Which Probiotics can Benefit Women’s Health?

The human body is full of good and bad bacteria which weaken, strengthen and protect us. When bad bacteria is on route to cause disaster, there are good bacteria like probiotics to stop the havoc.

Bacteria as we know it is living and referred to as live. Live bacteria can be a great shield for our body. These forms of bacteria are called probiotics.

Probiotics can be found in various food and supplements. Each probiotic or live bacteria strand has its own properties.

The most common type of probiotic is Lactobacillus. The different strand of this bacteria have properties which are beneficial to the human body.

DESIblitz brings you probiotics which are beneficial to women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome acts with individuals differently as symptoms vary. A report stated, ‘IBS affects more women than men’.

A common illness which affects many and can be triggered by certain foods, including processed foods.

Foods which are high in fat or very spicy often act as a trigger. This means that those Desi people suffering from IBS, need to be very careful when it comes to a Desi diet.

A few changes to a person’s diet has been known to reduce some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Adding probiotics to the diet can really help as irritable bowel syndrome affects the larger intestine. The intestine consists of good and bad bacteria, with the aid of probiotics, the good bacteria can multiply.

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been proven to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This probiotic can be found in a selection of foods ranging from dairy to fermented vegetables.

Kimchi is a Korean delicacy which contains this probiotic and is a combination of fermented vegetables and spices. You can buy kimchi in most Asian supermarkets or make your own. There is also a non-spicy version available known as white kimchi which will be better suited for irritable bowel syndrome.

Kefir is another source for Bifidobacterium bifidum, Keffir tastes similar to yoghurt and is a type of fermented milk and is available in stores.

However, for an easier intake of Bifidobacterium bifidum, there are supplements to try which come in powder form and can be purchased as capsules.

These probiotics come with other strains of good bacteria which can help strengthen the immune system.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Desi women often will ignore their sexual health. Usually, through lack of awareness or not pre-empting illnesses that can happen down there.

While not a serious illness, bacterial vaginosis is very common among women and has been known to return after being cured. The infection is triggered by the overgrowth of bad bacteria and the decrease in the bacteria lactobacilli.

Bacterial vaginosis can increase stress due to its symptoms which are out of one’s control. Many who are infected may find it too embarrassing to approach a health professional and try self-treatment.

In such cases, probiotics can provide relief and help reduce symptoms. The probiotic named Lactobacillus acidophilus has been known to be very beneficial. It can be found in many types of food and dairy.

Live yoghurt are among the most popular products containing this probiotic. Live yoghurt are different from other variations of yoghurt as not all yoghurt are made with live cultures or live bacteria.

However, if you do not prefer dairy, there are many non-dairy foods which have this probiotic. Such as miso which is made from fermenting soybeans and can be used in soups.

Many probiotic supplements designed for women contain this probiotic as it has multiple benefits and can help reduce the growth of bad bacteria.

They are often available as capsules and powder form, some are tailored to dietary needs such as gluten-free and vegan.

Pregnancy

Having a family is a very important aspect of Desi married life. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for women but also a delicate time. The body begins to change in so many ways and sometimes feel weak and overworked.

Mothers want the best for their unborn and want to ensure the supplements they take are safe. That is why probiotics are great because they are natural. Research shows the intake of probiotics during pregnancy can help both and child, providing both with a healthier and stronger immune system.

This is really crucial, as in the last three months of pregnancy the mother transfers antibodies to the baby and this can help the baby develop a stronger immune system. However, this depends on the mother’s immune system and health status which can be improved by probiotics.

The NHS has found that the use of probiotics during pregnancy decreases the chance of the baby developing allergies like eczema by 22%.

Furthermore, probiotics can help mothers lose weight faster as probiotics can cause a decrease in persons appetite and speed up the weight loss process.

There an amazing list of foods which can help you get probiotics during pregnancy which are beneficial to different organs.

Among the foods are dark chocolate and kombucha tea which is filled with probiotics and is very delicious.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection can be really painful and sources show, this is more common in women than in men. In women, this illness can occur during pregnancy, creating complications.

While doctors prescribe antibiotics research shows probiotics can help ease symptoms. The best probiotic to treat urinary tract infection is Lactobacillus.  This probiotic can be found in sauerkraut, tempeh and olives.

Sauerkraut is made from chopped cabbage which is fermented over a number of days in brine. Sources state, adding sauerkraut and other fermented foods to one’s diet can reduce the chances of getting urinary tract infection.

Similarly, tempeh is a great source of probiotic for this infection due to its ability to fight E-coli which is a bacteria. E-coli is one of the main reasons behind why urinary tract infection develops.

In terms of probiotic supplements, some brands have developed special blends of probiotics which solely focus on urinary tract infection. By tailoring supplements with bacteria strains which are better for easing symptoms of the infection.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding in South Asian communities has been prevalent for centuries and always seen as the most optimal way to provide the nourishment a very young baby needs.

In rural areas of South Asia, breastfeeding is the only way most babies are fed. Giving importance to the mother’s health.

Breastfeeding is absolutely beneficial to babies as it protects them from many infections and reduces their chance of getting certain illnesses. It also gives advantages to the mother and makes them more immune to serious illnesses.

However, adding probiotics to the diet can add many health properties to the breastmilk. This can help the baby develop a much stronger immune system and reducing the chances of developing allergies.

Furthermore, probiotics help in creating vitamins and reduce the chance of the baby developing colic which affects a quarter of newborns.

While all the above food types have probiotics, there are tailored probiotic supplements made to help with the development of a babies immune system. Such as Pregnacare which is available in many UK pharmacies and has probiotics for different stages of pregnancy.

Keeping probiotics in your diet is beneficial, whether it is through food sources or supplements.

Although, certain probiotic supplements can be extremely expensive and may not always provide the right results.

It is better to purchase supplements from a known pharmacy rather than online to ensure quality and product safety.

While probiotics are natural and are not seen as dangerous, it is better to consult a doctor or health specialist before taking probiotics.

These are a few of many probiotics which can be beneficial to women. We hope we mentioned some of your favourites and some new ones for you to add to your lists.