WHEN I WAS LIVING in New York, destroying my microbiome with joy and inflammation, I thought I was “doing the work” just by taking your average Joe Shmoe OTC probiotic.

“I’ve seen a commercial for this one!” was my research behind which low-hanging fruit I’d grab at my local CVS (or Duane Reade for NYC alumni). 

Only in recent years have I come to learn that by no means are all probiotics created equal. There’s a reason there are such things as good and bad bacteria!

So how are you meant to discern between what’s good and what’s bad? Probiotic protagonist Seed has made it very easy for digestive laymen and wellness lovers alike to “do the right thing” as far as their microbiomes are concerned. Formulated by an impressive roster of scientists, Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic is the “you’ve met the one” of probiotics…and that’s because instead of one, it’s actually two (a probiotic and a prebiotic). I’d say it’s even reductive to even refer to it as a probiotic at all!

I obviously had to see for myself why this probiotic-prebiotic hero (more on this later) was more popular on Instagram than I was. Here is everything you need to know about my 30 days with the DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.

Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic

Founded by Ara Katz and Raja Dhir, Seed has been groundbreaking for overall gut health. Katz and Dhir founded Seed Health with the vision to realize the potential of the microbiome—starting with the gut. The brand educates the masses about the role their guts play in supporting their whole body health.  Some might even say that Seed has been at the forefront of bringing microbiome awareness into mainstream culture with such an imperative.

With such a heavy focus on science, efficacy, and proven results, their team developed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, which is a 2-in-1 probiotic capsule within a prebiotic capsule. According to Seed, DS-01® is “the first probiotic to take a ‘microbe-systems approach’ with clinically-studied, strain-specific benefits beyond digestive health, including cardiovascular health, dermatological health, gut immune function, gut barrier integrity, gut microbial balance, and micronutrient synthesis.”

Katz shared, “Many products that claim to be a probiotic—like some kombuchas or probiotic functional foods, for example—don’t actually qualify as one. Just because something contains live microorganisms, doesn’t mean it satisfies the scientific definition of a probiotic—‘live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host,’ a definition authored by the United Nations World Health Organization Expert Panel chaired by our Chief Scientist, Dr. Gregor Reid, in 2002.”

Seed’s DS-01® rises above the rest using a prebiotic outer capsule that consists of punicalagins concentrated from Indian pomegranate, which converts into powerful metabolites when digested in the gut. Within that prebiotic shield lies a probiotic inner capsule that consists of 24 clinically and scientifically studied strains for benefits both in and beyond the gut. With each daily serving of DS-01® comes a whopping 53.6 billion AFU that preserves the research-backed dose of each strain. 

My 30, Flirty + Thriving Days With Seed 

I’ll be honest: I’ve been out of the probiotic game for years now. At one point, I was told I had too much good bacteria (if you can imagine) and have been riddled with gut issues ever since. Needless to say, I was somewhat hesitant about repopulating my flora and fauna, but given Seed’s extensive scientific research, proven results, and focus on the environment, I was willing to give it a shot.

Off the bat, I was obsessed with their beautifully designed packaging that I discovered was completely sustainable and biodegradable (first win!). Each component of their refill system is designed to both protect the DS-01® capsules and be gentler on Earth.  And I could keep it on my kitchen counter where I could see it because it didn’t have to be refrigerated (which also means easier to travel with, my friends!). Not to mention, Seed’s welcome kit conveniently comes with a travel vile to hold a one-week supply of DS-01®. 

Days 1-3, I admittedly noticed I was a bit more bloated than usual, which Seed suggests is “to be expected,” given you’re literally adding new bacterial strains to your digestive system. However, day 4 and onward, I started to notice some serious changes. As a Virgo, I shan’t tell a lie!

I noticed that my daily bowel movements had more integrity (sorry) and that I felt more digestively resilient. “What does she mean by that?” Well, typically, I find myself having to do a lot to keep my digestion healthy. Whether it’s taking 2-4 enzymes before I eat, drinking apple cider vinegar before a large meal, or eating in a certain order so as to not upset my blood-glucose levels, I often find myself more stressed than I should be about whether or not I’ll survive a “regular” night out with friends, or if I can even tolerate raw garlic in my mom’s homemade hummus (a travesty!). It’s just not sustainable!

DS-01® made it where I felt like I could digest anything efficiently, with no aftertaste, no bloating, and no discomfort.

I also noticed—and this came as quite a shock—that my skin greatly improved. Normally, my skin goes “balls to the wall” during the ovulation phase of my cycle. With Seed, this was not the case! Even my Chinese Medicine Doctor remarked that he was impressed by the improvement in my skin. 

Reasons We’re Still In Love With Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic

This is not our first Seed rodeo. We’ve been in their flora and fauna fan club for years, having seen the results of DS-01® firsthand. What keeps us coming back month over month, year over year, is their consistent, clear, and focused process.  

Some notables:

SURVIVABILITY | One of the biggest myths about probiotics is that all of the good bacteria make it to your colon alive. Using ViaCap® Delivery Technology, Seed’s 2-in-1 nested capsule safeguards viability through digestion to deliver the full  starting dose to your colon. The outer capsule also serves as a barrier to oxygen, moisture, and heat.

CLINICAL TRIALS | Seed believes that science doesn’t just stop at a product launch. DS-01® is being studied in not one, but three gold-standard clinical trials to reinforce and expand the science and benefits behind the product. 

QUALITY TESTING | Seed prioritizes extensive, no-skip-lot testing at every step of the manufacturing process. With 50+ quality assurance and quality control checkpoints, they monitor purity under US and European protocols, which means I can erase “pathogenic bacteria,” common allergens, heavy metals, and pesticides from my worry list. 

Final Thoughts

Now that Seed has become more popular, influencer-y, and mainstream , it might be easy to write it off as “just another IG brand.” However, don’t get it twisted. DS-01® is the real deal. I am super picky when it comes to the supplements I take, and I have no qualms about continuing to subscribe to Seed’s mission.

If you’re probiotic-curious, looking to give your gut a “do-over,” use code CHALKBOARD25 for 25% off Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.  

*The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.This story is brought to you in partnership with Seed. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.