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Susan Young's avatar

I have been having stomach aches and am wondering if probiotics and digestive enzymes could help.

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John Kelley MD's avatar

Hey Susan,

The answer could depend on numerous different variables - when it occurs, how often, associated symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, trigger foods. Digestive enzymes can work well for people with gallbladder or pancreatic diseases. Probiotics can be helpful if trying to rebuild you gut microbiome but sometimes can make existing issues like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) worse. If you don't have a physician who can help with these problems, I am available for coaching.

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Catherine Kelley's avatar

As far as fermented additions to diet, what do you recommend! Kimchi? I remember your talking about it.

Also, is wine allowed if you want to achieve ketosis? If so, how much? Or are there other options with less sugar?

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John Kelley MD's avatar

Great question! Kimchi, sauerkraut (canned sauerkraut tends to not be fermented), low carb greek yogurt or Kefir, kombucha are great options.

Alcoholic beverages are a bit more complicated. The carbohydrate load is really low for alcohol or spirits. If you drink alcohol with food, your body will break down the alcohol first and then have a higher propensity to store remaining calories as fat. Suffice to say, you can probably get away with a glass of wine or spirit per night. I usually recommend not drinking a couple of days per week.

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