How Dr. William Davis Discovered L. Reuteri Yogurt
How Dr. William Davis Discovered L. Reuteri Yogurt — And Why It Became So Popular
If you have heard of L. reuteri yogurt, chances are you discovered it through Dr. William Davis, the bestselling author of Super Gut and Wheat Belly. Dr. Davis helped introduce millions of people to the idea that a simple homemade probiotic yogurt could dramatically improve gut health, skin, sleep, mood, and even body composition.
At Exercise Therapy Systems, we offer a premium L. Reuteri Probiotic Yogurt Starter Culture so you can make this famous yogurt easily at home in New Zealand.
Who Is Dr. William Davis?
Dr. William Davis is a cardiologist who became well known for questioning conventional nutrition advice. While researching why so many people suffered from bloating, SIBO, autoimmune issues, weight gain, and chronic inflammation, he shifted his focus to the gut microbiome.
In his book Super Gut, Dr. Davis explains how modern lifestyles—including antibiotics, processed foods, and environmental chemicals—have led to the loss of beneficial microbes that were once common in humans.
Why Dr. Davis Became Interested in L. Reuteri
One bacterium stood out in Dr. Davis’s research: Lactobacillus reuteri.
L. reuteri is a naturally occurring probiotic that has been found in breast milk and in the human digestive tract. Researchers have associated it with:
- Improved digestion
- Reduced inflammation
- Better skin appearance
- Increased oxytocin ("the bonding hormone")
- Improved sleep and mood
- Support for muscle and bone health
- Reduced appetite and abdominal fat
Dr. Davis noted that many people in modern societies appear to have lost this important microbe, likely due to repeated antibiotic use and changes in diet and lifestyle.
The Problem with Standard Probiotic Supplements
Although L. reuteri supplements are available, they usually contain only a few hundred million to a few billion organisms per dose.
Dr. Davis wanted a way to massively increase the number of beneficial bacteria. His solution was to ferment milk slowly at low temperature for 24–36 hours with added prebiotic fiber such as inulin.
This method allows the bacteria to multiply into extremely high concentrations—far more than a standard capsule can provide. In later updates, Dr. Davis simplified the process using dedicated starter cultures and capsules such as MyReuteri.
Why Yogurt Works So Well
When L. reuteri is fermented in milk:
- The bacteria multiply dramatically.
- The yogurt becomes rich in live probiotic organisms.
- Fermentation produces beneficial compounds such as peptides and organic acids.
- The result is a creamy, delicious food that can be eaten daily.
Dr. Davis popularized this as “Super Gut Yogurt,” and thousands of people worldwide now make it regularly as part of their wellness routine.
Reported Benefits of L. Reuteri Yogurt
Many people report improvements in:
- Digestive comfort
- Bloating and constipation
- Sleep quality
- Mood and relaxation
- Skin firmness and hydration
- Hair quality
- Weight management
- Immune function
Dr. Davis has discussed potential oxytocin-related effects, including improved social connectedness and reduced appetite, though individual responses vary.
Why L. Reuteri May Increase Oxytocin
One of the most intriguing findings in Dr. Davis’s work is the relationship between L. reuteri and oxytocin.
Oxytocin is involved in:
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Emotional bonding
- Sleep quality
- Skin repair and collagen production
- Appetite regulation
This connection helps explain why many people notice benefits that go beyond digestion.
Make Dr. Davis-Style L. Reuteri Yogurt at Home
Our L. Reuteri Probiotic Yogurt Starter Culture contains the clinically studied strains:
- DSM 17938
- ATCC PTA 6475
These are the same strains commonly referenced in Dr. Davis’s yogurt protocol and are supplied in convenient sachets with full instructions for home fermentation.
Why Buy from Exercise Therapy Systems?
At Exercise Therapy Systems, we provide:
- Premium starter cultures
- Detailed instructions
- Fast shipping throughout New Zealand (and the rest of the world)
- Expert support
- High-quality wellness products backed by science
Whether your goal is better gut health, improved sleep, healthier skin, or overall wellbeing, L. reuteri yogurt is one of the most powerful probiotic foods you can make at home.
Final Thoughts
Dr. William Davis’s discovery and popularization of L. reuteri yogurt has changed the way many people think about probiotics. Instead of relying solely on capsules, he showed that you can create a highly concentrated probiotic food in your own kitchen.
By restoring this remarkable bacterium, many people experience benefits that extend far beyond the gut.
Ready to try it yourself?
Start Making L. Reuteri Yogurt Today
Shop the ETS L. Reuteri Probiotic Yogurt Starter Culture
Your gut—and your whole body—may thank you