Forget probiotics - you'll enjoy this far more
If you're generally well and healthy you don't need probiotics. The alternatives are free, and far more fun.
Probiotics are types of bacteria that have been shown to have a specific health effect - like preventing diarrhea or easing anxiety.
If you’re generally well and healthy though - you don’t need a probiotic.
Let’s put to one side for now that most probiotics on the market haven’t been rigorously tested and often aren’t in the right doses to have an effect.
Instead, let’s focus on how we’ve been wow-ed by the impressive-sounding billions of microbes they contain. And how, really, they’re a teeny tiny drop in the ocean when all things are considered.
One single mighty apple
Much of what we know about nutrition tends to be simplified. That makes sharing clear messages for your health easier, and more actionable - but it also often misses the nuance and underlying complexities around food and health.
We talk about a handful of key nutrients, yet there are 26,000 biochemicals in food.
It’s similar too with probiotic supplements. We’re wowed by the promise of how the multitudes of bacteria can support your gut microbiome.
Yet one single apple contains 100 million microbes with microbes from fruits and vegetables contributing to the diversity of your gut microbiome.
Think of all the different foods you eat across the day, you’re already eating a vast array of microbes anyway.
The nature of soil
Gardening, making mud pies, or perhaps tending to an indoor terrarium is likely more impactful for your gut microbiome than taking a ‘general’ probiotic.
A teaspoon of soil contains more microbes than there are people on this planet - people rubbing their hands in a bucketful of soil twice a day before main meals and once before bed increased the diversity of their gut microbiome in just two weeks.
A microbe-filled world
Microbes are all around you. They’re on every surface you touch, the air you breathe, and you’re covered in them.
When you kiss someone, you transfer 80 million microbes from your oral microbiome. Every time you hug someone or shake someone’s hand - there’s a transfer of bacteria.
Making food with your hands too (hopefully clean to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria!) introduces microbes - with the potential to change the flavour, and contribute to the diversity of your gut microbiome.
Instead of spending £40 a month on probiotic supplements - why not buy some plants, get outside, and enjoy your time with others? In essence, have some fun!
A question for you!
I’m toying around with the idea of doing a monthly (?) Q and A post - where I choose a question you’ve asked in the comments.
Would you be interested?
Would you post a question in the comments?
It would help me to get to know you (and I’d love that!) - and also help me to understand what you’re most interested in too.
Any other suggestions, please share I’d love to hear it.
That’s it for now! If you have a thought percolating from this, I’d love to hear it - drop me a comment below.
Chat soon, Emily xx
P.S. Did you know my first book Genius Gut will be released in July? You’ll find the latest science on your gut-brain connection, how your gut microbiome influences your mood and emotions, and most importantly - 10 simple steps to more energy and a happier you.
Your post was music to my ears. I am getting a bit tired of hearing about how much kimchi and kefir I should be consuming. We live on a small holding and work with the land, chickens and horses, and I am thrilled to hear my micro biome is sorted through my way of life. We do eat very healthily, but not fussily.
Looking forward to reading your book.