If you have been reading my articles for some time, then you know that I am a fan of probiotics. One thing I have come across over the years is the belief that “I don’t have any stomach problems, so I don’t need to take probiotics.”

When you think of probiotics, it’s important to understand that the hundred-trillion of them we have in our bodies (yes we have more bacteria than our bodies have cells) make up what is referred to as the microbiota, or gut ‘biome.

Consider the microbiota much like a rainforest, rich in various types of life, continuously discovering new species, aiding and providing life to the rest of the planet (aka your body).

What I don’t want people to get caught up in is the thought that probiotics are only for the digestive tract. In fact, if you were to list all the benefits of a healthy gut microbiome, the digestive issues would only be a fraction.

The gut ‘biome is ground zero for immune and metabolic issues that go on in our body. Therefore, you probably hear terms such as “gut-brain”, “gut-mood”, or the “gut-heart” connection.

The gut ‘biome is a source of genetic diversity and influence, a modifier of disease responsible for 80% of our immune cells, while 90% of serotonin is made here. This is why probiotics are part of the Core Four foundational nutrition, which also includes a good multivitamin, Omega 3 fish oil and Vitamin D.

One of the biggest factors I believe to a healthy microbiota, thus reason for probiotic supplementation, is that it can play a major role in how effective your supplements and medications are.

Lets take a look at Berberine, which is one of my favorite supplements for metabolic support. It helps decrease blood sugar, insulin levels, lowers LDL, triglycerides, and helps to promote a healthy gut ecology.

Like many other plant-based supplements, berberine needs to be metabolized by the gut bacteria to become “active” and provide relevant bioavailability. Research has shown similar response with certain medication therapy as well.

If your plan is to utilize supplements to better your health and you don’t think you need probiotics, you might want to reconsider. Remember, we are not necessarily what we eat, but we are what we absorb.

The goal of probiotic therapy is diversity and can be gained by eating things like kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, certain yogurts and other foods containing probiotics. In the event these foods are unavailable or you simply don’t like to eat them, taking a probiotic supplement will help to fill the void. Selecting one that utilizes multiple strains of relevant concentrations with guaranteed viability is at the heart of probiotic therapy.