the microbiome

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The state of a person's microbiome is vital to healthy living.  A diverse microbiome has been linked to a robust immune system, control over blood sugar levels and better brain health.   

Diet and lifestyle factors, such as eating seasonal & fermented foods sourced close to home, limiting sugar intake and having adequate exposure to the outdoors have the greatest impact on a persons gut health.  Additional factors that can lead to a strong microbiome are if you were breastfed as an infant and if you had low levels of exposure to antibiotics over your lifetime. 

These along with other healthy habits such as consistent sleep and exercise routines can ensure that your microbiome is operating at its optimal level.  

There have been some mixed results (although mostly positive) in looking at the effects of probiotic supplementation on the human microbiome.  I supplement out of an abundance of caution due to the importance of one's gut health as it relates to their overall health span.

There are only 3 major types of probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus & Saccharomyces) that are contained in most brands so I supplement with all three of them, rotating between brands periodically to get exposure to the most diverse amount of strains.

The BiomeMD probiotic below contains 15 different strains while the Visbiome product has been studied in over 70 clinical studies, is defined as a "medical food" by the US FDA and, when taken only once per week, based on the recommendation from Dr. Rhonda Patrick, it turns out to be one of the most affordable probiotic regimens I have ever come across.  The third probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardii has been shown to reduce diarrhea associated with antibiotics and has been recommended by Ben Greenfield to be taken even if you have had exposure to antibiotics in years prior.  

Personally I switch between the BiomeMD (daily dose) and Visbiome (weekly dose) probiotics every 3 months.  I also supplement with the Saccharomyces Boulardii product (weekly dose) regardless of which of the two main probiotics I am taking.  

Please note that many probiotic gummies contain sugar, which is known to contribute to leaky gut syndrome, so avoid the gummies or ensure that they are sugar free.