1. Did we find the magic formula?
My story begins when I started looking for a company proposing gut microbiome sequencing in order to be able to offer the people I follow an indicator of the state of "form" of their "bacterial friends" and thus guide a possible dietary readjustment.
To my great surprise, I was approached by sales representatives from companies that I will not name, who offered me affiliation contracts that included sequencing and treatment with probiotic supplements derived from sequencing, without me really having any say in this treatment.
Gut flora and probiotics have been all the rage for a few years now and there is a great temptation to believe that all these health problems can be solved with a little sequencing and a few capsules.
The probiotic market is booming. Supermarket shelves are lined with capsules, powders, and drinks all claiming to be your “everyday ally” for digestion and immunity. But here’s the truth: if you’re generally healthy and eat a varied, fibre-rich diet, you probably don’t need to pop a probiotic every morning.
Your gut is already home to trillions of microorganisms, most of which thrive naturally when you give them the right food, namely, plenty of vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods. For the average person, this is enough to maintain a balanced microbiome.
That said, there are moments in life when the gut ecosystem becomes fragile and it’s in those moments that probiotics can go from “pointless” to genuinely powerful.
2. Probiotic supplements: a topic of ongoing research
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to human health when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, and, are also available in the form of supplements, this justifies the purpose of this article.
The idea of personalized probiotics based on microbiome sequencing is a relatively new and emerging field, and the scientific evidence supporting this approach is still limited. However, some studies have suggested that microbiome sequencing can provide valuable information about an individual's gut microbiome composition, which can help guide the selection of probiotic strains and dosages that may be more effective for that individual.
One of the challenges in developing personalized probiotics is that the composition of the gut microbiome can vary widely between individuals, and even within an individual over time. Additionally, individual factors such as age, gender, diet, and gut microbiome composition can also influence how probiotics are metabolized and their efficacy.
Today, scientists do not even agree on what constitutes a healthy gut flora and more research is needed to identify which strains of probiotics are most beneficial for specific microbiome profiles. Consequently, offering a microbiome sequencing and probiotic supplementation without a clear understanding of which strains and dosages are most appropriate for the individual's specific microbiome profile and health condition is not scientifically recommended.
Moreover, factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management will have a significant impact on gut microbiome composition and overall health. For most individual, a change of life style would be the way forward to restore a healthy gut flora and, consequently, improve their health.
3. Feeding Your Microbiome Without Supplements
It’s important to remember that probiotics are just one piece of the puzzle. They work best when combined with a diet rich in:
- Prebiotics (fibres that feed good bacteria): onions, garlic, bananas, oats, legumes.
- Fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi.
- Polyphenol-rich foods: berries, olive oil, green tea, which also support microbial diversity.
For most people, these everyday choices do more than capsules ever could. Probiotics should be viewed as a targeted tool, not a lifelong crutch.
4. When Probiotics Can Actually Help
4.1 After Antibiotic Treatments
Antibiotics can save lives, but they also wipe out beneficial gut bacteria along with harmful ones. This disruption can lead to diarrhea, bloating, or longer-term imbalances. A meta-analysis showed that taking probiotics during or after antibiotics reduced the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 42% (Goodman et al., 2021).
Targeted strains (like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii) can help restore balance faster and reduce side effects (Segarra-Newnham, 2007).
4.2 Digestive Discomfort and Irritable Bowel Symptoms
Occasional bloating, irregular bowel movements, or mild digestive upset are common, especially during stress or dietary changes. Studies published in World Journal of Gastroenterology suggest that certain probiotics can ease symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), especially when chosen carefully by strain (Didari, 2015).
Short- to medium-term use of probiotic supplements, alongside dietary adjustments (like more fibre and less ultra-processed food), may help restore regularity and comfort.
4.3 Infant and Childhood Gut Health
Babies are born with immature microbiomes that develop during their first years of life. Sometimes, colic, digestive discomfort, or repeated infections can be linked to imbalances in gut flora. Some strains like Bifidobacterium infantis have been shown to reduce colic symptoms and support immune development (Dargenio, 2024).
The use of probiotics supplements should be limited to targeted strains and for limited time periods, ideally after discussing with a pediatrician.
4.4 Immunity and Seasonal Stress
The gut and immune system are closely linked with about 70% of immune cells living in the gut. During times of stress, poor diet, or seasonal infections, probiotics may provide a supportive role and reduce the risk of infections. Clinical studies have shown that certain probiotics can reduce the risk and duration of upper respiratory infections (Pico-Monllor et al., 2021).
Taking supplements as a seasonal boost (e.g., during winter or stressful work periods) to strengthen the immune system, rather than year-round, would be a sensible approach.
5. Taking probiotic supplements is not always safe
Probiotic supplements are generally considered safe for most healthy individuals when taken as directed. However, there are potential risks associated with taking probiotics, particularly if they are taken in excessive amounts or for extended periods of time.
In rare cases, probiotic supplements can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
Some people may be allergic to certain strains of probiotics, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
Some people may experience gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms, particularly when first starting out.
Probiotics may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants, which can reduce their effectiveness.
In rare cases, taking large amounts of probiotics can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, which can cause digestive symptoms and other health problems.
6. Tailored Probiotic Support for Every Need
Because not all probiotics are equal, it’s important to choose carefully. Many products on the market contain generic blends with vague claims. That’s why I’ve developed formulations that focus on specific, evidence-based needs.
Here’s how our products fit into the real-life situations where probiotics are useful:
DigestiMax Bio-Live
Ideal after antibiotics or when digestion feels sluggish, with strains that help restore balance and reduce bloating.
OliveGuard Bio-Live
A combination of probiotics and olive polyphenols, supporting immunity and gut defense, with an antioxidant edge. This probiotic supplement will be especially useful in winter.Gut balance with an antioxidant edge.
WideFlora Bio-Live
A Broad-spectrum support for a modern lifestyle with a wide diversity of strains, this formula promotes microbiome richness, which would be key for digestion, immunity, and overall health in today’s fast-paced, stressful environment.
FloraFriend Infantis Mix
Specially designed for infants and young children, to support gut flora during early development.
Holistic Digestive Vitality Pack
Your complete gut wellness solution for those looking for an all-round digestive, immune, and energy support. This pack combines multiple targeted products into one synergistic system, combining probiotics with prebiotic fibres, digestive enzymes, and micronutrients for those with recurrent digestive issues.
All formulas are made with science-backed strains and EFSA-approved claims, so you can trust both the safety and the effectiveness.
Choosing the right probiotic isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it’s about giving your body the daily support it needs to stay strong, balanced, and energized.