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Good Girl Probiotics Review: A Solution for Your Woes Down Below?
Discover the pros, cons, and potential side effects of Good Girl, a probiotic supplement that has received plenty of hype online.
Unfortunately, yeast, bacterial, and urinary tract infections are all too common for women. They can be uncomfortable, irritating, and disruptive to our daily lives. While antibiotics are often the prescribed solution, probiotics may offer an alternative, gentler form of treatment.
One such probiotic is Good Girl, which quickly caught my attention while researching probiotics to recommend to my patients. But does it live up to the online hype?
What Are Good Girl Probiotics?
- Rebalances pH levels
- Prevents bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and UTIs
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Boosts immune function
- Reduces bad odor and irritation
Designed specifically for women, Good Girl is a probiotic that was primarily created to rebalance healthy bacteria levels within the vaginal flora and relieve the symptoms of infection. However, along with the reproductive health organs, I was pleased to see that the supplement also supports 2 other critical areas of the female body: the gut and the immune system.
Is Love Wellness a good brand?
What I liked about Love Wellness is that it was originally created as a solution for the founder, Lo Bosworth, and her debilitating health issues in response to the harmful personal care products you’d usually find on the market.
So, Love Wellness was born with the support, research, and guidance of doctors to create safe, non-toxic, clinically proven products that are free of skin irritants and microbiome disruptors. This makes them a good, trustworthy brand, in my opinion.
Why I’ve Decided to Review Good Girl Probiotics
It’s estimated that 3 out of every 4 women will experience at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. I see the impact that this has on a daily basis, with many women coming to me experiencing irritation and burning down below.
Although antibiotics eliminate bad bacteria and other toxins within the vaginal flora that cause infection, they also get rid of the good bacteria that keep it healthy.
Probiotics offer a fix to this problem by helping to restore a healthy balance of microbes. While searching for the best probiotics to begin recommending to my patients, Good Girl was one product that stood out.
How Do Good Girl Probiotics Work?
I purchased one bottle of the Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics directly from the official website to get a feel for the product.
Whereas most probiotics for UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) contain only 1 strain, Good Girl has 8 different types of beneficial bacteria that are key for both good vaginal and gut health. Specifically, they use the Lactobacillus strain, a species that is proven to be effective in keeping your vaginal pH level within a healthy range of 3.8 to 5.0.
It’s recommended to take 2 capsules per day with a meal to ensure that the probiotic strains can be safely digested. With consistent use, Love Wellness suggests that you should begin seeing results within 4–8 weeks.
Do Good Girl Probiotics Work for BV?
Thanks to their inclusion of 8 Lactobacillus strains, Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics seem to be a great option for treating and preventing recurrent BV.
While increasing the presence of good bacteria in the vaginal flora, they also eliminate harmful bacteria that enter the vagina as a result of douching, having multiple sex partners, or failing to use condoms, which may cause BV.
What Makes Good Girl Probiotics Different From the Competition?
One of the key differences that I noted is that Good Girl contains 8 Lactobacillus species in each dose, whereas other brands typically contain much fewer. Along with vaginal health, they also keep your gut microbiome and immune system healthy.
Something else that’s pretty unique about the brand is that their probiotics are made with 1 billion colony-forming units, or CFUs, which indicate the number of bacterial cells in a probiotic.
Today, many companies advertise their products as having 50 billion CFUs or more, an unnecessarily high count that doesn’t always increase the product’s effectiveness.
Good Girl Probiotics Ingredients
Good Girl helps to maintain a balanced pH level, which stops bacteria and yeast from growing. I took a closer look at each ingredient within Good Girl and assessed their effectiveness.
Inulin
As a prebiotic fiber, inulin feeds the beneficial bacteria within Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics to help them grow and thrive within your body. Along with being added to fiber supplements, it is also commonly found in chicory root, garlic, asparagus, and wheat.
Research indicates that inulin relieves constipation by encouraging regular bowel movements, as well as helping with weight loss and potentially improving nutrient absorption.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common bacterial strains within the vagina. They help to treat and prevent vaginal infections by producing lactic acid, a substance that stops harmful bacteria from growing.
However, research on this strain is still ongoing, as some studies indicate that it may not be as effective as we think in treating infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Lactobacillus gasseri
Known for its antimicrobial effects, L. gasseri is a probiotic that naturally occurs in the urinary and digestive tracts. Studies show that it may help with fat loss for those with obesity while also preventing recurrent BV and relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
The rhamnosus strain is useful for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) as it kills harmful microbes within the vaginal ecosystem. This strain also nourishes the cells within your colon by producing short-chain fatty acids, therefore keeping your digestive system working smoothly, too.
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus brevis is part of the lactic acid probiotic family and is especially beneficial for digestion and good gut health. It may also benefit the activity of natural killer cells, which fight off infections throughout the body.
Lactobacillus salivarius
One study indicates that L. salivarius may help to improve vaginal pH for women with a history of reproductive problems. Another study on piglets shows that L. salivarius has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to strengthen the gut barrier and relieve diarrhea.
Lactobacillus casei
Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus casei are effective in treating and preventing diarrhea, along with relieving the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. The species have also been proven to restore the vaginal flora after antibiotic treatment of BV.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Like L. acidophilus, plantarum is another lactic acid-producing strain that helps to eliminate bad bacteria within the gut and vaginal microbiomes. Research indicates that it effectively prevents the recurrence of candida vaginitis, a yeast infection that causes burning and itching sensations.
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus paracasei is typically useful in treating eczema, hay fever, and the common cold. It also features in probiotic supplements like Good Girl to treat diarrhea and improve gut health by producing short-chain fatty acids. Interestingly, the strain has been shown to prevent the vaginal colonization of harmful bacteria, which stops the onset of infection.
4 Benefits of Good Girl Probiotics
Here are 4 things I particularly liked about Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics:
#1 Made to support vaginal health
The 8 strains of Lactobacillus probiotics in Good Girl all play an important role in balancing the pH of your vaginal microbiome. They do this by fighting off bad microbes that lead to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections and repopulating your vaginal tract with healthy bacteria.
#2 Eases digestive discomfort
Not only is it one of the best probiotics for treating constipation, but Good Girl can also tackle diarrhea that occurs as a result of taking antibiotics. Furthermore, research indicates that supplements containing Lactobacillus probiotics ease the symptoms of digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis.
#3 Enhances immunity
An interesting benefit of taking Good Girl supplements is that they may help to boost your immune function. Many of the cells within your body that create antibodies to fight infection exist within the gut, highlighting the link between using Good Girl and increased immunity.
For example, studies show that certain probiotic strains may be effective in treating respiratory illness, though more research is needed.
#4 Balances gut flora
By balancing bacteria levels, Good Girl helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Its 8 probiotic strains produce substances such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that fight harmful microbes and allow beneficial bacteria to thrive.
3 Downsides of Good Girl Probiotics
Although there are several things that I think are great about Good Girl, it’s important to highlight the drawbacks of the supplement as well. This will give you a well-rounded view and ensure that you are choosing the right probiotic for you.
#1 Results may vary
While looking through the Love Wellness website, I came across the disclaimer that results “can vary person-to-person” with the Good Girl supplement. Probiotics may not work for everyone because everyone has different genes, microbiomes, diets and takes them for different reasons.
The brand, therefore, suggests that it can take anywhere from 4–8 weeks to see results.
#2 Brief period of adjustment
Taking a gut-altering probiotic like Good Girl can cause some mild gastrointestinal side effects at first. You may encounter some bloating, excess gas, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. However, these symptoms should disappear as your body gets used to the probiotics, and may even help to relieve effects like bloating.
#3 Might cause mild side effects
As I’ve mentioned, you are likely to experience some uncomfortable side effects with Good Girl. To minimize these symptoms, start by taking just 1 capsule per day. As your body gets used to the probiotics, you can then begin taking a full dose of 2 capsules.
Good Girl Probiotics Real Users’ Reviews
When deciding whether a probiotic or any type of supplement is right for you, it’s important to read a variety of reviews. This will give you opinions from a variety of perspectives to help you make that all-important final decision.
Here are some reviews from other Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics users that I found online:
Cost
For a month’s supply of 60 capsules, Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics will set you back $29.99. I found this to be relatively expensive compared to their competitors, although Love Wellness does offer some discounts.
You can sign up for a recurring shipment every 1–4 months, which brings the price down to $22.49 per bottle. You’ll also get free shipping on orders over $45.
FAQs
Keeping your vaginal pH balanced with Love Wellness Good Girl probiotics can help to reduce the fishy odor that often comes with infection.
Yes, you should swallow 2 Love Wellness Good Girl capsules per day, preferably at meal times.
Studies have shown that changes in the gut microbiome caused by bacteria can increase your risk of gaining weight. However, supplements that contain Lactobacillus probiotics like Good Girl can help to combat this.
Good Girl Probiotics are manufactured by Love Wellness, a women’s wellness company that aims to create safer, more effective products for the gut, brain, and vagina.
These probiotics contain 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving, which is 2 capsules.
Probiotics, in general, are safe to use by those who are healthy. However, they are unsuitable for people with health complications or weakened immune systems, such as those who have recently had surgery, those undergoing chemotherapy, and premature infants. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first.
Good Girl suggests that you should be able to see results within 4–8 weeks.
Comparison Table
Self-activating ingredients work quickly
Delayed-release capsule protects probiotics from stomach acid
Contains no stimulants
Scientifically-formulated
3 or 6-month subscription lowers the price
All-natural ingredients
Contains no preservatives
Gluten, soy, and dairy-free
Suitable for vegetarians
Non-GMO
Ingredients are completely natural
Contains no dairy
Soy and gluten-free
Capsules are small and easy to swallow
Gluten-free capsules
Shelf-stable so doesn’t require refrigeration
Clean, non-GMO ingredients
Relatively expensive
Only formulated for men
Unsuitable for those with chronic conditions
Probiotic strains that release histamine are not suitable for people with allergies
Not recommended for those pregnant or breastfeeding
Relatively expensive
No money-back guarantee
Not vegan-friendly
How I Tested Good Girl Probiotics
When reviewing any supplement, I always look at 4 factors in particular to make a well-rounded judgment. Here are the elements I considered while reviewing Good Girl:
Quality 9/10
For me to consider a probiotic high quality, it should contain scientifically backed, natural ingredients. Manufacturers should also avoid including artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Good Girl scored high in this category because it contains a variety of Lactobacillus species and a good number of CFUs.
Effectiveness 8/10
Good Girl is an effective probiotic because the 8 lactobacillus strains it is made with are backed by research to help improve vaginal, gut, and even immune health. I deducted 2 points because it can take anywhere from 4–8 weeks to work and may not provide the same top-notch results for every user.
Price 8/10
Love Wellness offers some great “subscribe and save” options for those on a tighter budget. Although the probiotics are relatively expensive for what you get, I’d consider them good value for their quality and effectiveness.
Brand reputation 9/10
To get a feel for Love Wellness’ brand reputation, I read a number of online customer reviews. Overall, customers were happy with the products and customer service, and there were very few complaints. I also like the ethos behind the brand, which was founded by someone who struggled with the same health complications the products are designed to treat.
A Word From Our RD
Whether you’re suffering from frequent urinary tract infections, poor gut health, or problems with your immunity, probiotics may offer a great solution. By restoring a healthy bacteria balance, they ensure that your whole body continues to thrive.
From capsules and powders to probiotic drinks, probiotics come in many convenient forms that you can use as a supplement to your usual diet. However, you should also try to eat a range of probiotic-rich foods that introduce good bacteria to your body naturally.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are great choices, along with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Although they offer many health benefits, probiotics aren’t right for everyone. They may interact with certain medications and may increase the risk of infection in people with weakened immune systems. If you are unsure if they are the right supplement for you, talk to your healthcare provider before adding probiotics to your daily routine.
Conclusion
From a medical standpoint, I would recommend the Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotic supplements to anyone looking for healthy vaginal flora, a healthier gut, or better immunity. They are a little pricey and may not be effective for everyone, but overall, I think they are great value for the money and would be a great addition to your supplementation routine.