If you have experienced problems with digestion in the past, you may have turned to probiotics. However, many people don’t know that probiotics are not limited to being useful only for digestion. Beyond gut health, probiotics have a wide range of other incredible benefits to help different issues in the body. One of those lesser known or talked about benefits is for women’s vaginal health. There are specific strains of probiotics that can help naturally prevent and treat yeast infections, bacterial vaginal infections, as well as urinary tract infections. In some cases, probiotics can be a great natural alternative to using medication for these different problems that arise.
What Are Probiotics and Yeast Infections?
Some evidence suggests that the bacteria in your body outnumbers your cells 10-1. Our bodies are home to trillions of complex microorganisms. However, these tiny organisms are harmless and are known as the human microbiota. They make up our gut flora and a woman’s vaginal flora. The right balance of these organisms is healthy and can be very beneficial to your body. But, when the balance is thrown off, problems can occur.
Candida is part of your natural microbiota. Sometimes Candida can grow too much and disrupt your normal microbiota. This causes a yeast infection. Yeast infections are very common. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. The idea that women get a yeast infection because of poor hygiene is a myth.
Probiotics are also tiny living microorganisms. They are ‘good’ bacteria that can help balance your gut and vaginal flora. You can find probiotics naturally in foods and supplements. They are packed with friendly bacteria to help colonize your body with health-boosting microorganisms. Probiotic supplements often contain specific strains of microorganisms to fit your needs. Certain types of bacteria are naturally found in your vaginal microbiota that can prevent and fight vaginal infections when balanced correctly by a probiotic supplement.
The Importance of Lactobacillus
Lactobacilli are bacteria that support good vaginal health and are most commonly found in healthy women. Your microbiota can change rapidly with no explanation which can lead to infection. There are different strains of lactobacilli that are being studied extensively and are being used in probiotics to support vaginal health. Research shows that lactobacilli may help improve cure rates of some vaginal infections like yeast infections and prevent reoccurrences.
One clinical trial found that a probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Gasseri combined with an antifungal medication helped provide a long-term cure against recurrent yeast infections.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a very widely used probiotic strain that has a variety of health benefits. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a ‘friendly’ bacteria that is naturally found in the body. It is used in probiotics to help prevent and fight the growth of harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus can help restore the healthy balance of microflora.
Lactobacillus Gasseri
Lactobacillus Gasseri is a very powerful lactobacilli strain. Lactobacillus Gasseri is one of the most beneficial probiotic strains that supports vaginal health and wards off harmful bacteria. This is definitely a strain to look for when you find yourself needing to ward off a yeast infection.
The Importance of Cranberry Powder Prebiotic
Cranberries have astonishing benefits that can help naturally prevent and heal yeast infections along with other vaginal infections. A probiotic along with a cranberry powder prebiotic could help you get fast relief from a yeast infection. Taking a cranberry prebiotic daily supports vaginal health and could help prevent various vaginal infections including yeast infections.
Part of what makes cranberry powder so effective is the high antioxidant and phytochemical content of cranberries. Cranberry helps flush out harmful bacteria and prevents bacteria from multiplying. Prebiotics are much like probiotics. They help inhibit harmful bacteria. Cranberry powder formulated with a probiotic can give you max benefits.
Treating Yeast Infections Naturally
When looking for a natural solution over a pharmaceutical to prevent and treat a yeast infection—probiotic supplements may be the most effective way to go. Finding a probiotic specifically formulated for women can be the perfect place to start when treating a yeast infection naturally. However, there may be more natural things you can do to help protect yourself against infection.
Yeast infections can be triggered by the things we consume. If you have frequent yeast infections, you may want to consider eliminating these triggers. A few of these triggers are:
Sugary Foods
Sugar is a major yeast infection trigger. Sugar also interferes with a healthy immune response. If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself getting yeast infections—it may be a sign you need to do a sugar detox.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks especially wine can contribute to yeast infections. Alcoholic cocktails also can contain a lot of sugar which is a double threat. At least until you regain your body’s healthy balance, it is best to stay away from alcohol.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are meant to kill off bad bacteria. However, occasionally it can kill off good bacteria as well. If you absolutely need an antibiotic, it can be beneficial to pair it with a probiotic to avoid infection.
Fragrances, Softeners, and Chemicals
All of these things could be hiding in your toilet paper and different feminine hygiene products. They can be detrimental to your vaginal health. It is worth it to look for natural and unscented products.
Key Takeaways
Women have been reaping the benefits of probiotics for years and will continue to for years to come thanks to scientific research. When the natural and healthy bacteria in a woman’s body is disrupted, it can mean a yeast infection. A probiotic for women containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri along with cranberry powder can help prevent and fight yeast infections.
MindZymes offers a quality women’s probiotic that supports and promotes a woman’s vaginal health and overall health. Our specially formulated product is produced in a world-class NSF Certified probiotic facility to ensure you receive the best product possible with optimal health benefits.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.