Zack Abbott, creator of a probiotic that combats the after-effects of alcohol, discusses the science behind probiotics, genetically engineered bacteria, and the potential of revolutionizing everyday wellness. They also delve into topics like bio-hacking, wearables for better sleep, and the challenges of modern life.
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Quick takeaways
Genetically engineered probiotics can help reduce the negative effects of alcohol by metabolizing acetaldehyde in the gut.
The safety of genetically engineered probiotics depends on the specific function added and extensive safety testing is conducted.
Zebiotics, a genetically engineered probiotic, does not require long-term use or strict consistency and specifically targets acetaldehyde metabolism for individuals who want to address this issue.
Deep dives
The Importance of Gut Microbiome in Alcohol Metabolism
The gut is a major source of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. Normally, the liver efficiently converts acetaldehyde to acetate. However, in the gut, acetaldehyde can accumulate and cause various negative effects. By genetically engineering a safe probiotic bacteria similar to those found in nature, it can be made to express an enzyme that converts acetaldehyde to acetate, just like the liver. Consuming this probiotic before drinking can help the body deal with acetaldehyde in the gut and reduce its negative impact.
Addressing Safety Concerns of Genetic Engineering
The concerns around genetic engineering are often based on the misapplication of the technology. Genetic engineering itself is a tool that allows specific traits or functions to be added to organisms. The safety of the final product depends on the function being added and whether it affects the organism in an unsafe way. For zebiotics, the focus is on adding an enzyme found in many common bacteria to help with acetaldehyde metabolism. Extensive safety testing is done to ensure the product is safe and adheres to standard safety regulations.
Loading and Consistency of zebiotics
Unlike some other probiotics, zebiotics do not require a loading phase or long-term consistency. The chosen probiotic strain, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, is already present in many people's microbiomes, making it more likely to take up residence in the gut. Since it passes through the gut without permanently colonizing, there is no need to load up on it for weeks. Additionally, zebiotics are designed to address the specific issue of acetaldehyde metabolism, so they do not interfere with other beneficial microbes in the gut. This sidesteps the complexity of microbiome balance and allows for a targeted approach.
The Potential Benefits and Considerations of zebiotics
By targeting acetaldehyde metabolism in the gut, zebiotics offer a potential solution to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol consumption. The genetically engineered probiotic can help break down acetaldehyde before it enters the bloodstream, reducing its systemic inflammation and other detrimental effects. The safety of zebiotics is rigorously evaluated, and the technology used is a tool that can be applied to various functions or traits. Unlike other probiotics, zebiotics do not require long-term use or strict consistency, making them a convenient option for individuals who want to address acetaldehyde metabolism specifically.
Genetically engineering probiotics for targeted benefits
The podcast episode explores the concept of genetically engineering probiotics to perform specific and beneficial functions in the body. The guest, Zach Abbott from Z-biotics, discusses how their company developed the world's first genetically engineered probiotic to address the next-day effects of drinking alcohol. He explains that the goal of their technology is to create tailored probiotics for various needs, including improving nutrition, aiding in recovery from exercise, enhancing sleep, and supporting mood. The idea is to intervene in biological processes to optimize everyday life.
Debunking misconceptions about alcohol and hydration
The podcast challenges common misconceptions about alcohol and hydration. Abbott explains that while alcohol does inhibit the anti-diuretic hormone, leading to increased urination, studies have shown that alcohol consumption does not cause dehydration. The body compensates for the fluid intake by engaging metabolic processes. However, he still emphasizes the importance of hydration and maintaining blood volume while consuming alcohol. The discussion also touches on the cleanliness of different types of alcohol and their potential impact on the body.
Imagine waking up to a morning with clear thoughts and a body that's ready to leap out of bed - even after a night that included a few glasses of your favorite Cabernet.
Sound impossible? Not anymore.
My curiosity always gets the best of me, especially when it involves the cutting edge of health technology. That's why when I heard about today's guest Zack Abbott's quest to conquer the after-effects of alcohol with something as simple as a probiotic, I knew I had to get the full story.
Picture this: A scientist working diligently in an HIV research lab, struck by a lightning bolt of inspiration. This isn't the beginning of a sci-fi movie; it's Zack's real-life journey as a revolutionary thinker who saw potential where others only saw a dead end. Zack's credentials are as impressive as his ambition – a PhD in Microbiology and immunology, paired with hands-on experience in clinical trial design, has armed him with the expertise to turn visionary concepts into tangible solutions.
With the company that resulted from his aha! moment, ZBiotics, Zack is carving a new path in the health industry. Launching the world’s first genetically engineered probiotic is no small feat, and the implications are massive. Not only has he opened up a new way to diminish the dreaded hangover, but he's also paving the road for a future where probiotics go beyond gut health, potentially transforming the approach to everyday wellness.
In this episode, Zack and I delve into the science of probiotics like never before. We'll uncover the secrets behind genetically engineering these tiny allies to tackle acetaldehyde, explore the potential future applications of Zack's technology, and maybe even touch on how a classical art & archaeology background pairs with modern genetic innovation. Prepare to look at your morning-after in a whole new light.
