Probiotics. Everyone agrees this is the next superfood you need to add to your diet. Agreed. After all, the National Center For Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has officially stated that these microorganisms provide a range of health benefits, from improved gut health to boosting immunity levels. It has also gone ahead to state that – the benefits of probiotics for women are comparatively higher vis-a-vis the other gender.
Now, this is a point worth pondering. After all, what are those ‘key’ factors that make probiotics more beneficial for women? Also, which types of probiotics are suitable for women? How must they consume that, and at what odd hours? Click through this article to get all your answers and some more info!
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of probiotics for women?
Let’s check out the specific benefits that probiotics attribute to women in the long run –
1. Improved gut health
Do you know that women are more likely to face irritable bowel syndrome 2-6 times more than men? In fact, the diagnosis rate is 2:1 – in terms of women and men. Consistent gastrointestinal issues lead to a range of issues, such as gas, bloating, acid reflux, and constipation in the long run.
Probiotics have a crucial role to play in the management of the gut ecosystem.
As the available microorganisms, they boost the production of other sets of beneficial microorganisms in the stomach and, therefore, better the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. When continued in the long run, it also helps in reducing the conditions associated with constipation, thereby allowing the body to release toxins in a definite manner.
2. Help to manage your weight
A major reason why females find it difficult to manage their weight is due to hormonal imbalances and residual toxins in their bodies. One of the biggest benefits of probiotics for women is – how they assist in removing toxins from the body, thereby keeping the weight in check.
According to the results of an independent study, a group of overweight women were given certain strains of probiotics for a span of 12 weeks. It was found that the women who took that strain lost more weight versus women who underwent a different therapy. Therefore, probiotics are beneficial for managing weight.
3. They enhance your vaginal health
These helpful microorganisms support the microbiomes present in the vagina, allowing them the perfect breeding ground. For the record, vaginal microbiomes offer the first line of defence against intimate infections. Hence, it is crucial to allow them to propagate for the general well-being of vaginal health, which the probiotics propel.
4. Reduces the chances of UTI
Urinary Tract Infections are extremely common in women. Probiotics, as major results, have been shown to reduce the chances of UTIs by 40-45%. As you already know that this bacterial flora improves vaginal health; at the same time, it reduces the chances of your catching a UTI (and even if you do, the effects are reduced significantly).
For those suffering from UTIs, you must be already under medication. Connect with your medical advisor and find out which type of probiotic would help you improve your condition, and if you can include the same along with your medication.
5. Probiotics are good for your skin
Wondering how the ‘so-called beneficial microorganisms’ can bring a glow to your skin? Here’s the way! The nutritional profile of probiotics is supremely beneficial when it comes to treating skin conditions like eczema, skin hypersensitivity, and acne. Apart from that, it also promotes wound healing and assists in recuperating damaged skin.
6. Betters PCOS condition
This is a recent addition to the listicle of benefits of probiotics for women. A recent independent survey conducted by a set of Italian researchers shows – how probiotics have considerably ameliorated the hormonal profiles of females and reduced the inflammatory tendencies related to their PCOS. With a constant and consistent consumption of probiotics, the lipid metabolism disturbances associated with PCOS have reduced in a set of surveyed women.
Given that obesity has a role to play in enhancing PCOS conditions and that probiotics help in managing body weight and improve vaginal bacteria – hence, this is a credible argument. Though further research data is awaited, without a doubt, probiotics assist in bettering your menstrual health.
7. Amplifies your immune levels
Lastly, as you have seen for yourself, the categorical benefits that it accrues to the female body (vis-a-vis the male) – hence, it is no surprise that continuous consumption of the same will enhance your immunity levels.
Multiple researchers have shown that in certain areas of the world, women are more prone to immune-related diseases than their male counterparts. Hence, the consumption of probiotics will considerably give an immunity boost by reducing the growth of dangerous pathogens and maintaining health and wellness.
How to choose the right type?
As an aware individual, you must understand that to derive the maximum benefits of probiotics for women you also need to choose the correct type. So, how will you make that choice? Here are a couple of tips to look out for –
Point 1 – Categorically, if you are looking for a probiotic that will assist both your gut and vaginal health, go for options that have Lactobacillus rhamnosus. If correctly utilized, it will also stabilize your weight.
Point 2 – Looking to deal with your thyroid issue? Opt for Lactobacillus reuteri, which assists in managing your thyroid health and improving the production of Vitamin B12 in your body.
Point 3 – For those looking to improve their vaginal health and deal with specific issues like constipation – opt for probiotics that are packed with Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus gasseri.
Having said that, do connect with a clinical professional before you add any of these to your diet.
How to add probiotics to your diet?
There are a couple of ways by which ladies may add probiotics to their diet. Here are some of them –
- Most people add yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, tempeh, kombucha, natto, or buttermilk to their ‘newly-introduced’ probiotic diet.
- Are you constantly on the go? In that case, there are a handful of probiotic supplements found in the medical stores. Consult a professional before picking one.
- Prebiotics have a crucial role to play in amplifying the effects of probiotics. Therefore, include in your diet foods that are high in prebiotic fibre such as – dandelion greens, leeks, garlic, onions, and bananas.
Are there any risks involved?
As much as there are multiple benefits of probiotics for women – without a doubt, there are a couple of risks involved as well. So if you are a woman who –
- Has her immune system compromised, or if you are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, then you must refrain from the same because it will harm your health adversely.
- If you have pancreatitis or have a family history (or personal medical history) of this, refrain from consuming probiotics. If at all, consult your medical professional before you consume it.
- In case you suffer from melaena (blood in their stools).
then, probiotics are not for you!
Note these points
- If you have just started consuming probiotics, then note that the body will take some time to get accustomed. In the meantime, you may have a temporary bloating or gas-like feeling. Don’t worry; this discomfort will subside in a few days.
- When looking for probiotics that are beneficial for women, choose those devoid of soy, dairy, and gluten.
- Look for probiotics that have a high CFU content.
- You must understand that probiotics do not fall into the ‘one-minute’ solution category. Depending on body type, this bacterial concoction may take some time to act, at times from 7-10 days or even 3-4 weeks. Consistency is the key here.
The key takeaways
You have already understood the varied benefits of probiotics for women, from improving their gut health to amplifying their fertility levels. As pumped up as you are to include them in your diet, you must remember that their effects (both positive and negative) differ from person to person. Therefore, always consult a medical practitioner and review your medical history before including this in your diet.
Additionally, you must comprehend that any addition to your diet requires a minimum period before it can reflect its effects. Stay positive, and choose a healthier lifestyle. If you still have some queries, scroll down and follow this
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FAQ
1. Which is the correct time to take probiotics?
To ensure that you harness the maximum benefits of probiotics for women, you must consume them at the same time every day. The best time to eat it is – 30 minutes prior to breakfast on an empty stomach. Since breakfast is eaten normally at the same time, in all probability, you will be able to maintain the routine.
2. Is there a particular way to eat probiotics?
The way you eat your probiotics depends on the type of product you eat. There are some bacteria that are best eaten on an empty stomach to harness their desired benefits. However, certain strains of bacteria are naturally resistant to stomach acids, and therefore, even if you consume those foods with your regular meal, they will provide the same benefits as otherwise.
3. Can you take probiotics every day?
Surely, you can take probiotics every day (certain pills and powders are made for daily consumption). However, in case you have any allergy or are suffering from any kind of food intolerance or stomach issue, connect with a medical professional to determine the dosage and daily consumption.
4. Can you take probiotics with other medication?
There is no data whatsoever that shows probiotics interfering with any medication. However, antibiotics must always be taken solo. In case you have any doubts about any other medication – do connect with your doctor and deal with the same.
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.
