The discovery of the importance of the human microbiome, that is, the microorganisms that affect our immunity and health, has created a race to create products to support a healthy microbiota. Ensuring that your body’s good bacteria outweighs the bad bacteria has become an entire industry of its own, impacting everything from probiotics to skin care.
It’s important to keep this layer of microorganisms, known as biofilm, healthy. Unhealthy biofilm have been linked to numerous diseases and health problems, including cancer, obesity and heart disease. These microscopic organisms also play a key role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and happiness, as well as other important bodily functions.
Let’s take a look at the newest products on the market that help you keep your microbiome healthy!
Disclosure: Stonyfield, DanoneWave and Just Thrive are sponsors of the ShiftCon Social Media Conference, an influencer conference produced by Mamavation.
Table of Contents
Supplements
Probiotic Support
Of course, we couldn’t write this article without mentioning one of our favorite brands of probiotics. Just Thrive is a bit different than other brands. It doesn’t contain the two common bacteria species found in other products and it doesn’t contain 10-50 billion cells either.
Instead, this probiotic contains spore-forming bacteria. Unlike the bacteria used in other brands, spore-forming bacteria are more effective because 100% of them can survive the stomach, as compared to no more than 15% of bacteria found in other brands surviving. That means that Just Thrive Probiotics are far more effective while using fewer bacteria.
In fact, an August 2017 study showed that Just Thrive Probiotics significantly reduced leaky gut and associated immune activation in humans. No other probiotic on the market can make that claim as of this writing. They are continuing to study and research to make the best probiotic for our families.
Beauty Support
GLOW By The Beauty Chef
This biofermented supplement, made with certified organic micro-algae, contains both prebiotics and probiotics. The Beauty Chef has an exclusive bio-fermentation process that provides 500 million good bacteria in every serving. It not only provides probiotic support, it also can boost the immune system and contains vitamins and minerals designed to fight the effects of aging.
The Beauty Chef has two products in this line, GLOW Inner Beauty Powder, and GLOW ADVANCED, which has even more nutrients and probiotics. ADVANCED helps synthesize collagen in the skin too.
Fermented Powders & Proteins
You can also get good, organic, pre- and probiotic action in a powder. Genuine Health’s Organic Gut Superfoods+ is a prebiotic that’s gluten- and soy-free, vegan, Project Non-GMO Verified and USDA Organic Certified. They have a unique process that uses 21 superfoods, like spirulina, cauliflower and kale, and ferments them within hours of picking. Then they add a fermented fiber to make it more digestible.
They also carry a line of fermented protein foods and powders, including Greek yogurt products.
New Foods for Good Gut Health
GanedenBC30
Ok, I admit that’s not the sexiest name for a product, but this particular brand of spore-form bacteria based probiotic has been engineered to be in your food, not just your probiotic supplement. It’s unique in that it can be baked, boiled, frozen and squeezed, and it’s vegan to boot. That means you’re going to see a lot more products on your shelves promoting good gut health.
You might recognize these brands that have used this strain:
- Enjoy Life Brownie Mix
- Inner Eco Coconut Water
- Purely ElizabethProbiotic Granola
Fermented Foods
If you really want to boost good gut health naturally, fermented foods are an option you can try. The process of fermentation creates lactic acid. This prevent harmful bacteria from getting into the food and is also a natural probiotic. Fermented foods can also be higher in nutritional value and easier to digest, meaning your body gets its fuel quicker.
Fermenting is something you can do yourself, but more options are available right on your shelf. Healthy Bloggers Magazine predicts fermented foods will take off even more in 2018: “Last year it was kimchi, this year its kombucha, and the fermented foods trend is set to have a significant impact in 2018.”
Here are your top options for fermented food choices:
Kimchi
This spicy traditional Korean dish is amazing when fresh made, but if you don’t have the chops to whip it up, never fear. Mother In Law’s makes several varieties, including vegan and even carries liquid kimchi, so you can just drink it up. WildBrine also makes a few varieties that are available at your local Whole Foods Market. Wildbrine also carries probiotic live shots, available in 3 kimchi flavors as well as two others.
Kombucha Tea
With all the controversy on fluoride in water and tea, kombucha is your safest option for nontoxic tea but the benefits don’t end there. Kombucha is rich in nutrients that help your system regenerate and repair itself, aids in digestion and elimination, and contains a healthy dose of probiotic organisms that boost your immunity and help your gut. If you like iced drinks, Health Ade Kombucha and Master Brew Kevita are both certified organic, Project Non-GMO verified available in different flavors.
If you miss drinking soda then try LIVE Kombucha Soda. They have all the flavors you remember as a child and miss because you’ve decided to kick that soda to the curb.
Fermented Foods On The Go
Now there’s a ton of ways to get your fermented foods, but we think one of the most creative comes from Farmhouse Culture, with their product, Kraut Krisps made from sauerkraut! These chips come in 5 flavors: Dill Pickle, Sea Salt, Smoked Jalapeno, White Cheddar and Zesty Garden Veggie. They are all USDA Organic Certified, gluten free, use certified sustainable palm oil and are fair trade certified as well. Except for the Cheddar, they are all dairy free, plant based vegan certified and Project Non-GMO Verified. Farmhouse Culture also carries sparkling probiotic drinks, “gut” shot drinks, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.
Cultured Foods
These are also a type of fermented food that can help build beneficial bacteria. Some of the best include:
- Yogurt: There is beneficial bacteria found in yogurt that helps clean your digestive tract before processing out. We like Stonyfield USDA Organic from pasture raised cows. If you have a milk sensitivity or allergy, try dairy free versions from Danone brands like Silk or So Delicious.
- Kefir: This creamy drink is similar to yogurt and can be made any kind of milk, including coconut or soy. The bacteria in kefir actually colonizes the intestine, providing longer lasting benefits. Lifeway makes organic kefir products, as does Wallaby. Green Valley Organics also makes both whole cow and goat milk kefir.
- Kvass: This new craze from Russia is a fermented drink made from sourdough, rye bread or beets and has a beer-like consistency. However, you can also make it from fruit or vegetables, like Zu-Kay Foods does for its USDA Certified Organic Raw Kvass drinks.
Whole Foods and Fibrous Foods
Did you know that a high fiber diet has been found to be healthy for the gut? A 2012 study showed that the microbes that live in your gut ferment the fiber you eat and that produces numerous health benefits. The research suggested that fiber can nurture your good bacteria, allowing food to move more easily through your system.
To promote good gut health, your diet should be rich in:
- Whole foods can be a good source of fiber, but make sure you are eating actually USDA Organic certified whole grains, like oats, bran, barley and bulgar.
- Legumes: Be careful of BPA- and BPS-lined cans. Try to eat fresh beans, or check out Randall’s USDA Organic, which comes in jars.
- Almonds
- Apple, raspberries and blackberries: Always buy these certified organic.
Skincare & Bath Products
While we commonly see probiotic food and supplements, they are now moving into all kind of items we use around the house and on our skin. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD has investigated the link between our skin and probiotics: “Research has shown that the bacteria in your gut interacts with your immune system, which leads to changes in your skin. Harmful bacteria in your gut can lead to inflammation—like redness, acne, and rosacea.” Dr. Bowe is currently writing a book on how probiotics, both ingesting them and putting them on your skin, are beneficial.
Let’s see what brands are working on this new frontier:
Mother Dirt
Mother Dirt makes an interesting proposition: stop washing your hair to promote good gut health. While I’m not ready to go that far, I did try these products as part of a campaign and I was very happy with the results. They make shampoo, cleanser that does not remove your good bacteria, moisturizer, and AO+ Mist, which is a live probiotic skin spray that’s extremely refreshing.
Candida Freedom
This company works to support your microbiome with products such as Probiotic Soap, Foaming Hand Wash, Skin Rescue Probiotic Lotion, Probiotic Douche, and Probiotic Bath Salts. They also carry solutions for treating candida. Their products are vegan and they also claim to use organic ingredients where possible.
Yun Probiotherapy
This company makes bacteria-protecting skin washes and creams for teen, adult and sensitive skin types. They also carry a probiotic spray solution for athlete’s foot and vaginal care products as well. You read right! Their vaginal wash is meant to balance the microbiome and pH levels in your vagina.
The Beauty Chef
In addition to the supplements discussed above, this brand also make a Probiotic Skin Refiner, which is a skin hydrator, exfoliator and collagen booster all in one. This is formulated using bio-fermented certified organic grains, seeds, fruits, algae and much more, and is rich in both probiotics and lactic acid. It breaks down dead skin cells and improves your skin’s natural moisturizing abilities.
P2 Mouthwash and Rinse
P2 has numerous products to help clean and remove biofilm including:
- Mouthwash, Toothbrush and Retainer Rinse: also helps reduce plaque
- i Help You Breathe Spray: a natural remedy for sinus infections and allergies, you can spray this on any surface or right in the air. It also helps eliminate dust mite residue.
- i Soothe Your Skin Gentle Skin Spray
- i Clean Every Inch Face, Hand and Body Wash
Pet Health
PetBiotics
Also by Airbiotics, PetBiotics provides probiotic cleaners to promote good gut health for your pet. Using soil-based probiotics, these cleaners are toxic-free, cruelty and allergy free, and eco-friendly. They include vitamins, amino acids, and anti-inflammatory and microbial nutrients. These are safe for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and more. Products include:
- Shampoos
- Pet Wipes
- Pet Grooming Spray
P2 Probiotic Pet Wellness
Scented by organic fragrances, these products are food grade and only contain ingredients approved by the AAFCO, that is, pet food grade ingredients.
- Healthy Pet Shampoo
- Water Additive for pet’s tooth health
- Itch & Odor Pet Spray
Probiotic Cleaning Products
In the old days, we all used antibacterial cleaners to make sure our kids were 100% “germ” free. Now that we know that those cleaners likely killed off any beneficial bacteria as well. Here are two that are helping you clean without destroying the your good bacteria.
P2 Probiotic Power Cleaning Products
From the same brand that gave us the pet cleaners, P2 offers cleaners that are nontoxic, Paleo certified, and contain no SLS to help promote good gut health. They actively remove the biofilm and keep clean up to 5 days. P2 Carries:
- Surface Cleaner for cleaning any surface.
- Laundry Additive that works for clothes and to clean your washing machine.
As you can see, companies are racing to help you keep your microbiome balanced and healthy. There are so many options today, and this will only grow. Which of these brands would you try for your family’s gut health? Let us know!
Airbiotics
The probiotics in these products go to work consuming the biofilm, eliminating the food sources that feed dust mites and “bad” bacteria. That’s great news for anyone in your family allergic to dust mites! Airbiotics says these “environmental probiotics” are the new way to clean and they are the only product to date that uses them. This brand provides a powerful way to clean as well as fight allergens safely and naturally.
They carry:
- All Purpose Cleaners
- Mist Home Sprays
- Natural Hand Cleaner
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