Some people wonder why there is a number for both avoid and take of an item. This morning I answered an email asking if they should take spore probiotics. Spore probiotics are usually in the Bacillus family of probiotics.

I went to look at the Modifier Reference page for bacillus and the whys are immediately seen for bacillus:

We see some studies had one result and other studies a different result! Bacillus contain many genus — so it is likely the specific genus is responsible for the difference. When we drill down to the genus level, we usually see less variation. For example, bacillus subtilis

We can still see differences. The information is fuzzy.  Other factor are errors entering the data or misinterpretation of the study or even how the study was designed or the tools used for measurement. Fuzzy logic is what we need to use to process this fuzzy data (as well as double checking references).

So what are the weights?

This is a fuzzy summing of the individual items for one item, which is then fuzzy summed for the number of items (taxonomy) that are impacted by this material with a plus or minus (according to overgrowth or undergrowth).

The bottom line is a simple recommendation (Avoid, Take, —) from the best item to take to the items that you should exclude. The numbers are shown for the more technical reader because there is uncertainty when there are both plus or minus for an item. Our knowledge is fuzzy, the studies are fuzzy and we are trying to modify a complex interacting microbiome using studies that could be well described as naive.

Bottom Line

Applying fuzzy logic to data is part of my academic training and has been part of my work experience since the late 1980’s. Giving advice to patients is something that I am unlicensed to do and unqualified — hence the disclaimer at the bottom of the pages.

Finding a clinical physician that is qualified in AI, microbiome and medicine is likely a quest for the holy grail.  My best suggestion is to take the academic suggestions and review them with a qualified physician before starting.  In some cases, the recommendations may conflict with your condition or prescription medications — things that I cannot factor in.

This is an education post to facilitate discussing this approach with your medical professionals. It is not medical advice for the treatment of CFS. Always consult with your medical professional before doing any  changes of diet, supplements or activity. Some items cites may interfere with prescription medicines.