Probiotics can offer women numerous health benefits. But what exactly are they, and why should you take them? Keep on reading to learn more about probiotics and why probiotics for women should be a regular part of your diet.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms present in your gut. While that may sound bad, not all microorganisms are harmful to your health. Microorganisms found in probiotics can offer various health benefits. Bearing that in mind, here are some benefits of probiotics.
They Help with Bacteria Balance
Bacteria imbalance happens when the bad bacteria in your gut exceeds the good bacteria. Bacteria imbalance can cause illness and infections. Probiotics contain good bacteria that can help to restore the optimum balance of gut bacteria.
They Can Help Prevent Diarrhea
Some antibiotics may cause diarrhea because they affect bacteria balance in the gut. Probiotics can prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhea caused by bacteria imbalance. One study also found that probiotics can prevent travelers’ diarrhea. So next time you’re packing for a trip, consider adding probiotics to your travel bag.
They Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Roughly 50-60% of women contract a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. If you happen to contract a UTI, you can benefit from taking probiotics. Probiotics can help to minimize the symptoms that come with UTIs and even prevent them.
They Can Improve Immunity
If you fall ill often, probiotics can help to bolster your immunity. Probiotics boost immunity by restoring good bacteria and inhibiting the accumulation of bad gut bacteria. One study even found that probiotics can reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory diseases.
They Can Improve Your Mental Health
Your body organs don’t work in isolation. They are interconnected somehow. For instance, your gut and brain are linked through chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters produced in both the gut and brain can influence your mood. Probiotics can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine that can improve mood.
They Can Help with Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, you may benefit from adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics may help with weight loss in a variety of ways. Some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine, thus preventing weight gain. Some may also reduce your appetite and make you feel satisfied for longer by increasing levels of hormones like GLP-1.
They Can Help with Skin Problems
Not only are probiotics good for your internal health, but they can also be good for the skin. Probiotics may reduce the severity of skin infections like eczema, especially in children and infants. One study found that mothers who took probiotics during pregnancy were less likely to get children prone to eczema. However, the studies linking probiotics and their positive effect on the skin aren’t conclusive, and more research needs to be done.
Probiotics from brands like Probulin can offer you all the benefits listed above and much more. Fortunately, you can get probiotics from various foods like yogurt, pickles, and certain types of cheese. Alternatively, you can opt to take probiotic supplements. However, before you start taking probiotic supplements, consult your doctor.
