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Over the past few years, probiotic has certainly become a buzz word in the world of women’s health. Many different types of probiotics, with various claims to improve your overall health, are lined up on the shelves of your local pharmacy and grocery stores – and targeted to you through ads on google or Amazon.com. With all this excitement over probiotics, you may be thinking; do I need to take a probiotic supplement?

First things first, what are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria which are like the beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the human gut. They help you to digest food, produce vitamins and destroy bad microorganisms which can be detrimental to your health. A healthy balance between good and bad bacteria is essential to digestive health and your immune system.

What are the benefits of probiotics?

1. Probiotics may help support a healthy immune system. Since roughly 70% of the body’s immune system resides in the walls of your gut, it’s important to keep it healthy. Ingesting probiotics may help protect against infection, including the common cold and the flu.
2. Probiotics may help support weight loss. Recent studies have found a link between probiotics and body weight. The idea is that probiotics help the body break down and digest fiber. Taking the supplements alone will not result in weight loss. Some people decide to pair probiotics with cutting calories and increasing exercise to maximize weight loss efforts.
3. Probiotics may help your gut recover after taking antibiotics. If you’ve ever taken a course of antibiotics and wound up with diarrhea or a yeast infection, it’s because the antibiotics destroyed the good and the bad bacteria, throwing your digestive system off kilter. Taking a probiotic supplement may help to ease side effects of antibiotics.
4. Speaking of bathroom issues, probiotics may help prevent travelers’ diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bifidophilus bifidum, or Sacchromyces boulardii when traveling may help prevent bathroom emergencies.
5. Probiotics may improve your skin. Probiotics may help treat common skin issues and improve eczema and psoriasis. Probiotics may also contribute to healthier skin by defending against wrinkles, sun damage, and dryness.
6. Probiotics may support a healthy feminine flora. Lactobacilli (good bacteria) protect your vagina. If your good bacteria is compromised you may experience conditions such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Some types of probiotics help control common feminine issues. Microbes can help keep the vaginal area acidic, creating a hostile environment to infectious bacteria.

Should you take a probiotic supplement?

Not necessarily! The most beneficial probiotic bacteria are called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria and you don’t need to get them from probiotic supplements. In fact, dietary sources of probiotics include types of yogurt, cheese and other dairy products should be sufficient enough to support a healthy gut.

What foods are high in naturally occurring probiotics?

• Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics. Check for the “Live and Active Cultures” seal on the product label.
• Cheese can also include a good amount of probiotics. Goat milk, sheep milk and soft cow milk varieties of cheese typically include vast amounts of probiotics.
• Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. Many fermented foods are high in probiotics.
• Unpasteurized kimchi and sauerkraut also contain probiotics because they are made in a fermentation process.
• Kombucha, a trendy tea drink, uses fermented black or green tea. The process of fermenting the tea adds bacteria and yeast, which account for the probiotics.

Scientists are still studying the benefits of probiotics and how much you’re really getting from supplements. Therefore, you may not need a supplement if you get enough “good bacteria” in your natural diet.

And remember, while probiotics may help the conditions mentioned above, proceed with caution and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following issues:

• A weakened immune system or get infections often.
• Food allergies or sensitivities, especially to dairy.
• If you are taking antibiotics that affect your immune system.

Still wondering if you should take a probiotic supplement? Talk to your doctor.