Ep 5: Could probiotics be dangerous? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 15 MIN

Ep 5: Could probiotics be dangerous?

from The Pillars of Health Podcast · host Ben Eshelby and Nick Krasner

“What is there that is not poison? All things are poison and nothing is without poison. Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison." So wrote Paracelcus in 1538. Our understanding of gut microbiome science is still in its infancy and yet we are all familiar with taking probiotics for various conditions - often being promoted as being "potent" and "high dose". Whilst there appears to be no immediate consequences to human health now, is there a risk further down the track? We are starting to understand that many chronic conditions seem to be triggered by "dysbiosis" or imbalances in the gut. Could we create such a dysbiosis by indiscriminate use of probioitics and overloading on specific strains? Dr Nick and Ben discuss the theory behind this. 

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Ep 5: Could probiotics be dangerous?

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This episode was published on April 16, 2026.

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“What is there that is not poison? All things are poison and nothing is without poison. Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison." So wrote Paracelcus in 1538. Our understanding of gut microbiome science is still in its infancy and...

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