Probiotics Benefits for Women - Reasons Women Need Probiotics

Probiotics are one of the most widely researched natural products for gut health. But what does science say about the benefits of probiotics for women in particular?

Probiotics are the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract designed to support your body’s immune system, absorb nutrients, and provide protection against digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Whether they’re reaching for yogurt or kombucha or taking a probiotic supplement, it’s common knowledge that probiotics offer huge health benefits. Not only are probiotics helpful for promoting healthy digestion, but research shows these beneficial microbes offer specific health benefits for women.

if you’re a woman, research has shown that the beneficial microbes in probiotics may also support immunity, mood, and vaginal and urinary health.

What Are Probiotics and How Are They Used?

Probiotics are microbes, usually bacteria but sometimes fungi, that have a beneficial effect on the body and human health. Louis Pasteur, the father of germ theory, found that different bacteria species compete with one another to create “ecosystems” within the human body and the balance of various good and bad microbiota affects many aspects of your health. Probiotics work in the gut by increasing the number of healthy microbes and keeping the number of harmful bacteria in check. Since these early discoveries, medical research has focused more on developing antibiotics to kill bad bacteria than how to promote the growth of good bacteria.

But, in recent decades, research has found that beneficial probiotic bacteria may ease digestive upset, support a healthy immune system and better mood, improve absorption of nutrients, and help symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Probiotics are even being studied as an alternative to antibiotics which, in medical circles, is called microbial interference treatment (MIT).

Here are some of the benefits of probiotics for women:

• Probiotics and Bacterial Vaginosis
  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that often affects young-to-middle-aged women. The condition affects the reproductive organs of women with an active sex life, women who are pregnant, or women who have a weak or impaired immune system.

  The condition is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microflora. The balance of bacteria in vagina also changes as women go through menopause.

  Reduced estrogen secretion in postmenopausal women increases vaginal pH and depletes lactobacilli bacteria, and this results in an increase in harmful vaginal colonization with species such as E. coli (Escherichia coli), Enterobacter, and Gardnerella.

  The conventional treatment of BV is antibiotics; however, this not only destroys the bad bacteria, but it also leads to vaginal dysbiosis by lowering the amount of the good vaginal bacteria.

  Is inserting probiotics for BV possible? Studies suggest that certain probiotic strains can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause BV.

  Vaginal administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus for six to 12 days, or oral administration of L. acidophilus or Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum for two months, has been found to benefit those with BV.

  What is the best probiotic for BV? The options for probiotics for BV prevention include yogurt and a fermented dairy product called kefir. Lactobacillus bacteria levels tend to be low when the vagina is dry.

  A study published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine in 2011 found that 100 grams (g) of probiotic yogurt twice daily for a week was effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women during the third trimester.

  Research published in the journal Menopause in 2014 suggests that restoring vaginal bacteria with lactobacillus probiotics may improve the treatment and prevention of atrophic vaginitis. Atrophy is a similar condition that causes changes in the vagina that make it easier for bacteria to thrive.

• Are Probiotics Good for Urinary Tract Health?
  According to research, probiotics can also promote urinary tract health. Certain strains of Lactobacillus have been found to defend against UTIs, including in women with recurrent infections.Most conventional treatments for urinary tract infections use antibiotics, but the rise in antibiotic resistance is making this approach problematic. While antibiotics may provide short-term benefits, antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria non-selectively, whereas probiotics provide a boost in beneficial bacteria which then out-compete the bad species. Probiotics provide a more natural way to create a healthier microbiota in the body while avoiding the side effects of antibiotics.

• Healthy Feminine Flora
  Everyone can benefit from taking probiotics, but for women, the benefits may extend to common feminine issues. Beneficial microbes can help keep the vaginal area somewhat acidic, creating a hostile environment to infectious bacteria. An imbalance between beneficial flora and pH levels can encourage yeasts to infect and grow. Taking probiotics on a regular basis can help balance the system, thereby minimizing the risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

  The most common treatment for UTIs is antibiotics, but as many women are aware, taking antibiotics can wreak havoc on the system and often ends with a yeast infection to boot. Probiotics actually promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that fights the bad, compared with antibiotics, which kill all bacteria (including the good ones).

• Probiotics and Weight Loss
  Certain probiotics can also help women lose weight and maintain the weight loss. It is thought that intestinal bacteria in obese individuals are different than those found in thin people.

  One study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014 found that probiotics containing L. rhamnosus strains had helped women lose weight. Obese women consuming probiotics had lost twice as much weight over the 24-week study than those taking a placebo. In the probiotic group, women had lost an average of 4.4 kilograms (kg), whereas women in the placebo group lost 2.6 kg.

  Researchers also observed a drop in the appetite-regulating hormone leptin in the probiotic group, as well as a reduced concentration of obesity-related intestinal bacteria. The study authors suggested that the probiotic may prevent the chain reaction that leads to type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance, and obesity.

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 trials and 1,931 people published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition in 2015 found that ingesting probiotics for eight weeks or more could reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) in overweight individuals.

  Certain probiotics can also help women lose weight and maintain the weight loss. It is thought that intestinal bacteria in obese individuals are different than those found in thin people.

  One study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014 found that probiotics containing L. rhamnosus strains had helped women lose weight. Obese women consuming probiotics had lost twice as much weight over the 24-week study than those taking a placebo. In the probiotic group, women had lost an average of 4.4 kilograms (kg), whereas women in the placebo group lost 2.6 kg.

  Researchers also observed a drop in the appetite-regulating hormone leptin in the probiotic group, as well as a reduced concentration of obesity-related intestinal bacteria. The study authors suggested that the probiotic may prevent the chain reaction that leads to type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance, and obesity.

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 trials and 1,931 people published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition in 2015 found that ingesting probiotics for eight weeks or more could reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) in overweight individuals.

• IBS and Constipation
  Women are more susceptible to developing constipation and IBS, yet many don’t seek care for the condition. The use of probiotics can be a very effective alternative to drugs and other medical interventions. According to a recent study, all 20 IBS patients who received one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum, reported resolution of their abdominal pain. The study also showed improvement in stool frequency for patients suffering from constipation. Another study found Bifidobacterium lactis effective in easing constipation symptoms.

  If you suffer from frequent yeast infections or UTI’s, consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement to get your system back in balance. If digestive difficulties including constipation and IBS interfere with daily life, it’s worth trying probiotic

• How Do Probiotics Affect Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
  Studies have found that strains of Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria which produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) create the healthiest vaginal ecosystem for women. Women with H2O2-producing Lactobacillus not only had a healthier vaginal microbiota but also lower rates of certain sexually transmitted diseases.

  Scientists are still trying to find out exactly how probiotics reduce the impact of various harmful microbes. There are a few different scientific hypotheses about how they work. One is that the hydrogen peroxide released by probiotic bacteria kills the bad microbes outright. Another scientific hypothesis is that hydrogen peroxide inhibits bad species from adhering to the cell walls of the urinary tract or vaginal canal. Finally, scientists believe that introducing good probiotic species allows them to out-compete the bad species. Most likely, it may be a combination of all of these factors.

• Probiotics and Pregnancy-Related Issues
  Probiotics appear to be highly beneficial for pregnancy-related issues. Studies have found probiotics to be effective against the following health problems:

Pregnancy-related obesity: Research showed that one year after giving birth, women were less likely to have the dangerous type of obesity, central obesity, when probiotics had been given from the first trimester of pregnancy. Central obesity was found in 25% of the women who received probiotics with dietary counseling, compared to 43% of women who received diet advice alone.

Premature birth and pre-eclampsia: A study published in the journal BMJ Open in January 2018 suggested that women taking probiotics during early pregnancy might also have a lower risk of premature birth and pre-eclampsia—a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organs like the kidneys and liver. Premature births occur before 37 weeks and may lead to disability and illness in the infants.

Listeria bacteria: More research published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine in 2017 suggested that probiotics could protect individuals who are particularly susceptible to listeria, such as pregnant women. Listeria is a bacterium found in food such as uncooked meat, vegetables, fruit, and processed food.

Heavy metal exposure: Another study from 2014 showed that probiotic yogurt with L. rhamnosus bacteria successfully protected pregnant women against heavy metal exposure, and specifically against arsenic and mercury.

Childhood allergies and eczema: A study published in PLOS Medicine in February 2018 found that women who take probiotics during late pregnancy may reduce their infant’s risk of eczema and food allergies.

Gestational diabetes: In a 2015 study, researchers reported that daily probiotic supplementation with the strain Lactobacillus salivarius affects metabolic parameters and pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women.

• Probiotics and Cancer
  Good bacteria have also been shown to exhibit anti-cancer and anti-tumor benefits. As a result, probiotics are thought to play a role in cancer prevention.

  Probiotics have been found to be effective in preventing adverse side effects among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  Research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2016 found that good bacteria, lactobacillus and Streptococcus thermophilus, are more abundant in healthy breasts; therefore, these probiotics may be protecting women against breast cancer. Conversely, women with breast cancer had elevated levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

  For the study, breast tissue was obtained from 58 women undergoing mastectomies or lumpectomies, with 45 of the patients having cancerous tumors and 13 with benign tumors. Breast tissue was also obtained from an additional 23 women who had undergone breast enhancement or reduction surgery.

• Probiotics and Skin
  Probiotic supplementation might also benefit skin health and certain skin conditions in women. For instance, skin prone to rosacea or acne has shown improvement when given probiotics daily.

  Research published in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2014 found that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis probiotic bacteria would significantly improve sebum content in the cheeks of women with skin diseases. As such, probiotics are thought to benefit the skin in young women.

• Probiotics and pH Balance
  There are also reported benefits of probiotics for women’s pH balance, which may include helping to fight yeast infections and improving overall health. Good bacteria seem to help women maintain optimal pH balance, as well as a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms in the vagina.

  As a result, probiotics can potentially treat candida infections. This is likely because of the acetic acid and lactic acid produced by the good bacteria.aking daily probiotics may allow women to keep intestinal pH levels balanced, which would also restore acidity in the body. This is what ultimately prevents the overgrowth of candida and other yeasts.

  Vaginal yeast infections happen once the pH of the vaginal area becomes more acidic; however, probiotics work to restore and keep vaginal pH at 4.2.

  What leads to vaginal pH imbalance? Risk factors include birth control pills and spermicidal contraceptives, intercourse, antibiotic and oral steroid use, obesity, diabetes, and both cancer and cancer treatments.

• Probiotics and Fertility
  As mentioned earlier, probiotics may benefit endometriosis, which is a leading cause of infertility. While yeast and unwanted bacteria can affect a woman’s fertility, a number of probiotic strains may also be able to ease temporary inflammation. This effect has the potential to treat pregnancy issues and support healthy fertility.

  Lactobacillus bacteria, in particular, have been linked with improved fertility, overall vaginal health, and protection against preterm birth.

  Testing the vaginal microbiome has been found to be helpful for diagnosing abnormal vaginal bacteria and predicting pregnancy outcomes in in-vitro fertilization treatment.

  Probiotic treatment in place of antimicrobial therapy is also thought to restore healthy vaginal bacteria, which may promote fertility. One study found that dosages of lactobacillus probiotic bacteria for 10 consecutive days resulted in fertile mice.

Can You Take Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Yes, women who are pregnant can safely take probiotics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has concluded that probiotics have a good safety record, and adverse effects from probiotics are rare. A systematic review of scientific studies found that taking probiotics during pregnancy neither increased nor decreased the risk of preterm birth; in other words, probiotic supplementation was safe and did not negatively affect the birth outcome. However, pregnant women and anyone with a serious medical condition should consult their healthcare provider for specific advice.

In addition to improving overall health, studies have found that probiotics may even have benefits for pregnant women. One study found that pregnant women with gestational diabetes had better cholesterol readings when they took probiotics.

What Are the Best Probiotics for Women?
Some specific probiotic strains support women’s health by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and promoting normal digestive health. Hydrogen-peroxide producing Lactobacillus species are ideal since they have been found to protect against harmful organisms and have many other benefits for women.

These probiotics have the best scientific documentation as effective probiotics

• Lactobacillus plantarum 299V
• Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ1 (formerly called Lactobacillus acidophilus LA1)
• Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFB 1748 & NCFB,
• Lactobacillus crispatus CTV05
• Lactobacillus casei DN114, CRL431 & Shirota
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and GG
• Lactobacillus fermentum B-54 & RC-14
• Bifidobacteria bifidum

Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables include kimchi and sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is high in organic acids, which support the growth of good bacteria. Kimchi, on the other hand, is a fermented probiotic food that includes cabbage and other veggies such as kale, radishes, and carrots.

Lacto-fermented pickles are also a probiotic vegetable that benefits your health.

Dairy-Based Probiotics
Kefir, yogurt, and raw milk are among the probiotic dairy products. Similar to yogurt, kefir is a milk-based probiotic. Kefir is created from fermented milk, while yogurt is a good probiotic food when it comes from raw, grass-fed animals.

Soy-Based Probiotics
Natto is a Japanese dish that contains fermented soybeans, which are extremely high in the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. Miso is also made from fermented soybeans.

Fermented Drinks
Kvass is a fermented beverage used since ancient times in Eastern Europe. It is made from fermenting barley or rye, but in more recent years, it has been made from fruit, beets, or other root veggies like carrots.

Coconut kefir is another probiotic drink and dairy-free kefir option made from the juice of young coconuts with kefir grains. Kombucha is a fermented black tea that is produced by using SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).

Probiotic Supplements
Women’s probiotic supplements are available in capsule and tablet form. Consult with a natural health practitioner for a probiotic recommendation, dosage, and potency to treat your particular health problem.

Reasons Women Need Probiotics

You’re Already at a Disadvantage
Anyone living in our modern, fast-paced, “work long, sleep less” culture could benefit from taking a daily probiotic supplement. Our busy schedules coupled with our western diets, filled with sugar, artificial colors, fatty meat and GMO’s, along with our use of antibiotics, give bad flora the advantage in the fight for your health.

You might not even realize what it is that you’re missing, but you know that something just isn’t right. If you’ve been sick or prescribed antibiotics recently, it’s important to repopulate your system with good bacteria to maintain a healthy balance. Any of the following conditions could be an indication that you need to include a probiotic supplement in your daily regimen:

• Yeast infections, thrush, cold sores, rashes
• GI sensitivity diarrhea/constipation
• Headaches, migraines, joint aches
• Bloating, IBS or partially-digested stools

Not Getting Your Vitamins? Better Get Your Probiotics
Giving your body vitamins and minerals isn’t just like doing an extra credit assignment in your biology class – it’s essential for life. Micronutrients help your body carry out the chemical reactions you need for mental and physical health.

Your body hosts organisms that can produce vitamins– more specifically the bacteria that live in your gut. Among the trillions of bacteria that live in your GI tract, there are some that produce B vitamins. To go a little more in-depth, bacteria in your gut produce three B vitamins: Biotin, Folate and vitamin B12. This trio is closely involved in energy metabolism, and nerve function.  Vegetarians and vegans are at especially high risk for B12 deficiency because this vitamin is naturally found in animal products and generally not present in plant foods.

Probiotic gut bacteria are also capable of making vitamin K, a vitamin your body needs for clotting. Without enough vitamin K, you run the risk of bleeding to death when you get a cut or have a menstrual cycle. Vitamin K comes in two forms: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is important for bone health and for prevention of coronary artery disease, but it has limited availability in foods. The best sources include cheese, egg yolks, and fermented foods. Gut-friendly, probiotic bacteria help out here also by making some of the vitamin K2 you may not be getting through diet. This is one more important reason to make a daily probiotic, such as NuCulture part of your regular diet.

Additionally, probiotics also increase the digestibility, and processing of a number of nutrients, including:

• proteins

• fats

• copper

• calcium

• magnesium

• iron

• carbohydrates

• sugars

• milk

• cholesterol

​Vaginal Health and Hormonal Balance

Very similar to the intestinal tract, the vagina is a finely balanced microbiome. Beneficial microbes such as probiotics can help keep the vaginal area somewhat acidic, making it difficult for potentially harmful bacteria to survive. Healthy vaginal flora can get thrown out of whack by a number of factors, including antibiotics, spermicides, and birth control pills. Probiotics also help with microflora balance to support vaginal health.

Beneficial flora metabolize and recycle hormones, including estrogen, thyroid hormones, and phytoestrogens from food sources, which can help offset symptoms of Menopause, PMS, and Perimenopause. In this way, they help maintain proper hormonal balance, and may protect bone and breast health as well.

So many factors can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut including stress and diet. Keeping your gut microbiome in balance is important for many reasons, one of which is to nurture good bacteria you need to help with the production of vitamin K and B vitamins. This is one more great reason to make a daily probiotic, such as NuCulture part of your regular diet. ​