6 of the best probiotics for females

 The best probiotic for females depends on the person’s health goals because different bacteria do different things. For example, bifidobacterium and lactobacillus may help with gut health.

This article discusses what probiotics are and some of the best types for females to try.

What are probiotics? 

A probiotic is a live microorganism that may benefit a person when consumed in the right amountsTrusted Source.

According to an article in Advanced NutritionTrusted Source, probiotics mainly consist of bacteria, but some yeasts could also be probiotic.

Probiotics live throughout the body and are especially prevalent in the digestive tract, where they may inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Gut bacteria also have many other functions, including supplying essential nutrients.

Imbalances in bacteria happen for several reasons, includingTrusted Source:

• chronic illness
• a side effect of taking antibiotics
• diet

Probiotics supplement the natural beneficial bacteria in the body, potentially improving health. But research on the effectiveness of probiotics treating various illnesses is not conclusive.

Some studies suggest that probiotics may help with conditions such asTrusted Source:

• antibiotic-related diarrhea
• obesity
• IBS
• atopic dermatitis

When choosing a probiotic, look out for the specific strain of bacteria that the probiotic contains rather than the brand name, as different strains serve different functions.

ExpertsTrusted Source note that Lactobacillus species may help alleviate symptoms of antibiotic-related diarrhea. Other probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 or a mixture of L. helveticus R52 and L. rhamnosus, could ease the side effects of the medicine that treats H. pylori stomach infections.

People seeking a probiotic should research the strains of bacteria that are best for their condition then choose a probiotic that contains a high number of those strains.

Most probiotic manufacturers measure bacteria count according to colony-forming unitsTrusted Source, or CFU. A higher CFU number means the product contains more bacteria.

Probiotics for digestive health

Healthy gut bacteria feed on fiber and some other prebiotic foods, so eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables.

To improve digestion, choose probiotics known to support gut health, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species. The L. rhamnosus GG strain, in particular, has many protective factors that may benefitTrusted Source gut health, for example, inhibiting the growth of some salmonella bacteria.

Two probiotic options include:

Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules

These capsules include L. rhamnosus GG, which can help support digestive health and ease bloating and diarrhea. Additionally, it includes the prebiotic inulin to support the gut’s microbiome.

The company state that Culturelle is vegetarian, gluten-, milk-, and soy-free. This product does not require refrigeration.

Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement

Florastor is non-GMO and vegetarian. It includes the yeast S. boulardii, which may help prevent

Trusted Source antibiotic-related and infectious diarrhea.

According to the company, this probiotic supplement will not interact with antibiotics and can help the body break down undigested sugar and carbohydrates. It does not require refrigeration.

Probiotics for vaginal health 

A 2019 meta-analysisTrusted Source observed probiotics might inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis and help maintain a bacterial balance. But more research is needed to support these findings.

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that taking probiotics containing L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GR-1, and L. fermentum RC-14 strains at a dose of 10 CFU/day for 2 months inhibits bacterial growth associated with vaginosis, reducing the risk of vaginal infections.

A probiotic that may good for maintaining good vaginal health is:

Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Vaginal Care

This probiotic has a 50 billion CFU and 38 different strains of probiotics, including L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium.

Additionally, it includes a blend of raw fruits and vegetables as prebiotics to support the natural growth of healthy vaginal flora.

According to the company, it is gluten- and soy-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian. This product does not need refrigeration.

Source: Medical News Today