Probiotics: Health or Hype? Tips from Dr Joseph Weiss

Microscopic organisms, commonly referred to as microbes, are present throughout our environment in numbers that exceed the number of stars in the universe or the grains of sand on our planet. There are over one hundred billion species of microbes, which are grouped into categories including bacteria, viruses, archaea, protists, fungi, prions, and others. Over 99.9999% of all microbial species are still undiscovered or unidentified. While most microbes do not cause harm to humans, a limited number may be beneficial or cause specific diseases. The human body harbors trillions of living microbes, which are found on the skin, in the gut, and in other organs, and are also present inside human cells.

Probiotic is the term used for a living microbe that will be of benefit to the gut microbiome and human health. They are of proven value in the treatment and prevention of only a small number of health conditions and are of no benefit to a person in good health or those with the most common health issues. Research is ongoing, and over the years to come, it will lead to the identification of many more harmful microbes to avoid, as well as beneficial microbes and how they may be most effectively used to improve human health. It is predicted that in the future, tailored probiotic formulations including specific species or strains will be used to treat or prevent a variety of health conditions.

The formulations and marketing of probiotics are unregulated, meaning they are not subject to safety or efficacy checks or evaluations by any government agency. The promotion and marketing of probiotics have created an enormously profitable industry, with over $100 billion in sales in 2025, with annual sales expected to more than double over the next five years. The current probiotic marketplace is crowded with a multitude of expensive, self-promoted, and unproven products. Even those that claim clinical studies confirming their value often rely on small studies of limited reliability and quality. While not a frequent occurrence, these products, especially if overused, can cause physical harm by disrupting the normal microbial flora, known as the microbiome.

The greatest harm that occurs to the vast majority of probiotic consumers is financial, as they are vulnerable to marketing hype for an expensive product, taken in significant quantities for excessive periods of time, with no real health benefits. The human microbiome is considered healthiest when the microbial population is diverse and acquired from an unpolluted environment and a plant-based, nutritious, organic diet. Rancho La Puerta is the ideal place to reset and optimize your gut microbiome. The $100 billion spent on probiotics each year could yield a significantly higher return on investment in microbiome health if it were allocated to higher-quality organic foods and produce.

Learn more about the Ranch’s nutrition and culinary programs. https://rancholapuerta.com/the-program/dining-at-the-ranch/

Joseph B. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, is Clinical Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology) at the University of California, San Diego. He graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California at Irvine, and did his clinical and research fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Under the auspices of the World Health Organization and others, he has pursued interests in Tropical and International Medicine and Public Health with stays in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Dr. Weiss is also an accomplished humorist, professional speaker and the author of many acclaimed books on the topics of health, wellness, digestion and nutrition. He has presented at international conferences, universities, medical centers, Fortune 500 companies, YPO/WPO, Bohemian Grove, Esalen, Aspen Brain Forum and international spas and resorts. He has co-hosted a popular health radio talk show, “Health News and Views” and truly enjoys educating and entertaining his audiences! His website is www.smartaskbooks.com