Things To Look For When Buying Probiotics For Uti Treatment
With emerging numerous vaginal diseases in women, it would make sense that there are many supplements out there in the market that are manufactured to address the situation. The reason why women prefer probiotics is because of the few side effects.
Vaginal discomfort is brought by hormonal imbalance in the body. The hormonal imbalance could be a result of stress or pregnancy. These small changes in the body hormones, which many people tend to ignore, are the primary cause of virginal and urinary tract discomfort.
Keeping that in mind, it is therefore essential to make sure that as we are trying to cure the urinal disease, we use medicines that do not result from changes in hormone balance In anyways. Probiotics have proven to be the best choice.
With the many UTI flora treatments, many can find it challenging to settle on the best. It is a common thing you may still find yourself not sure which product to buy even after going through the product review section.
It is because of this reason that I have prepared for you a buying guide. This will help you to be confident about the purchase you have made. Some of the essentials for you to consider while buying the products in discussion include
Probiotics For Vaginal Health
You probably already know that probiotic supplements support your microbiome and immune system, but they arent only beneficial for your gut they can also positively impact the balance of microbes in your vagina .
How do probiotics for vaginal health work? Key roles that they friendly bacteria have include balancing vaginal flora and maintaining a healthy pH in the vagina, both of which fight development of infections.
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Womens Vaginal Probiotic
This Renew Life probiotic aims to maintain healthy vaginal bacteria and yeast levels. It contains a mix of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. It is delivered in a delayed-release capsule for improved survival through the acidic environment of the stomach.
Renew Life states that this probiotic comes in a smaller capsule size than most other probiotic capsules, which can benefit those who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Like Culturelle probiotics, this brand also contains the widely studied strain L. rhamnosus GG, but it does not seem that this product was studied in its entire formulation for efficacy.
Type: CapsuleDose/day: 1 capsule per dayDietary considerations: Formula free of gluten, dairy, and soyClinical studies using the final formulation: No, specific strains have been studied in isolation, but not the final formulation.Multispecies/ multistrain: Yes
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Why Probiotics Matter So Much
After dissecting and inspecting the various key strains that may be in your probiotic supplements, it is easy to see why they, particularly those discussed above, are helpful in supporting your overall health.
Their long list of health benefits doesnt stop there. The inclusion of prebiotics on a probiotic supplement plays helpful roles in almost every system in the body to support and promote health.
1. Balancing the good and bad bacteria in your gut helps support proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Nourishing good bacteria that may be overwhelmed by occasional oxidative stress.
3. Promoting proper food movement through your gut and breaking down food into nutrients your body can use for energy, cell repair, and growth.
4. Promoting mineral absorption from the foods you eat, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and other minerals that support bone health.
5. Helping to metabolize occasional everyday toxins for removal from your body.
6. Supporting immune cell activity to protect against environmental and seasonal threats and promoting the production of natural antibodies in the body for healthy immune responses.
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Womens Care Probiotic
Recommended for: Vaginal Health, Digestive Health, Immune Health, Urinary Health
With its acid-resistant vegetarian capsules, this probiotic supplement is vegan-friendly too. Not only that, it also contains 12 clinically-studied strains that help maintain healthy vaginal pH and yeast levels among other benefits.
Learn more about it here.
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Vaginal Probiotics Vs Gut Probiotics
Just like digestive probiotics can ensure that we maintain a healthy balance within our gut, probiotics for womens pH balance can ensure that our vaginal microbiome stays healthy, balanced, and flourishing with the right type of beneficial bacteria. The science on the differences between the gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome is in its early days, but its becoming clear that both the gut and the vagina have their own unique probiotic needs.
Yogurt As A Probiotic: Can You Insert Probiotics For Womens Ph Balance
Can you insert probiotics? Theres a popular home remedy for yeast infections floating around the internet that suggests that a cure for yeast is to insert applicators of yogurt into the vagina. The thinking behind this is that because yogurt often contains live cultures like Lactobacillus acidophilus, the bacteria in yogurt can help fight the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Unfortunately, this is not the best probiotic for women.Why might it be ineffective to put yogurt inside the vagina for a yeast infection? While doctors recommend eating certain types of organic and natural yogurts as a source of active probiotics beneficial for gut bacteria, they warn that most store-bought yogurts have large amounts of added sugar that would only contribute to the overgrowth of yeast that is characteristic of a yeast infection.
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Pick The Right Strain
As mentioned, there are thousands of probiotic strains out there each with their own benefits. So if you want to get the most out of your supplement, choosing the right strain is essential.
Before choosing a strain, however, you first need to identify your health goals and needs. For instance, if youre bloated or suffer from frequent bouts of diarrhea, you need to pick a strain thats clinically proven to address digestion issues. Or if you have a mild case of bacterial vaginosis, you need a strain that helps boost your immune system and restores balance to your vaginal flora.
So how do you know which strain is right for you? Weve listed below some of the most recommended strains for womens health. But of course, the most effective trick is to do your own research. There are lots of available studies on the web that will give you an idea what a particular strain is good for. Better yet, ask your doctor.
Which Probiotics Are Best For Bv
Given that BV is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, it would make sense that increasing levels of friendly bacteria by using probiotic supplements could be beneficial. But which are the best BV probiotics?
Scientists are well aware that different probiotics do different things. The strains to help with BV need to be able to survive transit through the entire length of the digestive tract, then migrate to, and colonise, the vagina.
There is extensive research looking into the efficacy of vaginal probiotics. It is understood that the Lactobacillus genus is the predominant genus of bacteria found in a healthy vagina. So, most studies on probiotics for vaginal health centre around the Lactobacillus species. In this section we look at the following Lactobacillus strains which have been researched for the support of BV:
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What Can Elevate Ph In The Vagina
The vaginal environment is a delicate ecosystem that thrives at the fairly acidic pH level of 3.8 to 4.5. Some of the things that can negatively affect vaginal pH include sperm, menstrual blood, bacterial vaginosis, douching, menopause, UTIs, and taking antibiotics. The problem is that most of these common ailments in women elevate the naturally acidic vaginal pH to a point where the good bacteria have a hard time thriving, but that the bad bacteria love. Looking at these common contributors of elevated vaginal pH can seem alarming since theyre things that most women have experienced before.
Douching
Women often think that they should use specialty douching products in order to stay fresh down there. Unfortunately, water is likely to affect the vaginal pH. In addition, fragrances and perfumes that are often added to douching products are likely to irritate the vagina. In general, the vagina is self cleaning, so douching is not recommended.
Medications
Common medications like birth control pills, antihistamines, or antibiotic courses can alter the vaginal pH and, in the case of antibiotics, can kill off all of the bacteria inside the vagina, both good and bad, leaving a vaginal ecosystem that is all out of whack.
Menstrual Blood
Hormones
Other hormonal changes in the body, like menopause and pregnancy, can also affect vaginal pH, making women experiencing this more prone to vaginal pH imbalance.
Sex
Bacterial Vaginosis
UTIs and Yeast Infections
Eu Natural Flourish Probiotics Gut & Digestive Health
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Flourish Probiotics contains a variety of immune-boosting strains, including the three mentioned above.
It has 14 billion CFUs, has been third-party tested, and has a 90-day return policy.
This product is also a reasonable price compared to other products with immune-boosting strains that can cost over $50.
Price: $29.99 for a 30-day supply
The Bottom Line: If you are immunocompromised, it is best not to take any probiotic supplement. But if you are overall healthy and want to support good immune function, Flourish Probiotics is a solid choice.
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How Probiotics Support Gut Health
The balance of bad and good bacteria in your gut can be upset by medical conditions, physical stress, emotional stress, or the use of antibiotics which are known to destroy bacteria.
Probiotics can tip the balance back to good bacteria. They can also boost your immunity, fight inflammation, and provide relief for painful digestion related to irritable bowel syndrome or infectious diarrhea.
Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens
Formulated with special blends of Organic Greens, Fruits and Vegetables, Fiber, Digestive Enzymes, and Probiotics to promote healthy pH balance for Immune and Digestive Support.
One 2009 study found that taking Lactobacillus tablets helped women recover from bacterial vaginosis quicker and reduced the intensity of symptoms.
Similarly, a 2014 study found that taking Lactobacillus probiotics can reduce the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. And those are just a few among many studies showing that Lactobacillus strains have a powerful and positive effect on the vaginal microbiome.
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Best Probiotics For Women’s Vaginal Health
We are often asked: are probiotics good for vaginal health? What is the best womens probiotic for BV and/or thrush? Lets explore these questions by looking at some of the evidence which explains how probiotics might help the following vaginal issues:
Clinical trials show that Lactobacillus strains are particularly effective in supporting female intimate health. Certain strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® have been shown to reach the vagina alive, and this is where they exert their beneficial effects.
We’re often asked “Can you put probiotics into your vagina?” The simple answer to this is “Yes”, it’s not unsafe to do so however, with an oral supplement containing strains proven to reach the vagina alive, you don’t need to. According to the scientists who conducted one study, “L. rhamnosus GR-1® and L. reuteri RC-14® can translocate to the vaginal environment even if they are taken orally” and “Their administration results in significant changes in the vaginal flora in terms of increased Lactobacilli presence”4.
This means that there is no need to put these probiotics directly into the vagina.
L. rhamnosus GR-1® and L. reuteri RC-14® can be found in Optibac For Women.
Healthcare professionals can learn more about the research behind Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® on the Probiotics Database.
The Best Probiotic For Bv: A Checklist
If you are looking for a probiotic for BV, you need to think about what women need and what impacts good vaginal health. Some of the things you need to look for include:
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free
- Shelf-stable formula
- Designed with womens health in mind
- Is it safe for use during pregnancy
- Promotes a healthy thyroid
- Vegetarian
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What Are The Best Probiotic Strains For Your Health
It might be a scary thought that there are literally trillions of bacteria living in your body.
But dont panic just yet the majority of bacteria that exist inside us are good!
Im sure youve seen the adverts on TV about the good bacteria in food such as Greek yogurts, that support good bacteria in your gut.
The intestine is one of the parts of the human body that hosts the most bacteria.
Bacteria are known as live microorganisms and gut microbiota and gut microbiome are common bacteria involved in our digestive system, gastrointestinal tract, and immune system.
Probiotics can play an important role in balancing two things:
The bacterial balance between bad bacteria and good bacteria should always be equal.
If the number of bad bacteria increases in your body, it is more likely that they will affect your overall health in numerous ways.
Some health issues caused by this imbalance dont require proper medication, but sometimes can be more serious, requiring clinical help to get you back to good health.
The recommended way to fight bad bacteria in your digestive tract, small intestine, large intestine is by using the best probiotics.
Probiotic supplements have many health benefits for the human body but should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
Lets take a look at the best probiotic strains for your health.
The Best Strains Of Probiotics
16 min. read
Dr. David Williams
Understanding the benefits of various strains of probiotics and how they affect digestive health is essential in order to properly evaluate which probiotic supplement is best for you.
This table identifies a number of common probiotic species and the benefits they confer. Refer to it as you weigh the pros and cons of different products.
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Bacillus Species Bacillus bacteria are rod-shaped, spore-bearing bacteria that produce lactic acid Because it is a spore-bearing bacterium, it is highly resistant to heat, moisture, and light, making it highly resistant to stomach acid, and readily colonizes in the small intestine. Bacillus also resides in the body longer than other bacteria and is excreted slowly. |
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| Strain Name | What Itâs Good For | |
| B. coagulans | B. coagulans, like other lactic acidâproducing bacteria, produces enzymes that assist in the digestion of lactose. It also improves the bodyâs ability to use calcium, phosphorus, and iron, and stimulates both gastric juices and gastric motility.This strain also supports vaginal health in women. One study shows that women who took B. coagulans daily saw improvements in their vaginal pH level, with 91 percent of reporting relief from vaginal discomfort. |
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Bifido Bacteria For Digestion And Intestinal Health
Our large intestine is important for our digestion and overall health because this organ is basically our waste management and disposal system. Digesting food properly to ensure your body stays regular, and getting the most nutrients out of your food, are essential components to feeling healthy.
To optimize the health of the large intestine, you can boost it with specific flora like that in Bifidobacterium bifidum.
One of the best ways to get Bifidobacterium bifidum is through Bifido Factor. This probiotic product is the second step in our custom probiotic system.
Additionally, many clients say their favorite option for its ease and effectiveness is Natrens Healthy Trinity. The bifidum bacteria plays an important role in the Healthy Trinity supplement, of which you receive 20 billion live, active bifidum bacteria in each serving.
What Is An Imbalanced Vagina
Much like the human microbiome , a womans vagina is home to many different types of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, two healthy strains of bacteria that are found in the vagina include L. crispatus and L. iners.
When theres an imbalance in microorganisms present in the vagina, meaning theres more than an ideal amount of harmful microbes in proportion to beneficial ones, a woman has a higher chance of developing certain vaginal conditions.
The two most common problems that are linked to an imbalance in microbes in a womans reproductive system are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Preventing and helping to treat these issues are why most women choose to take a probiotic, especially if these problems keep returning and dont respond well to other treatments.
Its now possible to take probiotic pills by mouth, as well as suppository capsules that are inserted into the vagina, in order to help balance the ratio of bacteria present in the vagina. But are they safe and effective? Lets find out more.
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Safety & Side Effects
Probiotics are generally safe for most people, with the exception of some mild side effects like bloating or flatulence in some people. However, for some at-risk people, such as infants, elderly people, hospitalized patients, and those with compromised immune systems, probiotics may do more harm than good. Therefore, it is always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider first before starting any supplement to ensure that it will safely fit within your current health routine.
Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010. Staci has graduate degrees in Biology, Human Nutrition, and Nutrition and Education from New York University, the Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition, and Teacher’s College, Columbia University. She has been a featured expert for sites including Health.com, Shape.com, ThisisInsider.com, and Eat This Not That.