7 Powerful Health Benefits of Probiotics for Women

What do you think of when you hear the word bacteria?

Maybe your first thought is gross. But when you look at the dozens of studies that analyze bacteria, it’s proving to be more of a friend than a foe.

In fact, for any average person, there are approximately 100 trillion good bacteria living inside their body at any given moment (1). This good bacteria encourages a healthy gut and can be found in certain foods, as well as in probiotics, something you can take daily as a supplement.

There are microscopic organisms in your lower intestinal tract called microbes. These microorganisms help you digest food, regulate your immune system, and fight off harmful bacteria.

However, sometimes an imbalance of these microbes can occur, leading to gut health issues like leaky gut, bloat, or diarrhea. When this irritating imbalance occurs, a probiotic supplement helps restore the good bacteria back to your gut.

Probiotics have been shown to activate the immune systems and prevent pathogens from creating dangerous diseases in the body. Some studies even suggest that taking a probiotic while you’re on an antibiotic can decrease the likelihood of getting diarrhea as a side effect of the medication (2).

While the main purpose of using a probiotic supplement is to reintroduce good bacteria into your body, there are many other health benefits that are associated with the use of a probiotic as well.

Probiotic supplements can help with the following (3, 4)...

1. Immune System

Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your body to create the vitamins and enzymes it needs.

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

It’s been shown that probiotics not only reduce the severity of UTI symptoms, but also the frequency in which you may get them.

3. Yeast Infections

Studies have reported that certain probiotic strains can help prevent yeast infections and keep your microbiome balanced.

4. Skin Problems

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, both oral and topical probiotics can potentially help with skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, and acne.

According to research, a good ratio of probiotic strains can help improve your fertility.

6. Digestion

Probiotic supplements can aid in digestion if you’re suffering from gastrointestinal problems like chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

7. Blood Pressure

Research has indicated that probiotics can cause a modest reduction in your blood pressure.

The short answer? Yes, you can.

Some studies have found that certain probiotics can inhibit the amount of fat and calories that your body absorbs and retains. Probiotics containing the strain Lactobacillus are likely the most beneficial for weight loss.

Some evidence points to the possibility that obesity is directly linked to inflammation in the brain, and by improving your gut health—by way of probiotics—you may effectively reduce the amount of inflammation as well.

We have also seen that probiotics may promote weight loss by releasing a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to reduce appetite and can help you burn calories and fat (5). Probiotics may also enhance weight loss by increasing the amount of protein ANGPTL4 (which may help decrease how much fat the body stores) (5).

In contrast to probiotics that can actually aid in weight loss, there have been studies that show some probiotics simply help in the prevention of weight gain, which certainly has benefits of its own (6).

There are many different types of probiotic supplements, and it’s important to know the difference between them. Since a probiotic will contain specific bacteria strains, not all of them will work in the same way or manage the same problems.

Here is a short guide to help you find which probiotic will be most beneficial to you, listed with health issues they are shown to address (7)...

One of the most widely-used probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus seems to treat the largest range of issues. It’s even been shown to help those who suffer from lactose intolerance and decrease the likelihood of colon cancer.

This probiotic shows strong evidence to help curb diarrhea brought on by the use of antibiotics. Also, a promising study shows that women who used this probiotic strain while pregnant decreased the chances of their children developing atopic eczema, the most common form of eczema in children.

Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract seems to be greatly reduced by this strain of probiotic. It’s also been known to provide symptom relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

In studies, this probiotic strain has been shown not only to provide patients with digestive support but also to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

One of the most promising probiotics for your immune health is Bifidobacterium lactis. After a period of six weeks, this strain was shown to have raised the levels of antibodies in the patients that used it.

It’s been shown that adults who take this probiotic along with milk or yogurt for only two weeks reported a decrease in constipation. Also, a report from University College Cork found that this strain contributed to lower stress levels and better memory.

Researchers have found that things like antibiotics, stress, and diet can all deplete the body of this good bacteria. However, this strain helps to regulate our body’s immune response, so replenishing our source of Bifidobacterium bifidum is highly beneficial. It’s further been shown to prevent pathogens from flourishing in our gut. Clinical research of this strain showed significant results in the reduction of irritable bowel symptoms, also.

An incredible study discovered that this strain of probiotic can potentially prevent aging brought on by UV exposure. It has also been shown to decrease constipation symptoms in children with constipation.

Streptococcus thermophilus is shown to have a positive effect on the level of ceramides on our skin. Ceramides help keep our skin moisturized and youthful, and low levels of ceramides have been linked to damaged and dry skin.

Foods that have been fermented begin by going through a process referred to as lactofermentation, or natural fermentation.

During this time, natural bacteria will feed on the sugars and starches in the food, creating lactic acid. This results in the production of various species of good bacteria and the promotion of enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins (8).

The most common fermented foods that contain probiotics are:

• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Sourdough bread
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Some cheeses

It’s important to remember, however, that not all fermented foods contain probiotics. Some fermented foods, such as beer and wine, undergo a process that will remove probiotics. Other foods may be baked or canned and will have their probiotics stripped from them as well.

Although uncommon, probiotics, like any supplement, can cause side effects for some people. Some users can react poorly to probiotic supplements or foods and experience the following (9):

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: The most common complaint is temporary gas and bloating. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, you should begin by taking a low dose and slowly work your way up to a full dose over a period of a few weeks.

• Headaches: Headaches have been seen as a side effect in people who are eating fermented foods as their source of probiotics. Many probiotic foods contain a substance called biogenic amines, which form when protein-rich foods ferment. These amines are known to excite your nervous system, potentially triggering a headache.

• Increase in histamine levels: Some strains used in probiotic supplements can produce histamine inside your digestive tract. Histamine, which is made naturally by your body when it detects a threat, causes your blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This can sometimes cause redness or swelling and possibly trigger an allergic response.

• Allergy: If you’re thinking about taking a probiotic supplement, be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Some probiotics will contain dairy, soy, eggs, or yeast.

• Infection: Although rare, an infection can occur in some users. Those at the greatest risk are people who already have suppressed immune systems or have undergone recent surgery.

Probiotics are a natural solution to so many everyday symptoms that drag us down. Boosting your digestion, improving your metabolism, and curbing cravings are so much easier with the help of a probiotic supplement.

Our NativePath Probiotic contains a powerful digestive health formula that includes 10 unique super-strains and 2.75 billion CFUs per capsule. Try it for yourself by grabbing a 30-day supply.