of both nutrition (healthy nitrates, betalains) and value. Plus, I happen to enjoy the taste, and they're quite filling. So I've been eating about 1 beetroot every day.

However, I've just found out that beetroots accumulate heavy metals like lead and cadmium at a higher rate than many other vegetables - even organic ones, since the problem lies in the soil. This is also a problem for turmeric and ginger.

My question is, does anyone know of a source for lab-tested beetroots? I am less interested in powders/supplements since these tend to get expensive, and I enjoy cooking with the whole vegetable. I am only worried about this since I eat beets daily, and due to the health benefits I am reluctant to eat it less frequently.

Let me know where you source your heavy-metal free beets!