What Are Probiotics and How Are They Used?
Probiotics are beneficial microbes, typically bacteria and sometimes fungi, that positively impact human health. Louis Pasteur, known as the father of germ theory, discovered that various bacteria species interact to form “ecosystems” within the human body. The balance between good and bad microbes significantly influences your health. Probiotics work in the gut to increase healthy microbes and keep harmful bacteria in check. Initially, medical research focused more on developing antibiotics to kill harmful bacteria rather than promoting the growth of good bacteria.
In recent years, extensive research has highlighted the numerous benefits of probiotic bacteria. They can ease digestive issues, support a healthy immune system, boost mood, improve nutrient absorption, and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Probiotics are also being explored as an alternative to antibiotics, known in medical circles as microbial interference treatment (MIT).
What Are the Benefits of Probiotics for Women?
Women have unique health concerns, different hormones, and specific bodily needs compared to men. While probiotics offer benefits for everyone, they have particular advantages for women. These include supporting vaginal health and urinary tract health, along with helping conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
Can Probiotics Promote Normal Bowel Movements?
Women are more prone to developing IBS than men and often do not seek the necessary care. IBS is common among women, presenting symptoms like cramps, bloating, frequent diarrhea, or occasional constipation. Women tend to experience constipation-predominant IBS more than diarrhea-predominant IBS. Studies show IBS symptoms can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, often worsening around menstruation due to hormonal changes. Women with IBS report increased stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea during their periods compared to those without IBS.
Not all cases of constipation and mild to moderate IBS require medical interventions. Probiotics can effectively address these issues. For example, individuals with IBS who took the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum reported less stomach discomfort and better stool frequency compared to those who did not take it. Lactobacillus helps protect against harmful organisms in the gut, while Bifidobacterium lactis, found in fermented dairy products and vegetables, promotes regular bowel movements.
Are Probiotics Good for Promoting Vaginal Balance?
Probiotics benefit everyone, but they specifically help women maintain normal vaginal health and combat conditions that cause unpleasant discharge and itching. The vaginal canal typically has a highly acidic pH level around 4.5. Bacteria in the vaginal canal produce lactic acid, contributing to this acidity, which helps fight off harmful organisms.
Several factors, including diet, age, hormone levels, sexual practices, douching, and medications, affect the vaginal microbiota. A diet high in sugar and certain pharmaceutical drugs, especially antibiotics, can lead to an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, causing yeast infections and thrush. Gardnerella vaginalis is the main bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis, but some strains of Lactobacillus can inhibit its adherence to vaginal epithelium. Therefore, probiotic supplementation is crucial to maintain balance.
Are Probiotics Good for Urinary Tract Health?
Probiotics also support urinary tract health. Certain Lactobacillus strains help defend against UTIs, even in women with recurrent infections. While most conventional UTI treatments involve antibiotics, rising antibiotic resistance makes this approach less effective.
Antibiotics can provide short-term relief but kill both good and bad bacteria non-selectively. On the other hand, probiotics boost beneficial bacteria, allowing them to out-compete harmful species. This approach creates a healthier microbiota naturally, avoiding the side effects of antibiotics.
How Do Probiotics Affect Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Research indicates that Lactobacillus probiotic strains producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) foster the healthiest vaginal ecosystems for women. Women with these Lactobacillus strains not only have a healthier vaginal microbiota but also lower rates of certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Scientists are still exploring how probiotics reduce the impact of harmful microbes. One theory is that hydrogen peroxide from probiotic bacteria kills bad microbes outright. Another hypothesis is that hydrogen peroxide prevents bad microbes from adhering to cell walls in the urinary tract or vaginal canal. Some believe introducing good probiotic species allows them to out-compete harmful species. It’s likely a combination of these factors.
Can You Take Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women can safely take probiotics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides that probiotics have a good safety record, and adverse effects are rare. A review of numerous studies found that taking probiotics during pregnancy did not increase or decrease the risk of preterm birth, indicating that probiotic supplementation is safe and does not negatively impact birth outcomes. However, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider for specific advice.
Probiotics may also benefit pregnant women by improving overall health. One study found that pregnant women with gestational diabetes had better cholesterol readings when they took probiotics.
What Are the Best Probiotics for Women?
Specific probiotic strains support women’s health by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and ensuring normal digestive health. Hydrogen-peroxide-producing Lactobacillus species are ideal as they protect against harmful organisms and offer many benefits for women. Effective strains with excellent scientific documentation include:
– Lactobacillus plantarum
– Lactobacillus johnsonii (formerly Lactobacillus acidophilus LA1)
– Lactobacillus acidophilus
– Lactobacillus crispatus
– Lactobacillus casei
– Lactobacillus rhamnosus
– Lactobacillus fermentum
– Bifidobacteria bifidum
Lactobacillus plantarum, for instance, may help with irritable bowel symptoms. For UTIs, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri are effective in reducing risk. Some Lactobacillus strains inhibit Gardnerella vaginalis (a major cause of bacterial vaginosis) from adhering to vaginal epithelium.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
There are several probiotic options for women, including vaginal suppositories and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements, taken by mouth daily, introduce millions to billions of beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract, populating both the intestines and other body areas. Vaginal suppositories, inserted into the vaginal cavity, help restore balance and protect against harmful microbes.
To ensure the right quantity and quality of beneficial bacteria, consider taking a probiotic supplement that combines different beneficial strains proven to positively impact health. For example, Global Healing’s Ultimate Probiotic combines 25 strains with 75 billion CFUs, offering significant benefits for women.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic
When choosing a probiotic, it’s important to consider the specific strains and their documented benefits. Look for products that offer a combination of strains known to support women’s health, particularly those effective against common issues like IBS, UTIs, and vaginal infections. Quality supplements should list specific strains and CFUs to ensure you are getting an effective product.
