Ep. 111: Stevia vs. Sugar, Ketogenic Diets for Epilepsy, and Spore-Based vs Standard Probiotics (Q & A)

In this episode we discuss: How spore-based probiotics differ from typical probiotics and whether we should be using either of them to improve our gut health  Whether low-carb or ketogenic diets are an ideal solution for epilepsy  The role of gut health and metabolism in epileptic seizures Concerns with using low- or no-calorie sweeteners Whether stevia is actually any better than artificial sweeteners   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-111-stevia-vs-sugar-ketogenic-diets-for-epilepsy-and-spore-based-vs-standard-probiotics-qa   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:17 – whether spore-based probiotics can cause bacterial overgrowths like SIBO 4:53 – the drawbacks of standard probiotic use and the limitations of stool testing 9:55 – how spore-based probiotics protect against pathogenic bacteria and endotoxin and which spore-based product Jay recommends 15:39 – long-term benefits of spore-based probiotics and how long you need to use them for these benefits 21:05 – whether low-carb or ketogenic diets are necessary to improve epilepsy  29:25 – using ketones for fuel and why the production of ketones isn't the problem on a ketogenic diet  30:48 – the main drivers of epileptic seizures and how ketones help to prevent or reverse them  34:17 – the role of the gut microbiome in brain health and epilepsy 42:18 – concerns with low- or no-calorie sweeteners like stevia 48:03 – whether we should be concerned about the lack of nutrients in table sugar, honey, and maple syrup  54:55 – stevia as a potential endocrine disruptor that may have negative effects on the thyroid, liver, and kidneys