I Tried to 'Fix' My Microbiome and This is What Happened
If you’ve spent any time on social media this past year, you’ve probably heard the term "microbiome" floating around. If you just "fix" your microbiome, you’re promised glass skin, a flat stomach, and a digestive system smooth like butter. Sounds too good to be true. I’m no stranger to gut issues—struggling with everything from occasional bloating and discomfort to heartburn that can ruin my whole day. I’m also no stranger to gut supplements, from trendy pre- and probiotics with thousands of glowing reviews to fiber supplements promising timely poops—none have lived up to the hype thus far. So, when I first came across Noo Gut, my initial reaction was, "No way this will work." Still, in the interest of science and for the benefit of my dear readers, I gave it a go for 28 days. Will it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Gut issues suck. I’ve had my fair share of them throughout my adult years. When traveling, I’m often the only one who suffers from the dreaded "traveler's diarrhea." And certain foods, like full-fat milk or white bread (despite tests for allergies and intolerances coming back clear), never fail to bloat me up like a balloon. Luckily, it’s not so severe as to fall into the camp of IBS or SIBO (my heart goes out to you), but the bloating, gassiness, and constant belching after meals is definitely something I (and my husband, bless his soul) could do without. Maybe my microbiome really is out of whack.
Introducing Noo Gut by NOOCI
After a particularly painful bout of diarrhea triggered by an ice cream sundae I naively thought I could handle, I stumbled upon Noo Gut by NOOCI.
But Claudia, you ask me, if you've tried everything, how did you get suckered into buying yet another gut supplement? Well, for one, while I am suffering from yet another diarrhea episode, I cannot be held responsible for how I use my credit card. :)
On the other hand, Noo Gut by NOOCI took a more comprehensive approach than most of the other supplements I have tried, incorporating a blend of probiotics, postbiotics, and ancient herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for generations. I was cautiously hopeful that an integrated approach would holistically rebuild my gut microbiome to avoid more painful flare-ups in the future.
I'm not going to lie; at US$55 per month, it's an investment (as most gut health supplements are). While doing my due diligence (I was spending US$55, after all!), I came across one particular review that stood out to me.
So I decided to take the leap, and you, lucky reader, reap the benefits. I'll share what I experienced, how it compares to other products, and whether Noo Gut might be worth investing in.
The Microbiome and Why It's So Important
The science behind the microbiome is solid. Our gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that play a massive role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. The right balance of these microorganisms keeps things running smoothly, helping us digest food, absorb nutrients, and defend against harmful invaders. But when this balance is off, it can lead to a host of issues—bloating, constipation, skin problems, mood swings, and more. (If you want to learn more about the microbiome, this article by WebMD does a good job explaining its function in our body)
With the rise in awareness about the microbiome, the supplement market has been flooded with products promising to "restore" it and fix everything from IBS to bloating. Some of these products do work, but many take a simplified approach, piling on high doses of generic probiotics or fiber without considering individual gut needs or how the gut ecosystem actually functions.
Why Most Supplements Fall Short
- More than Just Bacteria: The microbiome is far more complex than simply adding "good bacteria." It includes not only diverse strains of microbes but also the gut lining, immune cells, and chemical signals, all of which work together to maintain balance. Adding generic probiotics doesn’t automatically fix things, especially if the body doesn’t need or isn’t lacking those specific strains.
- Every Microbiome is Unique: Just like fingerprints, each person’s microbiome is unique. Flooding the gut with high doses of specific bacteria might not help if those aren’t the strains a person needs, and in some cases, it can cause more bloating and discomfort. This is likely why raved-about probiotics like DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed (US$49.99 per month) or Synbiotic+ by Ritual (US$54.00 per month) didn’t work for me; they delivered strains that didn’t match my microbiome’s needs, leading to a cycle of gas and bloating rather than that smooth like butter digestive system I was promised.
How Is Noo Gut Different (Or Not)?
I was 80% convinced Noo Gut would end up causing the same issues as other supplements I’ve tried. However, one thing gave me hope: Noo Gut claimed to go beyond the usual probiotic approach. Rather than dumping a bunch of probiotics and fiber into my system, it combines supportive ingredients meant to reduce inflammation, support gut lining health, and address the microbiome as a whole. Or so they say.
I do have to admit, the ingredients list intrigued me, specifically
- CoreBiome® Tributyrin: CoreBiome™ is a postbiotic that reaches the colon intact, which is unusual for most postbiotics. It works to strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation, both critical for digestive health and to help the gut defend against harmful bacteria overgrowth that can lead to conditions like SIBO and IBS. I’d read a lot about tributyrin’s benefits and was cautiously optimistic about its inclusion in Noo Gut.
- Probiotic Strains (Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Animalis Lactis): These specific strains are chosen for their balanced effects on digestion and are unlikely to feed bacteria in the small intestine that can cause bloating. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is one of the few strains I tolerate well, so I was glad to see it included here.
- Cassia Seed: Cassia seed supports gut microbiome health through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Its active compounds reduce gut inflammation, creating a balanced environment for beneficial bacteria. It’s been used in TCM as a digestive aid for centuries, and recent studies back its ability to slow down the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. I really liked the inclusion of these supportive ingredients because probiotics alone have not worked for me in the past.
Noo Gut uses other TCM herbs that are meant to support digestion in its formulation. I tend to be skeptical of TCM since a lot of the remedies are not scientifically backed. However, NOOCI went out of their way to only use TCM ingredients that have been clinically tested for effectiveness. The blend is quite comprehensive so if you want to learn more about their ingredients and their scientific backing, you can take a look here.
Taking Noo Gut for 4 Weeks: Is it Worth It?
As you know, I've tried countless gut health supplements, so I went into this with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, most "solutions" either didn't help or, worse, made my symptoms flare up more. However, Noo Gut pleasantly surprised me, especially going into week 4!
Week 1
I began with two capsules daily, prepared for the usual "starter bloat" some new supplements bring. Surprisingly, Noo Gut was very effective in managing bloating right from the start. I wouldn’t say it stopped me from getting bloated entirely, but if I took a capsule after a meal, the bloating episodes seemed shorter and less intense. A good start so far!
Week 2
By the second week, I felt lighter after meals, without the usual heavy bloating. Meals that used to leave me feeling heavy, gassy, and 'puffy' were easier to digest. I did struggle a little bit with loose stools during this period, a common side effect of starting a new supplement. I took a bit of soluble fiber, which cleared it up within 2-3 days.
Weeks 3–4: Eating without Fear
Those loose stools in week 2? I suspect that was just my body clearing out old waste because starting from week 3, my bowel movements became the most regular they have ever been in years. The usual discomfort, bloating, and cramping with every meal seemed to disappear. Even after indulging in a few slices of Pizza Hut (I know, don't shame me), there was no discomfort! Now, I am not going to pretend like I NEVER got bloated—there was undoubtedly some gas here and there, but the difference really was night and day.
An unexpected benefit? I noticed my skin started looking clearer, and I had fewer breakouts after eating foods that normally triggered flare-ups.
My only gripe is that the product only comes in capsule form (I hate taking pills). Noo Gut, if you ever make a sachet or drink format, you've got me for life!
Final Verdict: Get Yourself On Some Noo Gut!
The final verdict? It 100% worked for me. It's not an instant fix, but I do believe Noo Gut's comprehensive approach of gut rebalancing pre, pro, and postbiotics combined with supportive herbs allowed me to finally heal my digestive system, not just mask the symptoms.
I will not pretend that US$55 is not a lot of money. It absolutely is, so you'll need to decide whether it's an investment you are ready to make. However, after the thousands of dollars spent at the doctor's office, countless failed supplements and medications, and the (excuse my dramaticism) excruciating pain of a bloating episode, the US$55 is well worth it to me!
And if you're on the fence; they have a satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return it it for a full refund within 30 days (even if your bottle is empty!), so there is really no risk in giving it a try!
Comments: