Probiotics increase the number of good bacteria already present in our bodies.
Probiotics can be useful for everyone, but they may be especially important for women.
According to Cleveland Clinic, "Probiotics are made of good live bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body." We can consume these as supplements, or as part of our diets in fermented foods such as kimchi, or probiotic yogurt.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects women two to six times more frequently than it does men, and women are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease at a rate of 2:1 more often than men, reports Live Science. Women may need to worry more about their gut health and take extra precautions to maintain a diversified and healthy internal microbiome.
A 2019 study titled, Interplay between food and gut microbiota in health and disease, demonstrated that a balanced gut microbiome can reduce gut wall permeability, which in turn prevents harmful germs from entering the bloodstream through the gut wall.
Probiotics contain a wide variety of health benefits, especially for women.
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Read the full article: Probiotics for Women: Health Benefits You Should Consider
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Good bacteria is present in our bodies in the skin, gastrointestinal system and vaginal lining which probiotics can boost. In addition to the gut microbiome that everyone has, women have a vaginal microbiome which also needs to be kept balanced for overall health.
Hence, the use of probiotics by women has multiple advantages, some of which are listed below.
Due to the closeness of the anus to the vaginal opening, which increases the risk of E. coli germs from the rectum entering the vagina, urinary tract infections are far more prevalent in women than in males. A study titled, Recurrent urinary tract infections in women: How promising is the use of probiotics? shows that taking a probiotic suppository can successfully treat infections and balance the vaginal microbiome.
A 2020 study has revealed that specific strains of Lactobacilli, a specific probiotic present in the majority of probiotic foods, may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of vaginal infections. As it can result in pelvic inflammatory illnesses and pregnancy difficulties, bacterial vaginosis can be particularly troublesome. A successful pregnancy and the well-being of the unborn child depend on a healthy vaginal biome.
Due to the shift in hormonal activity observed at these times, women frequently suffer an increase in mood-related difficulties throughout their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. A research titled, the gut microbiome and the brain, has revealed that while an unbalanced microbiome can lead to mood disorders, healthy gut microbiota can promote excellent mental health.
According to a 2019 study, poor gut health might result in skin irritation since the body's microbiome affects the immune system. The skin serves as the body's first line of defense against invasion and cooperates with our mucous membranes and gut wall to keep harmful bacteria from entering our bodies. The general health of the body's microbiome can be supported by probiotics.
Menopause is one of several variables that might affect the length and quality of sleep. According to research, our circadian cycles can be disturbed by microbes that flourish when the body is sleep-deprived. By generating strong competition, a varied gut microbiome might prevent the overgrowth of certain microbes that affect sleep.
Cristy Dean, dietician and gut health specialist at Fettle and Bloom says, "There is a growing body of evidence that suggests we can treat or even prevent some illnesses by taking certain strains of probiotics."
“Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut can benefit the microbiome by enhancing its function and reducing the abundance of disease causing bacteria in the intestines, along with promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli,” says Dean.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30599936/
https://fettleandbloomnutrition.com
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29063878/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31299136/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920876/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25402818/
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Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
