Probiotics for Women’s Health Reviews and Side Effects

What are the best strains of natural probiotics for women?

Women’s needs can be quite different than that of males when looking for a good probiotic supplement.

In addition to supporting healthy digestion and immune functioning, female-specific probiotic formulas can protect against vaginosis, yeast infection and urinary tract infections.

In this article, we will examine the role of probiotics in promoting good health throughout the body and discuss some of the best sources for these beneficial bacteria.

We will also look at the important strains that any probiotic pill for females should include.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

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Probiotics for Women

With over 750 trillion microorganisms swarming throughout a healthy woman’s biome, it is estimated these bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms comprise nearly four pounds of total body weight.

In both the gastrointestinal tract and vagina, good and bad microbes are constantly competing for space to colonize. This process is referred to as competitive exclusion, and what is put in a body is a strong determinant as to which bacteria become dominant.

Overgrowth of unfriendly, or harmful, bacteria and fungi can result in gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, distention, allergies, inflammatory disorders and even problems with the permeability of intestinal walls.

In women specifically, overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or fungi in the vagina or urogenital tract can result in vaginosis, yeast infection or urinary tract infection.

The creation of unique blends of good bacterial agents is a specialized niche in the world of probiotics. For many women, a daily regimen which includes probiotics or probiotic foods can make a significant difference in how they feel and function.

Women use probiotics both as a preventative and as a means of modulating flora which is in a state of dysbiosis.

How do Probiotics Function?

There are many different types of probiotics that live within the human body and each of these exhibits unique effects. The entire microflora within the human gut has specific DNA codes which dictate their mechanisms of action.

For example, Lactobacillus species of probiotics, like acidophilus, typically reside within the highly acidic environment of the stomach where they target specific food molecules.

Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, reside mostly in the later GI tract in the colon where they work to break down undigested foods before they have a chance to putrefy.

The urogenital system is susceptible to any disruption in the microflora, both in the gut and vaginal regions. Common disruptions which create an imbalance in the flora are illness, exposure, stress, lifestyle and the use of antibiotics.

Nearly 75% of women in the US report having at least one yeast infection during their reproductive years. Of these, over 40% report recurring infections.

Once the microflora balance is disturbed, modern medical providers often treat the patient with anti-fungals and antimicrobials like fluconazole and clindamycin.

These medications address the episodic overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, but do nothing to replenish and restore the balance to the entire system in order to prevent further infection or overgrowth. Special probiotics for women are developed particularly with this in mind.

In the case of vaginitis, supplementation with the right probiotics, such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, will kill off the harmful bacteria while also keeping the vaginal environment at a slightly more acidic state, making it inhospitable to any harmful bacteria or deleterious organisms trying to gain ground.

Comparing Probiotics with Antibiotics

Antibiotics are life-saving medications. When used judiciously, they often mean the difference between prolonged illness, and even the prevention of loss of life due to infection.

However, broad-spectrum antibiotics kill off both good and bad gut and vaginal flora indiscriminately, leaving a void which is sometimes filled through overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

In women, this affects not just the GI tract, but also the urinary tract and vagina. Bacteria prefer dark, moist environments and thus, vaginal infections or UTIs can set in shortly after taking a round of antibiotics.

Probiotics for women usually contain a combination L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri. These are particularly adept at colonizing the vaginal area and fighting off harmful bacterial or fungal microbes.

In addition to modulation of the urogenital tract, probiotics are also useful in many cases of autoimmune disorders which cause inflammation of the intestinal walls. For reasons not yet understood, women are more susceptible to these disorders than men.

Many women report some relief of abdominal distention and bloating when supplementing with Bifidobacterium Infantis.

Best Probiotics for Women

As part of a daily regimen for prevention, select a quality probiotic formula based on a woman’s individual needs. Generally, these will be in capsule or powder form and will need to be kept refrigerated in order to maintain viability.

For prophylactic maintenance, 5-10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) should be adequate.

For restoration and rebalancing of the flora throughout the system, doses may need to temporarily be increased in order to assure the probiotic organisms are sufficiently able to out-compete the unhealthy ones.

Eating foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut and tempeh, can also contribute to maintenance of a healthy microbial balance, but foods are unable to offer the necessary numbers of live bacteria which can be accessed with a quality supplement.

Conclusion

Probiotics are considered safe for most women, although pregnant and nursing mothers should talk with their doctor before commencing a probiotic regimen.

Immuno-suppressed patients should consult their personal healthcare provider before taking probiotics. Probiotics for women are different because a woman’s needs are different. Reputable manufacturers offer special blends of probiotic organisms designed to meet the needs of women.

Ensure that any probiotic supplement you buy for female health includes the strains L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri.

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