Now what is this all about? It’s about some amazing research done by Dr. William Davis on the benefits of certain microorganisms. I highly recommend purchasing his book, Super Gut. While most microorganisms are beneficial, some are stand-outs in the pregnancy-infant world, amongst them are Bifidobacterium Infantis and L. Reuteri.
Here is a quote from the book: “B. Infantis is a species that has been lost by many mothers who thereby do not pass it on to their newborn babies, which puts infants at a disadvantage for growth, and long-term health. When this species is restored in infants, as a probiotic, they have fewer bowel movements (by 50%, thereby reducing the number of diaper changes) less colic, less eczema, less diaper rash, better sleep, and are at less risk for asthma, Type I diabetes, and other immune disorders later in childhood. It is a keystone species that allows your child to digest breast milk oligosaccharides, which in turn, provide better nutrition for your baby while also cultivating other healthy bacterial species in your child’s microbiome.”
L. Reuteri is another exceptional micro-organism. It has the ability to colonize the upper GI tract and it enhances healing and boosts oxytocin (the love-bonding hormone). Dr Davis quotes the benefits; “smoother skin, increased skin moisture (more sebum), increased dermal collagen (fewer wrinkles) accelerated, healthy restoration of youthful muscle.” Dr. Davis recommends not consuming L. Reuteri as a monoculture yogurt, but rather, mixing it. This yields a “gentler” yogurt by lowering bacterial counts.
Here is this midwife’s recommendation for a mixed culture yogurt. It provides both B. Infantis and L. Reuteri.
Ingredients
10 Crushed Gastrus Tablets- BioGaia Gastrus Tablets (L. Reuteri)
1/4 tsp of B. Infantis Enviro w/ EVC 001 Strain
2 Tablespoons of Prebiotic Fiber (Inulin or Potato Starch)
1 Quart Half and Half (preferably organic, grass-fed), Full Fat Milk or Coconut Milk. (The best Coconut Milk to use in this recipe is Jiva Organics Organic Coconut Milk.)
Combine the B. Infantis and L. Reuteri. Pulverize 10 Gastric tablets by placing them in a plastic bag, and crushing them with a heavy jar, or rolling pin. If in capsule or envelope form, simply open the capsule or envelope and sprinkle into a bowl. Add 2 Tablespoons liquid of choice. Stir to make a slurry. Stir until well mixed.
Stir in remaining liquid. Cover tightly. Place in fermenting device, and ferment at 100 degrees for 36 to 40 hours.
To make future batches, save out 2 Tablespoons of the prior batch and use as a “seed culture.”
About Roberta Devers, M.S.
Roberta Devers (formerly Roberta Devers-Scott) is a midwife and practitioner of functional midwifery with a lifelong passion for supporting women through life’s most transformative moments. With decades of experience in holistic birth advocacy, trauma-informed care, and integrative wellness, Roberta brings deep compassion and a whole-body approach to healing. She continues to stand for informed choice, bodily autonomy, and evidence-based approaches to women’s health.