Cardiologist and author Dr William Davis is the leading champion of Lactobacillus Reuteri, highlighting its potential to heal the gut, reduce inflammation and cholesterol, boost oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone), support collagen and muscle production, and even strengthen bones - and the science backs him up.
One trial found that taking L.Reuteri for a year reduced inflammation and increased bone mineral density in participants. Other studies suggest that it may reduce wrinkles and boost collagen levels. Then other studies have shown that it increases muscle mass, decreases muscle atrophy, and reduces exercise fatigue. However, most fascinating of all, research indicates that L-Reuteri can increase oxytocin. While oxytocin is often associated with love, trust, and bonding, it also plays a role in mood regulation, pain and stress relief, tissue repair, heart and bone health, gut function, and sexual health. Interestingly, oxytocin is produced not only in the brain but also in the gut. In the study, L. Reuteri stimulated the release of secretin, a messenger hormone that signals gut cells to then release oxytocin. The researchers found this conversion in all mammals tested, including humans. It's also worth noting the mice fed L. Reuteri were found to have a lower risk of cancer and healed wounds twice as fast as their control counterparts.
Essentially, boosting oxytocin in real-time looks like more empathy and sociable feelings towards your neighbors, spouse, and coworkers, sleeping like a baby, less stress while sitting in traffic, and lower anxiety during exams. Who wouldn’t want that kind of mood-boosting, stress-busting magic?
How to Take L-Reuteri
Many mainstream yogurts on the market do not add L-Reuteri to their cultures. I found two that do, including The Coconut Cult vegan yogurt and Stoneyfield Farms, dairy yogurt, but even so, the microbiome count in them is too low to truly optimize the benefits. Dr. William Davis recommends making your own L-Reuteri "yogurt" and incubating it for 36 hours to maximize the microbe count and to enhance its healing capabilities. As the probiotic base, he recommends using these or, for ease, these. Find the recipe here.
Happy yogurting!