Benefits of Probiotics for Women Explained

Shutterstock.com

Probiotics are living microorganisms found in different kinds of fermented foods and in supplement form. Many people choose to add probiotic supplements to their daily routine to improve gut health, support their immune system, and ensure their body has everything it needs to function properly.

But are there any specific benefits of probiotics for women? Below, we have looked at all the facts to help you understand the benefits of probiotic supplementation for women’s health. Read on now to learn more.

9 Benefits of Probiotics for Women

There are numerous benefits of probiotics for women, such as improved digestion, better immune system function, or even improved vaginal health, among others. Below, we’ve closely examined the major 9 advantages for women.

#1 Improve digestion

Many people choose to add probiotic supplements to their routine because they are known to boost gut health. These supplements contain good bacteria that help rebalance the gut and improve digestive health.

Bad bacteria can cause the gut to be imbalanced, which leads to symptoms like obesity, mental health problems, and even allergies. Many things can cause an imbalance in the gut bacteria – also known as the gut microbiome – including taking antibiotics, having a poor diet, and illness or infection.

Adding a probiotic supplement to your routine could help improve your gut health and any digestive symptoms you are currently experiencing.

#2 Help to combat bloating and constipation

A common gut health issue for women is bloating. This may be the result of an imbalanced gut microbiome, which can lead to increased gas production and inflammation. There are many probiotic strains that are known to reduce these symptoms.

In addition, for women who experience frequent constipation, probiotics may hold the key to improving stool consistency and regularity. For those who have irritable bowel syndrome, these supplements have been proven to ease bowel movements and reduce constipation.

There is also evidence that probiotics can help reduce bowel movement irregularity in pregnant women. However, it is important to note that some probiotics may not be suitable for those who are pregnant, and you should speak with your doctor before trying any home remedies to combat constipation during pregnancy first.

#3 Boost immunity

The gut microbiome plays a huge role in immune function, with many of the body’s immune cells residing there. This means that if your gut health is compromised, your immune system could be too.

Early research suggests that taking probiotic supplements may have some benefits for immunity. It is thought that as they balance the bacteria in the gut, they boost the immune system and support its proper functioning.

#4 Promote vaginal health

Much like the gut, the vagina has its own microbiome that needs balance, too. If your vaginal flora is out of balance, this could lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other uncomfortable vaginal health issues.

Probiotics for women are specifically designed to not only promote gut health but to support the health of the vagina, too. As in the gut, these supplements introduce good bacteria to the vagina to restore balance and prevent infections.

Some research suggests that probiotics may also be useful for women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by a bacterial infection, and this kind of supplement may be able to help reduce the symptoms of and fight the infection.

#5 Might help to lose weight

There is some research that suggests that probiotics may help you to lose weight. Some strains are known to prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines, instead forcing it to be excreted and helping you to reduce fat stores in the body.

In addition, a healthy gut microbiome can support weight loss in a few ways. To begin with, though we cannot digest fiber, our gut bacteria can. When they digest fiber, they release chemicals that promote gut health and weight loss. On top of this, the bacteria in our gut are known to digest antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which promote weight loss.

#6 Improve mood

More recently, studies have linked gut health to mental health, with the balance of bacteria in the gut having an impact on our mood. Research has shown that supplementing with certain probiotic strains can improve symptoms of a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

The link between gut health and mental well-being is a relatively new area of study, and more research may be needed to properly define the connection between the two.

#7 Can help balance female hormones

There is evidence to suggest a link between sex hormones and the gut, including hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

This link is being studied to fully understand the role of the gut microbiome in sex-related diseases like ovarian cancer and PCOS. As an imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to a higher incidence of sex hormone-related diseases, probiotics may be able to reduce the risk of developing such a disease by rebalancing female hormones.

Some research has also shown that probiotic supplementation may have an effect on hormonal homeostasis, which could improve cardio-metabolic health in perimenopausal women.

#8 Boost skin health

Just like the gut, the skin also has a microbiome made up of a delicately balanced range of bacteria. Taking probiotics, or using them topically, may be able to treat and reduce the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Research in this area is relatively limited, but studies show a promising link between probiotic use and skin benefits.

#9 Improve sleep quality

If you suffer from poor sleep or a sleep disorder like insomnia, some research suggests that using probiotic supplements can boost sleep quality. Research conducted into the gut-brain axis and its effects on mood and sleep has shown that supplementation not only increases cognitive function but improves the length and quality of sleep.

While the link between better sleep and these supplements is not currently fully understood, some researchers believe that probiotics may help reduce stress, which can lead to sleep disruption.

Do Women Need Probiotics Every Day?

Daily probiotics are common for many women who have found that using them boosts their health and well-being. While women don’t necessarily need to take them every day, they definitely can.

Once you begin taking them, it is important to stick with the recommended dosage. As your body gets used to the supplements, you will notice a marked change in your digestive health and other aspects of health, too. For most women, extended use is safe and recommended.

If you have any concerns about probiotic use, speak with your doctor before starting them to ensure that it is totally safe for you and any health conditions you may have.

How many probiotics should a woman take daily?

Women should take their probiotics as directed by the packaging. Different probiotic brands have different dosages, so you should only ever take the amount that is recommended by the manufacturer.

What Are the Dangers of Taking Probiotics for Women?

While probiotics are tested and deemed safe for human use, there are some dangers that women may face when choosing to use them. To begin with, these supplements can cause some negative side effects when you first begin use. Common side effects include bloating and constipation.

In addition, people who are seriously ill and have compromised immune systems should avoid taking them as they can have a negative impact on their health. Pregnant women should seek advice from their doctor before introducing these supplements into their diet too.

While most supplements are rigorously tested, some products may contain contaminants and bad bacteria, which can cause illness. Always check the label and transparency of the manufacturer you are using to avoid this.

Lastly, there is some concern that the introduction of probiotics into the digestive system may increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant genes transferring to bacteria in the gut. This could make it more difficult to fight bad bacteria with antibiotics should you get sick.

Conclusion

Probiotics are beneficial both for men and women. The benefits of probiotics for women include promoting a healthy microbiome, restoring balance to the vaginal flora, and improving mood and sleep quality.

It is safe to take them daily, and you should choose supplements that are best suited to your body and your health needs.