10 Best Probiotics for Women's Health

Understanding the Benefits of Probiotics for Women

Many research studies have shown a profound link between gut biome health and women's well-being. By nature, the type of gut biome within a man differs from that within a woman. This difference is one of the reasons why immunity in men and the nature of disorders faced by men differ from that of women. 

On a more serious note, gut biomes are vital in some inflammatory pathways (responsive immune system pathways). Due to this, the gut biome has a say in the strength of the immune system. For instance, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can cause acute inflammatory conditions in the stomach. 

Here are a few ways the gut microbiome can influence women's health. 

The Gut Microbiome Participates in Hormone Health

Gut microbes directly metabolise certain hormones like oestrogen. Imbalances of these microbes can result in symptoms such as bloated stomachs or diarrhoea, particularly during menstruation. You can relate a bloated stomach or diarrhoea, especially during your periods, due to an imbalance of these gut microbiomes. 

Gut Bacteria Relate to Breast Cancer

Several studies mention that gut microbiomes act as biomarkers for breast cancer. Certain bacteria can offer protection from breast cancer as they produce butyrate, which can stop cells from dividing.

Gut Microbiome and Pcos

Depleting the gut microbiome can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome due to its role in hormone synthesis and inflammatory response.

Microbiomes for Vaginal Health

Certain bacteria, apart from being in the stomach, exist in the vagina and take care of the vaginal health. 

Loss of Gut Bacteria Can Lead to Weight Gain

Several studies directly link fat and carbohydrate metabolism to gut bacteria. If unhealthy, it can lead to impaired fat digestion and promote fat accumulation in the body. 

In today's modern lifestyle, due to pollution and increased consumption of processed foods, almost everyone's gut microbiome is inevitably affected. Consumption of probiotics can help protect these and prevent diseases in women. 

Put together, probiotic supplements strengthen these healthy bacteria in the body and thus support a lot in maintaining women's health. 

Everyday Life of Women and Need for Probiotics

Women need to wear different hats under different circumstances throughout the day. As a householder, as a parent and as an office holder. All these continuously keep challenging their mental and physical health. Probiotics can help women handle the impact of mental stress on the stomach and other organs. 

Statistics reveal that women are more prone to irritable bowel syndrome than men. This condition can be attributed to higher stress levels by default. Consuming probiotics can prevent irritable bowel syndrome and protect the gut while they struggle to handle their stress. 

Post-pregnancy, immunity takes a back seat in the body; these probiotics can boost immunity in women by improving inflammatory responses. 

Now that probiotics can significantly help you, how do you choose a probiotic? Let us now discuss factors that you must consider when choosing a probiotic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Probiotics for Women

Microbiome in the body is a combination of various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, millions of them in number. Each microbe has a specific function. Clinical research explains the type of microbe that you can detect in each health condition; for example, 

During Menopause

At this stage, microbes called baccilota and roseburia are found more in the body. 

In PCOS

The decrease of bacteria Tenericutes increases the presence of microbes, such as Streptococcus and Escherichia coli. 

And so it goes on…

In fact, detecting the microbiome can give you a heads-up about any upcoming future illness. So, it is essential to consider the type of probiotic you consume. Consult your expert before choosing one. 

How to Choose Your Probiotics?

1. CFUs - This stands for colony-forming units, the number of bacteria per dose. The package must contain the details of the live and active bacteria and their indication. 
2. Strain and Nature of Microbe - You must be aware of the strain of bacteria in the probiotic you consume and their clinical impact on your body.
3. Expiration and Storage - It is essential to look into the expiry and storage details of the probiotic. 
4. Depend on Natural Probiotics - Natural probiotics can offer diverse consumption of probiotics and give a holistic effect. They do not have side effects and offer multiple benefits. 

Ayurvedic View on Probiotics

The concept of probiotics is widespread in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic experts give primary importance to digestive capability (called 'Agni", which translates to digestive fire). Predominantly, all the ayurvedic diets and medications protect your gut in the first place. 

Body constitution analysis is deeply associated with the nature of each person's gut biome. Understanding this relation makes the Ayurvedic body constitution analysis crucial in choosing the right probiotics. 

Ayurvedic experts explain the best time to consume probiotics to improve gut health is specific to a person's metabolic type, geographical location, and other parameters. 

Now, let us get to the heart of the topic. Let us check the top 8 probiotics that are naturally available. 

Top 10 Natural Probiotics for Women

You don't have to worry about where to find these probiotics; they could be in your refrigerator. Let us see these interesting naturally available probiotics.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is known widely for being the richest source of natural probiotics. Bacterial fermentation of cow's milk produces this, effectively improving gut health. If you get cow milk from natural and organic produce, you can always prepare curd at home instead of yoghurt, closer to nature. You can always add curd or yoghurt to your morning salad but do not add lemon or acidic fruits.

Buttermilk

This natural probiotic is rich in mainly carboxylic acid and lactic acid bacteria. This drink can prevent irritable bowel syndrome, stomach bloating, acidity and intestinal ulcers. You can drink buttermilk after your meal.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a fermented apple extract you often keep at home for various purposes. But it can also help balance your microbiomes. Consumption of apple cider vinegar can support maintaining blood pressure and improving immunity. It also regulates glucose levels. 

Old Cheese

According to a recent research by Harvard, the older the cheese gets, the richer the concentration of probiotics it contains. Old cheese, which you are not reusing, can add to the healthy bacteria in the body. 

Pickle

Pickle has various health benefits. According to Ayurveda, you must consume pickles at the end of a meal. The scientific significance is that pickles are rich in probiotics and aid digestion when consumed at the end of the meal. Pickled cucumber is a tasty source of natural microbiomes. 

Fermented Vegetables

In Korea and a few other countries, fermented food is called Kimchi. Vegetables are fermented in lactic acid bacteria, enriched with vitamins and probiotics, and have many benefits for gut health and immunity in women. 

Fermented Black Tea

Tea is a natural nutrient by itself. In its fermented form, it is a rich antioxidant and a source of microbiome. It can improve skin health, gut health and hormonal health in women. 

Fermented Olives

Olives fermented in salt water are an excellent source of probiotics and do wonders for your gut health. 

Strains of probiotics containing lactobacillus acidophilus are recommended for improving vaginal health in women. Here are a few natural probiotics specific for vaginal health. 

Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus strain, and its consumption can support vaginal health. 

Soy Products

Soy has a diverse colony of bacteria that are also sources of phytoestrogen. They can support vaginal health and reproductive health in women. 

It is equally essential to choose the right probiotic and consider how to consume it to achieve maximum benefit. Let us see how to incorporate these probiotics into our routine. 

How to Incorporate Probiotics into Your Routine?

It all comes down to how you prefer to consume it. There are many ways in which you can consume these probiotics. Here are a few tips for you. 

Boost Your Breakfast With Probiotics

End your breakfast with a bowl of granola or muesli with a yoghurt topping. You could use flavoured yoghurt to satisfy your taste buds. 

You can also soak soybeans and cucumber overnight and consume them with cornflakes. You can add pepper and salt for taste. This can make your day energetic as well.

Consume Kimchi (Fermented Vegetables) for Lunch

Add liberal amounts of Kimchi to your lunch platter. This can aid in digestion during the day. 

Probiotic Tea

Fermented black tea is the best dose of probiotic for your evening snack routine. Consume a warm cup of fermented black tea and healthy nuts or semi-sauteed broccoli and cucumber. 

While shopping for groceries, choose probiotic beverages and foods. While these are a few ways to consume probiotics, what common problems can you anticipate, and how can you overcome them? Let us take a quick look. 

Does Your Body React to Probiotics?

Usually, probiotics are harmless, and most people do not face any symptoms. However, you may experience one or more of the following, especially if there is any pre-existing medical condition. 

Temporary Bloating of the Stomach

Especially if you are a beginner, a temporary feeling of stomach bloating is possible. Ayurvedic experts say consuming warm water with cumin can help in such a case. 

Constipation

In the case of consuming yeast, either as such or as an added ingredient in your dough, it may, in some, cause constipation. This is temporary. However, enough water intake and more fibre-rich foods can neutralise this effect. 

Excessive Thirst

Adequate water consumption can work wonders on your body. Consuming enough water along with probiotics is needed for their proper functioning. You may feel very thirsty if you have started consuming probiotics. If so, don't panic; drink more water. 

Flatulence

However, this is quite common while consuming probiotics. The microbes release a lot of gas while attempting to adjust within the body. It's normal and is temporary. Consuming enough hot water can help. 

Headache

This is a pretty rare side effect. However, in some people, headaches can occur after probiotic consumption. 

If you face any side effects after consuming probiotics, the best way to overcome them is to be consistent in your probiotic consumption. Over time, your body will get accustomed to it. 

Conclusion

Put together, you first need to consult with a team of Ayurvedic doctors, dieticians and clinicians to understand your body type, the status of your existing medical condition, and the lifestyle adjustments you need to follow before starting on probiotics. 

In case of any pre-existing inflammatory conditions, you should wait before starting on probiotics. A detox diet before starting probiotics can help. 

Get your consultation done today with our Nirva crew.