On average, women are two to six times more likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome than men, with inflammatory bowel disease being diagnosed in twice as many women compared to men. With these statistics in mind, ensuring proper gut health and a rich, flourishing internal microbiome should be a top priority for all women.
Whether you choose to include more fermented foods into your diet or prefer to turn to high-quality supplements, like Inner Health’s probiotic gummies, introducing probiotics to your body can leave you reaping the multiple rewards this healthy bacteria offers.
Gut Health
Statistically, women experience more gastrointestinal issues than men, making good gut health particularly important to reduce unwanted and potentially harmful digestive conditions and their symptoms. Supporting healthy gastrointestinal function helps the body digest and process food, regulates the digestive process, and maintains healthy bowel movements.
Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut can significantly benefit the microbiome by enhancing its function and reducing the levels of disease-causing bacteria throughout the intestines. However, it is worth noting that the effects of probiotics are transient. If you stop consuming them, their positive impact on your body will disappear.
Vaginal Health & Fertility
Research shows that some strains of the healthy bacteria Lactobacilli, which is found in most probiotic foods, can be particularly beneficial in treating and preventing vaginal infections. Conditions like bacterial vaginosis can be especially problematic as they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications.
For anyone going through pregnancy, a healthy vaginal biome is vital for successful birth and infant health, as studies suggest that a baby’s first gastrointestinal microbes are provided to them as they move through the birth canal.
Sleep
The quality and duration of sleep cycles are influenced and impacted by many different factors, including a biome imbalance. Research indicates that the microorganisms that typically thrive when the body is sleep-deprived often lead to disruptions in our circadian rhythms.
Having a healthy and diverse gut microbiome can prevent these harmful microorganisms from growing out of control by providing adequate and effective competition.
Mood
Women typically see an increase in mood-related issues during their monthly menstruation cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, primarily due to the changes in hormonal activity experienced during these periods. Some studies have revealed that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can lead to good mental health, while an imbalance can cause mood issues.
This is due to the fact that our gut bacteria can mimic the various hormones released by our bodies, and because they can communicate with our brains through the vagus nerve, they are vital in monitoring mood. That phenomenon is more commonly known as the gut-brain axis.
Skin Health
Given that the body’s microbiome can significantly impact the immune system, it should come as no surprise that poor gut health can lead to various skin issues, including painful irritations and unwanted breakouts. The skin is the body’s first immune barrier against the world, and it works closely with our mucous membranes and gut walls to stop harmful bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the body.
Probiotics support the healthy flora of microorganisms found throughout the body, helping to prevent skin issues like irritations and flare-ups.
Weight Management
In order to understand how probiotics connect to weight management, it is important to note how these healthy bacteria work in the gut. Good bacteria aid in breaking down the food we eat, especially digesting fiber that our gut struggles to process. This, in turn, releases important nutrients that help our body function correctly and make it possible to foster a healthy weight.
Studies have shown that overweight individuals often exhibit an imbalance of these gut health microbes, which affects the way their bodies digest food. Probiotics can be a worthwhile addition to any health plan, alongside a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, exercise, proper sleep, and hydration.
Urinary Tract Support
Most of the attention surrounding probiotics generally focuses on their effect on the intestines. However, healthy bacteria can be found in many different areas of the body, including the urinary tract.
Lactobacilli, for example, plays a crucial role in the urinary flora of premenopausal women. Therefore, supplementing your diet with probiotics that contain this particular strain is an easy and safe way to promote and maintain urinary tract health.
Who Should Skip Probiotics
While probiotics offer numerous benefits to women’s health, there are specific situations when healthcare professionals would advise against them. If you have a compromised immune system or are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, it is strongly recommended that you consult your healthcare provider.
Furthermore, if you have previously experienced adverse reactions to probiotics, it is best to avoid using them. Like with any supplement, consulting with your doctor to determine if probiotics are the right choice for you is imperative.
Possible Side Effects
When first starting a probiotic regime, some individuals may experience some side effects for a short period of time. When new strains of healthy bacteria are being introduced into the body, you may experience temporary feelings of bloating and gas. This is a normal part of the process, as the new microbiomes are becoming familiar with the GI tract. Within a few days, this discomfort should subside, and your digestive tract should become more regular.