Feel Better, Look Better—All About the Hottest New Health Trend

What if someone told you that your body was actually brimming with bacteria? If that sends you into a panic, relax: It’s actually an incredibly good thing. There’s a reason why everyone from microbiologists to mega-bloggers are singing the praises of probiotics—research suggests that gut health and having enough of the right kind of bacteria in your body is a powerful, not-so-secret weapon that can dramatically improve the way you look and feel.

That’s why we’re so excited to announce that one of the most-trusted names in probiotics, Dr. Ohhira, is now available at Thrive Market (at astoundingly discounted prices from what you’d find at regular retail locations, no less). For those of you that have been hearing the buzz about gut health and probiotic supplements, let’s start at the beginning—what are they, exactly? And what should you look for when you’re buying them?

Probiotics are actually just bacteria—microorganisms and yeasts, to get technical. They’re found naturally in our digestive system, and despite the scary-sounding “bacteria” label, they actually keep you healthy. Probiotics not only support digestion and fight off stomach problems, but also can improve your mood, aid healthy weight loss, combat inflammation, and strengthen your immune system.

Commercial probiotics boost your body’s natural supply, which helps keep your body in top form. One downside? Most brands need to be refrigerated to keep the beneficial bacteria alive. This also often means they don’t last very long.

But Essential Formulas Incorporated founder Michael Schoor discovered a remarkably effective variety that’s actually shelf-stable. And it only happened because he got sick.

On a trip through Malaysia in 1997, after Schoor came down with a nasty case of food poisoning, a local doctor recommended a powerful Japanese probiotic—Ohhira’s Mountain Extract.

Schoor recovered right away and was so impressed that he wanted to learn more. After some investigating, Schoor met Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira, a leading microbiologist in Japan and the creator of the probiotics.

Ohhira explained why his probiotic worked so well: His formula not only contains live probiotics, but also uses prebiotics (compounds that feed probiotics) and organic acids to promote a healthy digestive tract.

And Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics don’t need to be refrigerated, because every batch goes through a three-year long fermentation process that makes the good bacteria stronger and more resilient than typical strains. On average, these probiotics are six times stronger than their competitors

Schoor wanted to bring the supplements to the rest of the world, so he partnered with Ohhira to create Essential Formulas in 1999 to bring Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics to North America. More than 15 years later, EFI is still a family-owned and operated business.

Though the brand has since expanded to include vegan supplements and even beauty products, Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics are still the original formula Schoor discovered years ago.

Every batch of these powerful probiotics is also guaranteed to be:

– Free of artificial additives, chemicals, preservatives, colors, flavors, and pesticides

– 100% vegetarian

– Hypoallergenic (dairy-free and gluten-free)

– Non-GMO and all natural, using only seasonal ingredients

The only other downside to making probiotics a part of your regular routine? They can get quite pricey—especially the good stuff like Dr. Ohhira’s. But at Thrive Market, you can find this world-class immunity booster (and hundreds of other top-notch wellness staples) at up to 50% off.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont