STOP Drinking Soda. Your Gut Will Thank You. | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

But just how differently do these two beverages affect the gut? When you choose a ginger kombucha over, say, a cherry cola, the impact of that decision may be greater than you think. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist and best-selling author of Fiber Fueled, takes us inside the digestive tract to help us understand the big impact of these seemingly small choices.

Plus -- an update on Chuck Carroll's health journey. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic have a new theory about what may be causing Chuck's debilitating symptoms.

In this episode of The Exam Room you'll learn:

• How kombucha benefits the gut
• The impact of soda vs kombucha on the body
• How acid in soda and kombucha can put microplastics in your body
• What to know about alcohol in kombucha
• How added sugar impacts the microbiome and the immune system

Key Takeaways

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is sweetened tea that has been fermented. Microbes in kombucha consume the sugar (carbohydrates) in the drink, causing fermentation.

Is kombucha better for you than soda?

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz says vinegar and organic acids like those in kombucha improve insulin sensitivity.

What illness does Chuck Carroll have?

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic believe Chuck may have a hiatal hernia, which could be causing his acid reflux, anxiety, feelings of "being drunk" and burning sensation in his lungs. Doctors have found micronodules in Chuck's lungs, which may be caused by stomach acid entering his lungs.

What is a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia takes place when your stomach slides up through your diaphragm. Symptoms can include acid reflux, bloating and burping, among others.

Why can a hiatal hernia be so hard to diagnose?

Dr. Bulsiewicz says a hiatal hernia can be difficult to diagnose because the stomach can slip through the diaphragm causing symptoms, and then slip back down so imaging doesn't catch it.