Chris Kresser: There’s a second question, but I’ll answer that one first. These protocols are just made up, and I made them up based on trial and error over many years and what I’ve found to be most helpful. Is it possible that there are other protocols that would be just as effective or even more effective? Absolutely, and that’s why I’m always tweaking and adjusting my protocols. Is it possible that you could use only Prescript-Assist or MegaSporeBiotic in the protocol and it would be as effective? Absolutely. But we added MegaSporeBiotic about a year or a year and a half ago because of its strong antimicrobial effect. The bacillus species bacteria contained in MegaSporeBiotic have potent antimicrobial effect. They secrete antimicrobial peptides that are antibiotics, and so it strengthens the antimicrobial impact of the treatment. Also we’ve found that some patients who don’t really respond to any other probiotics do respond to MegaSporeBiotic in a positive way, including patients that aren’t really able to tolerate probiotics very well. Hopefully that helps answer your question.
Related to pairing with Lactobacillus or bifidobacteria, that’s certainly possible. We strayed away from that since those bacteria can aggravate SIBO if it’s present, but if there is no SIBO present and the patient does have low Lactobacillus or Bifidobacter, you could certainly use those either during the treatment or after the treatment. We would certainly want to use those as part of the rebuilding-a-healthy-gut protocol.
Angelie had a question about MegaSporeBiotic. I think that answers her question, as well.