Probiotic Strains for Women’s Health

The health benefits of probiotics are wide and varied. It can treat and prevent digestive problems, acne, and allergies among others. Yet what most people don’t know is that probiotic strains are as varied as their health benefits. And some of those strains are especially beneficial to women’s health.

There are hundreds of probiotic strains out there and each of them has a specific function. Take Bionaze for example. It’s specially formulated with BLIS K12 and Bl-04. They’re two cutting-edge strains specially targeted for ear, nose, throat, and mouth infections. Some strains are best for cosmetic purposes while others are of great use for food manufacturers. So if you’re eyeing for a probiotic supplement, make sure to get the one with the strains suited to your needs.

For health conditions that predominantly affect women, these are the strains recommended by medical professionals.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

This particular strain has been widely studied and is particularly associated with digestive health. It’s well-suited to survive in the acidic environment of your gut and adheres to your intestinal walls.
This helps them reduce gut permeability thus preventing inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).

Several studies have also found this strain to have promising effects on mental health. Evidence demonstrates that it helps reduce anxiety and depression. A randomized 2001 study also orally administered L. rhamnosus to forty-two women for 28 days. Results confirm its potential efficacy in restoring and maintaining a normal vaginal flora.

Lactobacillus Fermentum

As its name suggested, this probiotic strain causes fermentation and is widely used in food manufacturing. It’s also abundant in cheese products. Like L. rhamnosus, this strain is also effective in maintaining a normal vaginal flora.

Several studies have also found it to have anti-aging properties and slows down oxidation. It releases your body’s glutathione which facilitates the recovery of inflamed tissues. Oxidation is a normal bodily process but may cause premature aging and may even lead to cancer. L. fermentum helps you avoid that and maintain a youthful look.

Lactobacillus Reuteri

If you’re suffering from frequent bouts of inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), this probiotic strain is for you. Most strains help prevent the occurrence of IBS to a certain degree but L. reuteri tops them all. It balances your gut’s tryptophan levels thus preventing most damages caused by IBS.

Recent studies also found that L. reuteri affects the diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota. It can withstand a wide range of PH environments allowing it to effectively colonize the bad bacteria. This helps prevent urogenital diseases and bacterial vaginosis in women. A randomized study in 2008 also showed that it can restore normal vaginal flora in postmenopausal women.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

For women, weight struggle is a common dilemma. If you’re looking for natural ways to combat obesity, this probiotic strain should be on your list.

It’s mainly found in your intestines and produces lactase which converts sugar into lactic acid. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This helps in easier and better weight management.

A good amount of evidence also suggests that it can help treat and prevent vaginal infections. The lactic acid it produces prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in your vagina. Several studies found that taking it as a supplement is more effective than sourcing it out from your foods.

Lactobacillus Plantarum

This is one of the most common strains of probiotics. It’s abundant in most fermented foods as well as in human saliva. Mainly used for improving gut health, recent studies also found that it helps with weight loss too. It’s also great for regulating immune responses making it great for those struggling with acne.

In a 2017 study, researchers found that freeze-dried L. Plantarum enhances the absorption of iron in young women.

New evidence also suggests that it helps women with recurring vulvovaginal candidiasis. It attaches to the vaginal epithelial cells thus reducing the adhesion of Candida albicans. This process also improves the lactobacilli population in the vaginal area. A more balanced vaginal microbiota also leads to an improved vaginal pH value.

Lactobacillus Brevis

Commonly found in milk products, this probiotic strain is mainly used for making wine and beer. However, research shows that it’s got promising benefits for women’s health too.

A randomized controlled trial in Iran subjected 81 women to L. Brevis treatment for 118 days. These women were suffering from recurring genital herpes infection. No clinically important events were recorded at the end of the trial. But researchers concluded that the strain can play a significant role in suppressing it.

Lactobacillus Salivarus

A recent study conducted in Spain speculated on the efficacy of L. Salivarius in treating GBS infection in pregnant women. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection in the vaginal and rectal areas of pregnant women. It can be passed on to the baby during delivery. Infants with GBS may suffer from unstable heart and blood pressure, sepsis, pneumonia, and kidney problems.

The experiment lasted 38 weeks and concluded promising results. 72% of the volunteers were tested negative for GBS after the trial. This leads the researchers to believe that the L. Salivarius strain might hold the key for eradicating GBS in pregnant women.