Dr. Rick Cohen’s 21‑Day Gut Reset Drink
Resistant starch + acarbose + precise cycling to amplify butyrate, calm inflammation, and re‑organize your terrain.
Overview. This streamlined protocol pairs an RS2‑rich green banana blend with micro‑dosed acarbose and an optional, physician‑supervised low‑dose doxycycline phase. The aim is targeted fermentation in the distal colon, matrix modulation, and durable microbiome stability during the off‑cycle.
Protocol Map
1) Low‑Dose Doxycycline (Optional)
20 mg twice daily with food for 3 weeks, then stop for 2–3 months. Separate from minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, Ca) by 2+ hours.
2) RS2 + Acarbose Blend
Mix 10 × 100 mg acarbose tablets into 120 g green banana powder. Dose 1.5 tsp (~4.5 g) morning and evening.
3) Probiotic Food Pairing
Leverage L. reuteri yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut/kimchi, or kefir as tolerated to support colonization and signaling.
4) Cycle & Integrate
Active phase: Weeks 1–3. Integration phase: Weeks 4–12+. Reassess at Month 3–4 before repeating.
Blend: Preparation & Dosing
Make the Blend
- Powder 10 tablets of acarbose (100 mg each).
- Whisk thoroughly into 120 g green banana powder (RS2).
- Store airtight in a cool, dry space.
Daily Use
- Amount: 1/2 tablespoon (~1.5 tsp; ≈4.5 g) twice daily.
- Per dose ≈ 37 mg acarbose + ≈3 g banana powder (≈1.5–2 g RS2).
- AM: add to smoothie. PM: whisk into yogurt or kombucha after dinner.
Why It Works
Resistant Starch (RS2)
Feeds butyrate producers (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Eubacterium) at a tolerable dose that minimizes gas while supporting mucosal integrity and colon pH. Add to blender drink and another dose with or after dinner in small amount yogurt or wisk into kombucha.
Acarbose
Slows upper‑GI carbohydrate cleavage, shifting fermentation distally, often reducing bloating while improving short‑chain fatty acid signaling.
Low‑Dose Doxycycline
Sub‑antimicrobial MMP modulation and anti‑inflammatory effect for terrain recalibration without full antimicrobial pressure when used briefly and cycled. Avoid minerals near dosing (Mg, Zn, Fe, Ca)
The Cycle
Three weeks on, then a long off‑cycle supports ecological succession and stabilization of gains without continuous pharmacologic input.
Timeline
Week 0 • Prepare
Confirm prescription(s) if using Rx elements, acquire green banana powder, make the blend, and stock fermented foods.
Weeks 1–3 • Active
LDD 20 mg BID (optional), RS2+acarbose blend twice daily, probiotic foods daily. Track energy, digestion, and sleep.
Weeks 4–12+ • Integration
Stop protocol components. Continue fermented foods ad libitum. Observe stability and resilience gains.
Month 3–4 • Reassess
Evaluate outcomes. Discuss another cycle if indicated. Consider targeted labs or microbiome testing.
Optimizations
| Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure Sensitivity | Use SPF 50+ during LDD due to photosensitivity risk. |
| Hydration | 8–10 glasses of water daily to support clearance and comfort. |
| Mineral Timing | Keep minerals 2+ hours away from LDD to avoid chelation. |
| Food Pairing | Always take LDD with food to reduce nausea or esophageal irritation. |
| Consistency | Anchor doses to the same two times daily. |
| Tracking | Journal daily: energy, digestion, sleep quality, and overall readiness. |
Who It May Help
Individuals with chronic low‑grade inflammation, dysbiosis, low butyrate signaling, biofilm‑related issues, gut‑linked metabolic rigidity, or redox fragility and histamine sensitivity who tolerate RS2.
Benefits
Safety & Contraindications
Medical supervision is required for acarbose and low‑dose doxycycline. Do not use during pregnancy/breastfeeding, with tetracycline allergy, severe hepatic/renal disease, or concurrent retinoids/photosensitizers. Doxycycline is contraindicated under age 8.
Common reactions. LDD: photosensitivity, nausea, esophageal irritation (minimize with food and water). Acarbose/RS2: transient gas, loose stools; titrate down to half‑dose if needed and increase gradually.
Expected Trajectory
Days 1–5: Adaptation window; mild gas possible while fermentation shifts.
Weeks 1–2: Down‑trend in inflammatory tone; potential clarity/energy lift.
Weeks 2–3: RS2‑responsive taxa expand; comfort improves.
Weeks 3–8: Off‑cycle stabilization; metabolic flexibility and steady energy emerge.
Months 2–3: Remodeling consolidates; barrier function and signal quality improve.
FAQ
Can I run the blend without LDD?
Yes. The RS2 + acarbose blend can be effective alone; matrix modulation will be less pronounced without LDD.
What if gas is excessive?
Cut the blend to ~0.75 tsp twice daily and advance in small steps. Validate hydration and spacing from other fermentables.
Should I add probiotic pills?
Prefer fermented foods during the active phase. Discuss high‑dose supplements with your clinician, especially if using LDD.
Why the long off‑cycle?
To allow ecological succession and avoid continuous pharmacologic pressure or persistent MMP inhibition.
This is breaking news PureClean Performance internal research and education. This is not medical advice or a therapeutic claim. Athletes with medical conditions or on medications should consult their clinician before using sodium bicarbonate or beginning any supplementation protocol.