How Do Probiotics Work
Probiotic capsules for women sure pack a powerful punch. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria which we can put inside our gut to help colonise the good bacteria, explains nutritionist Jenna Hope. There is evidence which suggests probiotics may help to reduce skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, ease bowel conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and support mental wellbeing.
And while research into the gut-brain connection is still in its early days, a recent study has found that these good bacteria-nurturing dietary supplements could help ease mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Its no wonder online searches for probiotics have spiked by 100% of late.
Of course, you dont need probiotics to improve gut health. Bifidobacteria and lactobacillus, which are some of the most commonly used strains in probiotics, provide similar benefits to probiotic-rich foods, notes Jenna. These include fermented products like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, sourdough and kombucha.
Researchers have also found that a high-fibre diet – which includes plenty of fruit and veggies, as well as whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds – is likewise vital for a happy gut microbiome and overall health. But popping daily probiotics is that bit more convenient.
Best Targeted Release Probiotic Formula: Bio
Bio-K
The Bio-K Plus Daily Care 50 Billion Probiotic claims to be great for the person who wants general support or needs a stronger alternative. Their targeted release capsule can withstand stomach acid, so the probiotic is safely delivered to your intestines.
Ingredients: Proprietary strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2CFUs: 50 billion Directions: Take one capsule daily with or without food.Quality: The Bio-K Plus formula is Health Canada approved. The probiotic is vegan and free of hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, gluten and heavy metals. Storage: Room temperature
Helpful Considerations To Keep In Mind
Before taking probiotics, there are a few things that are helpful to keep in mind.
In general, probiotics are safe. However, they could be dangerous if you have a weakened immune system. Your doctor can help determine which probiotics will help you.
Sometimes it takes time to find a probiotic that is right for you. If you donât experience any benefits from using one product after a few weeks, try something different. Different probiotic products will carry different strains of bacteria, and theyâll interact with your body in different ways. Itâs about finding whatâs best for you.
Some probiotics can cause gas and bloating and changes to your bowel movements. Those can all be signs that itâs working, but if you have concerns, donât hesitate to contact your doctor.
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What Is The Estrobolome And How Does It Affect Reproductive Health
The estrobolome refers to the colony of bacteria and other microbes with the unique ability to break down estrogen.
Certain bacteria colonies in your gut are actually responsible for part of how you manage your estrogen metabolism. An imbalance in your microbiome could be steering you into estrogen dominance and a higher risk of painful, heavy periods, mood swings, and PMS.
What Are Prebiotics And Why Should I Take Them
Prebiotics are naturally occurring fibers found in many plant foods. Good food sources include raw onions, raw asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes. These fibers are indigestible in the human body. Prebiotics also exist in some plant foods as resistant starch and other substrates .
Consuming a diet with adequate prebiotic fibers and resistant starches is possible, but it can be difficult for some people. For this reason, you may want to consider adding a high-quality prebiotic supplement to your diet. In addition, consuming pre-and probiotics during and after undergoing any antibiotic treatment is important for reducing the incidence of dysbiosis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, as well as to help repopulate the gut microflora. This is because most antibiotics dont discriminate between good and bad bacteria, and can kill your healthy gut microflora therefore, you must actively re-populate for optimal health.
While prebiotic supplementation is quite safe, always remember that adding any supplement to your diet can have unintended, negative consequences. For this reason, we recommend that you work with a qualified medical professional before making any changes.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics For Women At A Glance
Strains:Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum
CFU count: 50 billion
- Type: vegetarian capsules
The multi-strain probiotic blend in Culturelle Womens Health Balance works naturally with a womans body to support vaginal, digestive, and immune health.
It also helps to maintain an optimal balance of good bacteria in the body, thanks to the inclusion of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain .
The convenient once-daily capsules are also gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and made without gluten, sugar, dairy, or soy.
Whats more, Culturelle is certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and quality.
How We Tested Probiotics For Women:
We chose the best probiotics for women based on those which contain probiotic strains that are beneficial for women specifically, and with the highest quality ingredients. The majority of these probiotics for women are gluten-free and suitable for vegans, containing 100% natural ingredients where possible and free from preservatives and artificial ingredients.
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Jshealth Vitamins Protein + Probiotics
Why we love it: If youre used to supplementing with protein powder as part of your fitness routine, then choosing one with probiotics could provide an easy gut-friendly upgrade. This vegan-friendly pea protein powder from JSHealth features the strain Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, is ideal for gastrointestinal and digestive health. Bonus: you can choose from four delicious flavours, including vanilla bean and chocolate brownie.
Pros: Available in four flavours. Cheaper if you subscribe and save. 100% vegan. Made from a sustainable crop. Sugar-free. Gluten-free. Vegan.
Cons: Nothing to note.
What Do The Personal Reviews Say
Read online personal reviews, but be cautious. How people respond to probiotics varies. People have different reactions to different probiotics, says Williamson. So what works or didnt work for one person may or may not work for you. You need to test out a couple of different ones. Pay attention to strain and count it may take a few to find one that works for you, Williamson adds.
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Probulin Total Care Probiotic
Probulin is a business that has created a new standard of probiotic supplements. They have numerous probiotic supplements to cater to your digestive health needs.
Their supplements are backed by science, effective and high-quality.
Key Benefits
- Probulin contains 15 various strains of probiotics for maximum effectiveness.
- This supplement does not have to be refrigerated.
- It uses the MAKTrek 3- Delivery system, which ensures the probiotics reach the gut undamaged by the digestive system.
- It is free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, making it allergen-friendly.
The probiotic strains are partially formed from the fermentation of fruit and vegetables.
It improves immune response and digestive health.
Pros
How To Take Prebiotics
Prebiotic supplementation is generally very safe. However, significantly increasing fiber intake or increasing it too rapidly may contribute to abdominal pain, bloating, gas or diarrhea. For this reason, consider adding prebiotics slowly, then gradually increasing your dose to the recommended amount . Speak with your doctor or a qualified medical professional to learn more about how to incorporate prebiotics into your diet.
Also, those with certain gut disorders, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth , IBS, or FODMAPs intolerance, may experience negative symptoms from prebiotics. For this reason, you should always consult with a qualified medical professional before supplementation to avoid any unwanted side effects.
For better assimilation into the gut, you should take prebiotics with food. Prebiotics can be taken simultaneously with probiotics and are safe to take with other supplements. As with any fiber in the diet, be sure that you are getting adequate water to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
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Naturewise Womens Care Time Release Probiotics
NatureWise offers a womens probiotic that branches out a bit from the traditional bacterial strains. It includes less common strains like Streptococcus thermophilus, which has been researched for its anti-inflammatory properties and its use in diseases like ulcerative colitis.
This is a good choice if you want to diversity your gut bacteria or try something different, but it may not be as useful if you need to repopulate your gut flora, for example if youve just gotten off antibiotics for an ear infection.
Probiotics For Gut Health & Weight Loss
Probiotics may help cure stomach problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotics have been found to help relieve constipation by softening your stools . This particular strain of probiotics B. lactis was found to provide significant constipation relief.
If youre constipated then probiotics can help you eliminate them more frequently. Theres nothing more frustrating and annoying than feeling constipated. Good thing probiotics can help.
Those in this study found supplementing with probiotics resulted in less bloating and less burping .
If youre having problems with diarrhea then probiotics have been found to reduce the number of times you poop while having diarrhea .
In this review study, researchers found those on probiotics had improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome .
If you suffer from bloating, gas, nausea or abdominal pain then adding a probiotic supplement to your diet may improve your symptoms.
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Best Probiotics For Women’s Digestive Health
There are a lot of great probiotics on the market today, but we have picked out the top five that will provide you with the best results and value.
Natures Bounty is one of the most trusted names in the supplement industry. They guarantee sourcing from GMP-compliant suppliers and have been in the supplement game for decades. And while quality testing on probiotics is somewhat difficult, they make every effort to ensure their products integrity and label accuracy.
The Probiotic 10 is Nature Bountys most popular probiotic. It contains 10 different probiotic strains in a proprietary blend. Notably, it contains Lactobacillus Plantarum, which is one of the few probiotics that has undergone extensive testing. It is present in foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi and has been linked with a healthier immune system and GI tract.
This is also one of the few probiotics which specify the particular strain of probiotics that they use of each bacterial species. Some strains are less studied or less effective than others, so its good to know exactly what youre getting.
Another great thing about Probiotic 10 is that each capsule contains 200mg of inulin. Inulin is whats known as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that doesnt get digested when you eat them. Instead, once they arrive in your intestinal tract, bacteria there use them for food.
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How We Select Supplements
At mindbodygreen, our expert-vetted dietary supplement product selections and recommendations in the supplement space elevate quality, efficacy, innovation, and safety.
Our team ensures that each supplement product is thoughtfully formulated–from the active ingredients to those “Other ingredient” excipients too. We are highly preferential towards clean formulas that are plant-centric as well as free of GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, major food allergens, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, and more.
Overall, we recommend products with clean ingredients at efficacious doses in bioactive forms. Whenever possible, we celebrate and elevate plant-origin ingredients from a variety of botanicals.
Ingredient source and innovation are top of mind for our critical reviews and selection of supplement products. We prioritize forward-thinking formulations and delivery formats that are genuinely helpful in transforming your health.
We include supplement brands and products that prioritize quality. This includes robust manufaturing practices and comprehensive purity and potency testing.
You can learn more about mindbodygreen supplements+ manufacturing and quality testing practices here.
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Best For Digestive Health: Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Bacillus Coagulans And Prebiotics
Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to be beneficial for those who struggle with diarrhea and may even help with travelers diarrhea. In animal studies it has been shown to help with IBS.
Bacillus coagulans has been shown to improve symptoms of IBS such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. In one small study it was also found to improve gas.
Prebiotic fibers, like guar gum, Jerusalem artichoke, and inulin can help support healthy digestion and regularity. They are what help feed the beneficial bacteria strains to encourage healthy growth in the gut. In some conditions, like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth , certain prebiotics can aggravate digestion leading to gas and bloating. We specifically selected guar gum in our probiotic blend to make it more accessible to those with sensitive digestion.
What Is A Probiotic
Probiotics are live, good bacteria and yeast found naturally in our bodies. These good strains of bacteria help eliminate the bad strains of bacteria and yeast in our bodies, restoring the correct balance. Some people turn to probiotic supplements to help maintain this healthy balance.
Depending on the strain and potency, each probiotic supplement is labeled with a colony-forming unit, determining the number of bacteria colonies. The higher the number, it is suggested, the higher the chance of the probiotic taking. However, this doesn’t necessarily improve its efficiency.
Probiotics are also found naturally in foods like:
- Sourdough bread
- Some cheeses
Not everyone needs a probiotic. If you are already obtaining probiotics naturally in your diet and are not experiencing any gut health issues, chances are you don’t need a supplement. If you suspect you are experiencing gut issues, talk to your doctor or primary care physician before beginning any probiotic or supplement.
Not all probiotics are created equal, and not all probiotics will work for you. It is important to find a product that caters to your unique needs.
We reviewed a number of probiotics, along with their prices, ingredients and consumer reviews. Here are our picks for the best probiotics.
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Best Refrigerated Probiotic Formula: Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily
Garden of Life
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily is a probiotic with a prebiotic supplement that uses stomach acid-resistant strains that claim to support digestive health and regularity. The Garden of Life also claims to be the first supplement company to be certified carbon-free.
Strains:Prebiotic: Acacia fiberProbiotic: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium, infantis, Bifidobacterium longumCFUs: 30 billion Directions: Take once daily with or without food. You can also open the capsule, mix it with water or juice, or put it on food. Quality: It is a certified non-GMO and gluten-free product. It is also dairy-free, soy-free and vegetarian.Storage: Must refrigerate after purchasingCost: $23.51/ 30 capsules
Garden Of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics
Image Courtesy ofiHerb
Are you looking for a probiotic health supplement formulated by an expert on womens gut health? Dr. Perlmutter has worked tirelessly to create the perfect probiotic supplement for women. This product is designed to support gut and vaginal health and promote a healthy immune system.
All you need to do is take a single capsule daily and be amazed at how a simple health supplement can bolster a healthy gut biome. You will shortly be dealing with less gas, bloating, and irregular trips to the restroom.
Our team of all-lady reviewers took home a couple of bottles of this supplement and integrated them into their daily lives. Within a few weeks, they started noticing many health benefits that extended beyond the usual digestive system issues. One member of our team developed a nice boost to her energy levels, helping her achieve her fitness and life goals with ease.
When used in conjunction with other health-boosting measures you can potentially start living a vastly happier and healthier life. All starting with taking a single capsule in the morning after you get done brushing your teeth.
Image Courtesy ofPhysicians Choice
Looking for an affordable probiotic that can help you improve your digestive health? Physicians Choice Probiotic has been carefully formulated to help you tackle many of the digestive system challenges women face on a regular basis. All you need to do is take a capsule with breakfast and start living your best life.
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Can Probiotic Supplements Be Harmful
Though many companies and influencers encourage everyone to use probiotics, they are, in fact, not beneficial for everyone, and different strains have different effects on different people.
More research is needed, but preliminary research has shown that probiotics may be harmful to people with certain underlying conditions or diagnoses, such as those with critical illness, AIDS, organ transplantation, necrotizing enterocolitis, cancer, and allergies. In such cases, probiotic supplementation may lead to life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, endocarditis , and sepsis.
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
Our third choice as the top ranking best probiotic is Culturelle Digestive daily probiotic. The probiotic contains only a single strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG+.
The review team has preferred this probiotic over others due its simple and transparent constituents. Instead of including many probiotics the manufacturer of the probiotic has insisted on a single and important bacteria.
The all women team of ours has tested the probiotic on them and found good results as follows
- All the cases of occasional stomach upset were settled with no bloating, no gas and no diarrhea.
- The participants of the clinical test could not find anything extra and the probiotic worked as naturally as a normal dietary supplement. But its effects on the digestive system and enhancement of immunity was superb.
- It works splendidly to eliminate travel related digestive disorders.
The price of the product is quite reasonable. The manufacturer Culturelle Probiotics is a reputed one having a number of popular dietary supplements to their credit.
The probiotic contains 10 billion CFU of good bacteria which significantly helps in digestion.
The single strain bacteria of the probiotic, Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic is quite stable and is able to survive even in the harsh condition of the stomach which is infested with strong acid.
So the good bacteria can easily reach the intestines where the Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG+ is needed for helping the ailing digestive system.
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