016: Plant-Based Probiotics for a Healthier Gut and a Happier Planet with Ryan Johnston

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We, as food brands, can do better. We can deliver higher quality products. We can work with fresher ingredients that are better sourced."</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">-Ryan Johnston</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The trend of going plant-based is powerful for many reasons. For one, it promotes gut health. Our gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diet is a major modifiable factor that influences the composition of the gut microbiota. Unfortunately, the modern diet and lifestyle are major contributing factors to an imbalanced gut microbiome. On the other hand, a plant-based diet is rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which promote a healthy gut microbiome. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.bioticferments.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Biotic Ferments</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">is a company that was built for this reason. Being a social purpose company, Biotic Ferments have taken their game to the next level by using USDA Certified Organic ingredients that are regeneratively sourced. They also use renewable sources in their production, practice zero food waste, use 70% recycled glass with BPA-free lids, and avoid using refined sugar in their products. Most importantly, they do not sacrifice taste as they believe that food should be a source of joy and satisfaction. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, Justine sits with</span> <a href="https://www.bioticferments.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Biotic Ferments</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">co-founder and CEO, Ryan Johnston. Justine and Ryan discuss how to weave tradition into innovation, what regenerative agriculture means and how to practice it at home and in business, how to run a food brand that touches people, what it takes to run a family business,  and the se