There is a misconception that bacteria and other microorganisms are all harmful like germs. However, many microorganisms are actually helpful. Some aid in food digestion, some produce vitamins. Some bacteria can even destroy cells that cause disease.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in your body. Eating fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi as well as using supplements are two ways to get probiotics into your system. Aside from keeping the gut healthy, probiotics can help the body maintain a healthy community of microflora. This strengthens your body’s immunity.
These good bacteria are especially beneficial for women. Restoring healthy microflora can help protect women against certain health conditions.
The Benefits of Probiotics
- Women need probiotics to help with the restoration of good bacteria.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics can help restore imbalances between good and bad bacteria in the body. If you’ve taken antibiotics, probiotics can help in the recovery of your body’s microflora.
- They help boost your immunity.
Probiotics may help boost your immunity, as well as inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. Regular intake of food or supplements rich in probiotics can make it easier for your body to produce the vitamins and enzymes that are necessary to maintain good digestive health.
- They can improve fertility.
Having a healthy vaginal microbiome can help improve fertility. On the other hand, an imbalanced microbiome can lead to an increased chance of infection, severely affecting fertility among other things.
- Probiotics can address symptoms of vaginal infections.
The lack of good bacteria may cause an imbalance in the vagina, which can result in a fishy odor, discharge, and discomfort. This imbalance can also pave the way for infections such as:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal imbalance issue. Having a high occurrence of many different bacterial species in the vagina can cause BV. Normally, the vagina should only have a low number of a few species of bacteria.
BV can lead to a burning sensation during urination, itching, and vaginal discharge. One way to remedy it is by taking probiotics for BV prevention.
Yeast Infection
Having too little lactobacillus, or good bacteria, can also cause an imbalance in the vagina. This leads to fungal growth that promotes yeast infection. Taking probiotics can help address the symptoms of said infection, such as an intense itching in the vagina, vaginal rash, and irritation.
Urinary tract infections (UTI).
Healthy vaginal flora prevent harmful bacteria from going into your urinary tract. Taking probiotics can help reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections, and can also help ease the symptoms if UTI already occurred.
Probiotics can contribute to the overall improvement of your health. If you’re thinking of taking any probiotic supplement, keep in mind that it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.