In the beauty space, experts are quick to reference the gut-skin axis1 (See? Your gut is the cornerstone of well-being!) and will often recommend probiotic supplements to promote good bacteria and nurture the skin microbiome—research shows that what you put in your mouth indeed influences your skin2 and skin microbiome in many ways. And in the case of hair growth, a 2013 animal study3 looks promising. Originally, the researchers wanted to measure the GI immune-related benefits of L. reuteri, “but they noticed that the mice who got the reuteri developed all kinds of unexpected effects,” Davis recounts. “Their skin healed faster. They had more lustrous, moist hair.” Not to mention, the mice had thicker skin and stronger, more lush hair after eating the probiotic-laced yogurt and after drinking L. reuteri-infused water—meaning, there was something about this specific probiotic strain that leads to what researchers call a “glow of health.” So where can you get such a stellar probiotic strain? Well, a Swedish brand called BioGaia features L. reuteri DSM 17938 in their Gastrus probiotic chewable tablets—but Davis notes it contains a low dose of microbes since it was originally intended to support babies’ gut health. To get more of an adult dose, Davis makes a yogurt with the BioGaia tablets, as the fermentation process amplifies the bacterial counts. (Find his exact recipe here.) “Now, this is anecdotal, but thousands of people are eating this yogurt with super-duper high counts of reuteri, and virtually all the observations made in mice are playing out in humans,” he says, including (yep) lush hair growth. mindbodygreen’s probiotic+ is the best for overall gut health, as it features a unique combination of four clinically tested strains, which help ease bloating, aid digestion, and holistically support your gut microbiome.* While digestive health and bloating are the main focus of probiotic+’s particular strains, some mbg reviewers have also shared the supplement’s bonus beauty benefits.*
