Peat Archive

Ray Peat's approach to gut health differs significantly from the probiotic-focused mainstream. While acknowledging the importance of intestinal function, he was skeptical of the 'more bacteria is better' approach and instead emphasized reducing bacterial overgrowth, maintaining gut motility, and preventing endotoxin absorption. He viewed many gut problems as downstream of hypothyroidism (which slows gut motility) and PUFA consumption (which damages the gut barrier).

Peat recommended well-cooked foods over raw ones (less bacterial contamination and fewer anti-nutrients), raw carrot salad as a mechanical bowel cleanser, and cascara sagrada for constipation. He noted that intestinal bacteria produce endotoxin, serotonin, and estrogen — all of which are harmful when absorbed in excess — and that the goal should be rapid transit time to minimize bacterial fermentation and toxin absorption.