A Conversation with Seed Co-Founder Ara Katz on the Microbiome and Preventive Wellness

Here we sit down with Ara Katz, co-founder of Seed, to explore the profound impact of the microbiome on women’s health. Ara shares her journey from personal health challenges to co-founding a company dedicated to advancing microbiome science. From the gut to the vaginal microbiome, this discussion covers the latest scientific insights, preventive health practices, and the empowering role of understanding our body’s ecosystems. Join Amy and Ara as they dive into how the microbiome connects us to our health and each other.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
Ara Katz, you’re the co-founder and co-CEO of Seed. I’m so excited to dive into this with you. You have a lot going on, so I think we’ll start by talking about how you built the company and why. Then we can get into why the gut biome is important, and we’ll definitely cover the vaginal biome too. I think people will appreciate learning more about these topics. So, to start, tell us what inspired you to start Seed and how it’s grown since.

Ara Katz:
Thanks, Amy. I’m glad to be here. Seed actually gets its name from the biological term "seeding," which is the process by which we’re exposed to foundational microbes at birth. These microbes are essential for our microbiome, impacting our gut health, immune health, and so much more.

Amy:
Could you define “microbiome” in one sentence for people who might not be familiar?

Ara:
Of course. The microbiome is the community of microbes that live in and on us. Many people think it’s just in the gut, but we have microbiomes all over—skin, mouth, eyes, and even under our arms and in our belly button. These communities serve different biological functions depending on where they are. The gut microbiome is the densest, which is why it’s often the focus, but the microbiome is a whole system that interacts with our bodies in incredible ways.

Amy:
So, what led you to focus on the microbiome with Seed?

Ara:
I started Seed when I was pregnant. I’d always been interested in health and biology, especially since my mom passed away from pancreatic cancer when I was young. I became passionate about understanding biology as a way to make informed choices. When I got pregnant, I had a miscarriage, and soon after, I met my co-founder. He’d been studying the microbiome since around 2006, and he shared research that showed how changing the microbiome could impact everything from weight to longevity. For me, this science represented a “missing link”—a way to look at health holistically.

Amy:
That’s powerful. It’s almost like discovering a whole new way to understand ourselves.

Ara:
Yes, exactly. When I think about the microbiome, I see it as the missing piece in health. We are only half human; microbes make up almost 50% of the cells in our body. And they’ve co-evolved with us to play essential roles in our health. Traditional medicine often overlooks this, focusing on just one part of us, but the microbiome allows us to think in systems. This led us to create Seed—a company that bridges breakthrough microbiome science with products that make a tangible impact on health.

Amy:
And how does the gut microbiome connect to other parts of the body?

Ara:
The gut has multiple connections to other parts of the body, like the gut-brain, gut-liver, and even gut-lung axes. These connections explain why gut health can impact so many other areas. For example, there’s a gut-vaginal axis, which we’ll get into later, and it’s all interconnected. The gut is like a central switchboard, influencing so many biological systems.

Amy:
Speaking of which, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how lifestyle affects the microbiome and what we can do to support it.

Ara:
Sure. A few key levers impact the microbiome, some of which won’t surprise you: diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management. For instance, plant diversity is crucial—studies recommend aiming for at least 30 different types of plant sources weekly. Also, being mindful about antibiotic use is essential; they’re like nuclear bombs for the microbiome, wiping out both harmful and beneficial bacteria. And of course, getting enough fiber from foods like cruciferous vegetables and berries supports microbial health.

Amy:
I love that you mention berries! They’re so nutrient-dense. So, let’s shift to probiotics—what should people know about them?

Ara:
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits, but not all probiotics are created equal. First, it’s important to know why you’re taking them—are you aiming for digestive support, skin health, or something else? Probiotics need to be strain-specific for the desired benefit. At Seed, we’ve developed DS-01™, a daily synbiotic that targets multiple areas, including gut health, digestive support, and even cardiovascular health.

Amy:
Fascinating! And now, let’s talk about the vaginal microbiome. What have you learned about it, and why is it important?

Ara:
The vaginal microbiome is essential for women’s health, from reproductive outcomes to protection against infections like UTIs. Unlike the gut, where diversity is a marker of health, the vaginal microbiome benefits from low diversity, ideally dominated by a single strain—Lactobacillus crispatus. This strain has been shown to offer the best protection. We worked with Dr. Jacques Ravel, a leading scientist in this field, to create the first synbiotic clinically validated to shift the vaginal microbiome to a healthier state in 21 days.

Amy:
That’s incredible! It’s empowering to know there’s something women can do to support vaginal health proactively.

Ara:
Yes, and it’s about giving women tools that are effective, safe, and backed by science. Women’s health has been systemically deprioritized, so it’s vital to offer solutions that don’t rely solely on antibiotics or invasive treatments. This new product, designed to support a healthy vaginal microbiome, is a small step toward greater bodily autonomy and preventive health.

Amy:
It sounds like a game-changer. And I imagine that educating people—women, especially—about these options is part of the mission?

Ara:
Absolutely. Education is critical, not just for consumers but for clinicians too. Seed aims to create awareness and provide reliable, science-backed information. The more people understand the microbiome, the more empowered they become in making health decisions.

Amy:
This conversation has been inspiring, Ara. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and all the incredible work you’re doing with Seed.

Ara:
Thank you, Amy. It’s been wonderful to chat with you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spread the message about the microbiome.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.