Probiotics for gut health

What are probiotics and why are they essential for gut health?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally live in your digestive tract. They form part of your gut microbiome—a vast ecosystem of trillions of microbes that influence digestion, immune responses, and even brain health. A well-functioning gut microbiome helps break down food, synthesise vitamins, and keep harmful bacteria in check.

When this balance is disturbed, either through poor diet, stress, antibiotics, or illness, the gut becomes more vulnerable. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can cause digestive issues, reduce nutrient absorption, and increase inflammation. Over time, this disruption can affect your energy levels, skin, mood, and immune defences.

What are the symptoms of poor gut health linked to probiotics imbalance?

• Bloating or excessive gas after eating
• Irregular stools (constipation or diarrhoea)
• Food intolerances or sensitivities
• Sugar cravings
• Fatigue or sluggishness
• Brain fog or mood swings
• Frequent colds or infections
• Skin conditions like eczema or acne

Why does your probiotic balance shift—and what are the most common triggers?

The most common cause of probiotic imbalance is lifestyle-related dysbiosis. However, several factors contribute:

Dietary habits

• Low-fibre, high-sugar diets
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
• Artificial sweeteners and processed foods

Medication use

• Antibiotics and antacids
• Long-term use of NSAIDs

Stress and sleep

• Chronic stress affects gut-brain signalling
• Poor sleep weakens microbial diversity

Hormonal and life stage shifts

• Andropause and menopause
• Pregnancy or postpartum changes

Environmental factors

• Lack of exposure to soil-based organisms
• Over-sanitised environments

Each of these can disrupt microbial diversity and reduce the populations of protective strains—making your gut more susceptible to inflammation and poor digestion.

How can you find out if your gut bacteria are out of balance?

At Forbes.health, we rely on advanced functional lab testing to understand your unique gut microbiome. These at-home stool tests assess:

• Bacterial diversity and abundance
• Inflammatory markers like calprotectin
• Presence of pathogens or overgrowth (e.g., candida or parasites)
• Gut lining integrity (linked to leaky gut symptoms)

This comprehensive health assessment offers a precise picture of your gut’s condition—far beyond what you’d find in a standard test. It helps uncover the actual root cause of symptoms, not just label them.

What lifestyle changes can improve probiotic levels and gut function?

Supporting your gut starts with the basics:

• Eat more prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, leeks, and oats (if you can tolerate them)
• Introduce naturally fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut (if you can tolerate them)
• Minimise ultra-processed foods and excess sugar
• Chew slowly to support enzyme production
• Reduce stress with breathing exercises or gentle yoga
• Prioritise sleep to allow microbial repair cycles
• Use targeted supplementation as advised after lab testing

Probiotic supplementation is most effective when guided by your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

How do you rebalance the gut and maintain healthy probiotic levels?

Once the root cause of your symptoms is identified, we can support gut repair through:

• Personalised probiotic supplementation
• Targeted antimicrobial herbs if harmful microbes are present
• Gut lining support with nutrients like L-glutamine and zinc
• Metabolic Typing Diet guidance to match your body’s ideal food ratios
• Adaptogens, where necessary, to support stress resilience and adrenal balance

This approach not only brings short-term relief but helps create lasting gut resilience—a key to vibrant health.

How does Forbes.health support gut health and probiotic balance from home?

We take a complete, personalised approach to healing your gut—not just managing symptoms. At Forbes.health, we offer:

• Advanced functional lab testing delivered straight to your door
• 1:1 consultations with Functional Medicine Specialists to interpret results
• Tailored supplementation plans to restore balance
• Digital tracking tools and regular check-ins to monitor your progress
• Clear food guidance using the Metabolic Typing method
• Exercise advice that works in harmony with your gut and stress levels

We retest regularly to ensure your body is responding and your gut microbiome is steadily improving. Healing the gut takes time, but we’ll guide you every step of the way.