My Favorite Things: Microbiome Magic for 2024

My Favorite Things: Microbiome Magic for 2024

By Andrea McBeth, ND

This year has been one of discovery, connection, and growth—for me and my microbiome. From selling my house and embracing a nomadic lifestyle (hello, #vanlife adventures!) to attending 15 conferences on cutting-edge microbiome science, 2024 has been transformative.

In between travels, cherished moments with loved ones taught me how we nourish not only our bodies but also the ecosystems within us. The microbiome reminds us of our interconnection—health and happiness thrive through community, diverse inputs, and shared experiences.

Inspired by this journey, I’ve created a list of my favorite microbiome-friendly finds from the year. These products and the habits surrounding them have become staples in my routine, and I hope they inspire you to explore new ways of caring for your health while finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. 

Ready to check off your holiday list? Peruse all 11 of my handpicked recommendations, thoughtfully curated to bring health, happiness, and gut-friendly magic this season.

*Please note: I am sharing these products because I genuinely love them! Except for my obvious bias as the Founder and CEO of Thaena, the links shared below are not affiliate links and I am not personally receiving any compensation for my recommendations.

 

FOR THE GLOBETROTTER ALWAYS ON A PLANE
🍬 Golden Lotus Herbal Cough Drops

These tiny powerhouses soothe more than a sore throat. Packed with natural herbs, they’re supportive for respiratory health, which has surprising links to gut health. I always keep a stash in my bag as I travel and take one as I get on and off planes. I never travel with less than two bags. 
SHOP GOLDEN LOTUS DROPS HERE.

Why I Love 'Em: They’re easy to carry, taste great, and keep my respiratory and gut health in harmony while I’m on the move.

FOR THE BUSY ONE WHO NEEDS A MOMENT OF CALM
🍵 Tulsi Peppermint Tea

After a day of indulging in heavy meals on the road, there’s nothing quite like a cup of peppermint tea to bring everything back into balance. Organic India® Tulsi Peppermint Tea is my top pick—it’s calming, soothing, and a perfect reset for my digestive system after a rich meal. The addition of tulsi (holy basil) makes it extra special, supporting stress relief while aiding digestion. Also try the rose flavor if you like that as a soothing option too. 
SHOP TULSI PEPPERMINT TEA HERE.

Pro Tip: Pair this tea with some deep breaths for a nighttime ritual that eases restlessness—your gut and mind will thank you.

FOR THE PERSON WHO NEEDS A GOOD NIGHT’S REST
🌊 Ocean Wave Playlist for Sleep

Sleep and gut health go hand in hand. A playlist of ocean waves has been my secret weapon for winding down at night. It’s like bringing the soothing rhythm of nature right into my bedroom. 
LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST HERE.

To Listen Whenever: Make sure to download your favorite wave sounds so you can enjoy them offline wherever you travel.

FOR THE PERSON WHO IS INTO ALL-NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
🦷 Auromere Aryuvedic Toothpaste

Many years ago, I swapped my usual toothpaste for a clay-based Ayurvedic blend that’s gentle on my mouth microbiome. With herbs like neem and clove, it has been a game-changer for maintaining my oral health without harsh chemicals. Since our oral microbiome is the first stop in digestion, keeping it balanced sets the tone for the rest of our gut. 
SHOP AUROMÈRE FRESH MINT AYURVEDIC TOOTHPASTE HERE.

Pro Tip: Pair this with a metal tongue scraper in the morning for an extra fresh start to your day.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES LUXURIOUS YET PRACTICAL GIFTS
🧼 A Nice Bar of Soap

A good bar of soap is more than just a way to get clean—it’s a daily ritual that can support your skin microbiome and elevate your self-care. I always pack a high-quality bar soap when traveling because body care products matter, especially the ones we use every day. Seagrape Apothecary’s Ocean Bar, made with spirulina and peppermint, offers a refreshing cleanse without upsetting the delicate balance of my skin microbiome. 
SHOP SEAGRAPE OCEAN BAR HERE.

Why I Love It: Small-batch soaps are not only better for your skin but they can also turn something ordinary into a moment of care and connection.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES BEING PREPARED FOR IT ALL
🌸 Vitanica Yeast Arrest: Vaginal Microbiome’s Best Friend

If you have a vagina, this is one of those “never leave home without it” essentials. Created by Dr. Tori Hudson, a leader in women’s health and a true Portland (Oregon) gem, these microbiome-supportive vaginal suppositories are a lifesaver when things feel off-balance. 
SHOP VITANICA’S YEAST ARREST® HERE.

Why I Love It: It’s compact, effective, and always ready in my travel case to restore harmony and comfort.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES SKINCARE
💨 Symbiome Postbiotic Face Mist

This postbiotic mist may not be made from poop, but it still has some of those happy small molecules we love. A little birdie even told me it might have UV-protective properties (shhh). It’s my daily microbiome refresher for my skin, calming inflammation, and supporting a healthy barrier while smelling fresh and lovely. 
SHOP SYMBIOME’S THE ESSENCE REJUVENATING MIST HERE

Pro Tip: Keep it in the fridge while traveling for an extra cooling spritz on hot days.

FOR THE OUTDOORSY ONE
🌞 Style of Joseon Korean Sunscreen with Probiotics

This sunscreen not only protects but also nourishes with probiotics. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and a great alternative to daily sunscreens sold in the States.
SHOP BEAUTY OF JOSEON’S RELIEF SUN: RICE + PROBIOTIC HERE.

Pro Tip: Order the Korean formulation through Stylvana’s website to avoid the US additives—it’s worth the wait!

FOR WHOEVER WANTS TO GET/KEEP THEIR MICROBIOME ON TRACK
💊 ThaenaBiotic®

This has replaced activated charcoal, laxatives and immune support in my travel essentials. A nytime something feels out of balance— whether my GI issues are trending loose or stuck, or I feel that itch in my throat— I pop a couple extra ThaenaBiotic® capsules to get me back on track.
SHOP THAENABIOTIC® HERE.

Why I Love It: It’s my go-to reset button when my gut or immune system feels off.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TECH THAT SUPPORTS WELLNESS
🌬️Molekule Air Purifier

Did you know the air we breathe can impact our microbiome? Indoor air pollution from chemicals or molds can disrupt the gut-lung axis. Investing in a high-quality air purifier was a no-brainer, and I even got a small one for my camper. 
SHOP MOLEKULE AIR PURIFIERS HERE. (Psst - don't miss their holiday sale now through December 22!)

Added Perk: It doubles as a white noise machine. I run it at night in my bedroom to help lull me into restorative, deep sleep.

FOR THE PERSON ALWAYS CARRYING A WATER BOTTLE
💧Travel Berkey Water Filter

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your microbiome, and the Berkey water filter has been a staple in my home and on my travels for years. Anything that does reverse osmosis is great too. Drinking water in cities is a major source of our daily microbiome harming chemicals so getting something that can remove heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and other toxins, while preserving essential minerals is important. 
SHOP TRAVEL BERKEY HERE.

Why I Love It: The Berkey is durable, portable, and avoids plastic—all while ensuring I have access to clean, pure water wherever I go.

Why It All Matters: Microbiome and Environment

Every product on this list can represent taking a small step toward supporting the intricate ecosystem within us. But just like the microbiome, the bigger picture is about connection—how our choices, from the cleaning products we use to the environments we create, influence our well-being. The gut is in constant dialogue with the rest of the body—your skin, lungs, brain, and beyond—reminding us that health is a whole-body experience.

This year, traveling across the country and engaging with brilliant innovators has deepened my understanding of these connections. From conversations at conferences to sharing meals with loved ones, I’ve been inspired by how much we can learn from each other. Our microbiomes thrive on diversity, community, and care—and I hope this list encourages you to explore new ways of nourishing both your inner ecosystem and the world around you.

What Are Your Favorites?

I’d love to hear about the microbiome-supportive products you’ve discovered and loved this year. Let’s swap recommendations and continue building this community of health enthusiasts! 

Wishing you a gut-happy New Year!