Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms that influence everything from digestion and immunity to mood and cognitive function. Research continues to reveal just how central gut health is to overall wellbeing — and why probiotics have become one of the fastest-growing supplement categories.
CFU Count: More Isn’t Always Better
Colony-forming units (CFU) measure the number of viable bacteria in a supplement. While high CFU counts can be beneficial, strain diversity and clinical evidence matter more than raw numbers. A well-formulated 20 billion CFU product with researched strains can outperform a 100 billion CFU product with generic strains.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
Look for products that identify specific strain names (not just species), have clinical evidence supporting their use, use acid-resistant capsule technology for intestinal delivery, and are shelf-stable to maintain potency throughout the product’s life.
Pairing your probiotic with prebiotic fiber — from food sources like garlic, onions, and asparagus or from supplements — creates a synbiotic effect that feeds beneficial bacteria and enhances colonization.