What's the Deal with Probiotics?

I’ve been obsessed with my stomach for more than a decade. And I don’t mean “having abs” (though there’s nothing wrong with wanting those, too)—but what’s literally going on inside my gut. After my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2009, I started getting yearly colonoscopies and learning more about how the health of your digestive system effects your entire body.Since then, I have been taking a probiotic every morning. But you don’t have to only take my word for it: Studies show probiotics and a healthy gut microbiome (aka the good bacteria that lives inside your small and large intestines) don’t only help with digestive function—it’s also can lead to clear skin and optimal brain function. If your head is spinning, just take the advice of Roshini Raj, a gastroenterologist, author, and founder of Tula Skincare, who has gone all-in on the power of probiotics (both ingestible and topical), below.

“Probiotics are friendly, healthy, good-for-you bacteria that work to improve your health,” says Raj. “You can add them to your gut by eating probiotic-containing foods or taking supplements. They can also be applied topically and have a proven ability to soothe and calm skin inflammation.” Foods with probiotics inside include greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, and kombucha.

“When choosing a probiotic supplement, the first step is to look at the ingredients,” Raj advises. “You want powerful ingredients that are not only good for you but that will also be effective.” Of course, that’s the ethos behind the blend she selected for Tula’s Advanced Daily Probiotic & Skin Health Complex. If you’re just looking for general gut health, the Cleveland Clinic suggests you pick look for a capsule with lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, bacillus or saccharomyces boulardii. From there, formulas can get more specified, so asking your doctor or going to your local health food store and chatting with somebody there can help.

So, how do you know your probiotic is working? In my experience, you’ll… ahem… know. “After my patients began probiotic treatments, I saw a significant improvement not only in their internal health but also in their appearance,” says Raj. “Oftentimes their skin was calmer and clearer and I could tell they were feeling better before they had the chance to tell me.” Smoother digestion is usually the first sign that it’s working. From there, less bloating or general stomach discomfort is a sign you’re moving in the right direction.