Probiotics are live microorganisms—bacteria and yeast—that are found in dietary supplements and certain fermented or pickled foods such as kefir, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles, and some cheeses. If you’re interested in trying out a probiotic for its benefits to women’s health—vaginal health, mental health wellness, improved gut health—here’s what you should know.
1. Feminine Health
If you suffer from frequent yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections (UTI) flare-ups, you may benefit from taking a women’s probiotic. Womens probiotics can help replenish naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which may aid in reducing the risk of UTIs.
The vaginal pH level is influenced by probiotic bacteria, the most common of them being Lactobacillus. The Lactobacillus species is responsible for the production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which helps the vaginal flora maintain an acidic pH level. This acidic environment helps maintain vaginal health by parrying off bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and other sexually transmitted infections.
Because nearly 20 million women in America receive a bacterial vaginosis diagnosis each year, consider incorporating a probiotic product into your wellness regimen. There are several ways to take probiotic supplements and they are available as powders, capsules, drinks, and foods.
2. Mental Wellness
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, women’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. According to recent studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health, women are more susceptible to mental health problems than men. The study further notes that these statistics are rooted in the fact that women are more susceptible to some forms of depression—premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal depression, postpartum depression, premenstrual depression, perimenopausal depression—than men.
Besides this, women tend to experience mood disorders differently than men and are more likely to exhibit symptoms such as irritability, digestive system issues, mood changes, low energy, and social withdrawal. Human nutrition and gut health play a major role in our overall health. This research shows that a balanced digestive system can also affect an individual’s brain structure. What’s more, a healthy microbiome may also be responsible for significant changes in behavior and brain structure.
This unique link between gut health and brain health connection also explains why digestion issues also include intense feelings of anxiety or stress.
3. Gut Health
If you suffer from gastrointestinal health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, bloating, stomach acid, and constipation the use of probiotics can help you maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Besides this, regular bowel movements are an important part of female health because the body needs to get rid of harmful waste and toxins to stay balanced. Women who have regular bowel movements have a lower risk of breast cancer. This health claim holds water because the bile is absorbed from the intestines pool in the breast area. The result of this is the development of an estrogen-like tumor.
Probiotic bacteria make up a huge percentage of a bowel movement, so make sure you’re eating good bacteria to bulk up your poo!
The best probiotics also help improve allergies and skin conditions such as dry skin, rosacea, and dry skin. Probiotics have also been found to be effective in improving the user’s immune health. If you’re interested in using probiotics in your daily routine or attaining your health goals, incorporating foods rich in probiotics into your diet is an easy way to start. There are different strains of probiotics and each of these has different benefits.
To rule out any potential side effects or potential health issues, seek advice from your healthcare provider before taking any probiotic supplements.
