In this article we'll discuss what probiotics are, who they're for, the difference between pre/pro/postbiotics, and tips on shopping for probiotics.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, though, let's get two things straight:

1. the microbiome world is confusing

It's hard to study bacteria in their natural environment, let alone on humans who tend to always be on the move. Keep in mind that we don't even know how many species of bacteria there are with estimates that range from tens of thousands to millions and billions of species. Even if there were only 10,000 species, separating them, studying them, undertsanding how each one interacts with humans on skin and/or in different areas of the body, how they benefit us, and who they benefit, takes a lot of work and time.

From just one man, it was estimated from Israeli scientists that he contained an average of 39 trillion bacteria. How would you go about separating, studying, interacting with, and understanding 39 trillion bacteria?

What's more, we are extremely limited on direct ways to study the microbiome in our gut. We can't surgically study it since surgically opening the gut poses contamination risks just from the air in the room, so the most common way of studying the our gut microbiome is through our feces which carry some bacteria from the gut.

Microbiology is not a new field of science. In fact, it's known as one of the earliest fields of medical research. It wasn't until this century that the human microbiome looked at much more closely.

2. Some (or dare I say most) people don't need probiotics

Some people are perfectly healthy on their own and have no need for probiotics. For most people, probiotics are more of a want than a medical necessity. We have a ton of remedies for a ton of diseases, illnesses, and ailments, that probiotics aren't typically most people's go-to.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria introduced to the body for some beneficial purpose. A probiotic can be in the form of a single strain supplement, a multi-strain powder and everything in between as long as they're meant to be beneficial and the bacteria are alive. One of the most important things to know about probiotics is that to be a probiotic, the bacteria has to be alive. For this reason there are only so many forms (refrigerated drinks, supplements, creams, sprays, etc.) probiotics can take and many companies incorrectly or falsely claim that their product is a probiotic.

While there are currently many forms probiotics can take like drinks, supplements/capsules, creams, and sprays, it is still limited to the fact that the bacteria has to survive by the time it's in your hand.

A good thing to look out for is whether it's a probiotic or a probiotic extract

How to use color effectively in design

Now that we understand the importance of color in design, let's discuss how you can use it effectively in your designs.

Choose the right color scheme

One of the most important aspects of using color effectively in design is choosing the right color scheme. A color scheme is a combination of colors that are used together in a design. There are several different types of color schemes that you can use, including monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic.

• Monochromatic color schemes use different shades and tints of a single color. This can create a cohesive and harmonious look.

• Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. This creates a cohesive and harmonious look, as the colors share common undertones.

• Complementary color schemes use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a bold and vibrant look, as the colors create high contrast.

• Triadic color schemes use colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This creates a balanced and harmonious look.

Use color to create hierarchy

In design, hierarchy refers to the way in which elements are arranged in order of importance. You can use color to create hierarchy in your designs by using different colors to highlight important elements. For example, you can use a bold color to draw attention to a call-to-action button, or use a softer color to draw attention to less important elements.

Use color to create contrast

Contrast is an important aspect of design, as it helps to draw attention to specific elements and make them stand out. You can use color to create contrast in your designs by using complementary colors, or by using light and dark shades of the same color.

Use color to create unity

Unity refers to the way in which all the elements in a design work together to create a cohesive whole. You can use color to create unity in your designs by using a consistent color scheme throughout the design, or by using analogous or monochromatic color schemes.

In conclusion, the use of color in design is crucial to the success of a piece. By understanding the importance of color, and using it effectively in your designs, you can create designs that effectively