7 Powerful Health Benefits of Probiotics for Women

Updated on September 15, 2023

What do you think of when you hear the word “bacteria”?

Maybe your first thought is gross. But when you look at the library of research that analyzes bacteria, it proves to be more of a friend than a foe.

In fact, there are approximately 100 trillion good bacteria living inside your body at this very moment (1). This good bacteria encourages a healthy gut and can be found in certain foods, as well as in probiotics, something you can take daily as a supplement.

Table Of Contents

Why Should I Take a Probiotic?

There are microscopic organisms in your lower intestinal tract called microbes. These microorganisms help you digest food, regulate your immune system, and fight off harmful bacteria.

However, sometimes an imbalance of these microbes can occur, leading to gut health issues like leaky gut, bloat, or diarrhea. When this irritating imbalance occurs, a probiotic supplement helps restore the good bacteria back to your gut.

Probiotics have been shown to activate the immune systems and prevent pathogens from creating dangerous diseases in the body. Some studies even suggest that taking a probiotic while you’re on an antibiotic can decrease the likelihood of getting diarrhea as a side effect of the medication (2).

A bottle of NativePath Probiotics with two capsules next to it

Say Goodbye to Gut Problems

The NativePath probiotic has 10 helps support healthy digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption while easing gas and bloating.

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What Are the Health Benefits of Probiotics?

The primary goal of a probiotic supplement is to reintroduce helpful bacteria into the body, however there are several other health benefits associated with its use. 

Probiotic supplements can help with the following (3, 4)...

1. Digestion

Probiotic supplements can aid in digestion if you’re suffering from gastrointestinal problems like chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

2. Immune System

More than half the cells that create antibodies for fighting sickness are in the intestines and other organs in the gut (5). If you have healthy gut flora⁠—the balance of helpful bacteria and other organisms in your intestines⁠—you may be less likely to get sick. Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your body to create the vitamins and enzymes it needs.

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Many of the same species of microflora in our gut are also a natural part of the uterine and vaginal microbiome (6). It’s been shown that probiotics not only reduce the severity of UTI symptoms, but also the frequency in which you may get them.

A bottle of NativePath Probiotics with two capsules next to it

Say Goodbye to Gut Problems

The NativePath probiotic has 10 helps support healthy digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption while easing gas and bloating.

Add To Cart

4. Yeast Infections

Studies have reported that certain probiotic strains can help prevent yeast infections and keep your microbiome balanced.

5. Fertility

According to research, a good ratio of probiotic strains can help improve your fertility by keeping the gut and vaginal microbiomes at healthy levels.

6. Skin Problems

According to studies both oral and topical probiotics can potentially help with skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, and acne (7).

7. Blood Pressure

Research has indicated that probiotics can cause a modest reduction in your blood pressure.

Can I Take Probiotics for Weight Loss?

The short answer? Yes, you can.

Studies have found that certain probiotics can inhibit the amount of fat and calories that your body absorbs and retains. Probiotics containing the strain Lactobacillus are likely the most beneficial for weight loss.

Evidence points to the possibility that obesity is directly linked to inflammation in the brain, and by improving your gut health—by way of probiotics—you may effectively reduce the amount of inflammation as well (8)

We have also seen that probiotics may promote weight loss by releasing a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to reduce appetite and can help you burn calories and fat (9). Probiotics may also enhance weight loss by increasing the amount of protein ANGPTL4 (which may help decrease how much fat the body stores) (9).

In contrast to probiotics that can actually aid in weight loss, there have been studies that show some probiotics simply help in the prevention of weight gain, which certainly has benefits of its own (10).

A bottle of NativePath Probiotics with two capsules next to it

Say Goodbye to Gut Problems

The NativePath probiotic has 10 helps support healthy digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption while easing gas and bloating.

Add To Cart

Potential Side Effects of Probiotics

Although uncommon, probiotics, like any supplement, can cause side effects for some people. Some users can react poorly to probiotic supplements or foods and experience the following (13).

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

The most common complaint is temporary gas and bloating. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, you should begin by taking a low dose and slowly work your way up to a full dose over a period of a few weeks.

Headaches

Headaches have been seen as a side effect in people who are eating fermented foods as their source of probiotics. Many probiotic foods contain a substance called biogenic amines, which form when protein-rich foods ferment. These amines are known to excite your nervous system, potentially triggering a headache.

Increase in Histamine Levels

Some strains used in probiotic supplements can produce histamine inside your digestive tract. Histamine, which is made naturally by your body when it detects a threat, causes your blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This can sometimes cause redness or swelling and possibly trigger an allergic response.

Allergy

If you’re thinking about taking a probiotic supplement, be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Some probiotics will contain dairy, soy, eggs, or yeast.

Infection

Although rare, an infection can occur in some users. Those at the greatest risk are people who already have suppressed immune systems or have undergone recent surgery.

A bottle of NativePath Probiotics with two capsules next to it

Say Goodbye to Gut Problems

The NativePath probiotic has 10 helps support healthy digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption while easing gas and bloating.

Add To Cart

The Bottom Line

Probiotics are a natural solution to so many everyday symptoms that drag us down. Boosting your digestion, improving your skin, and curbing cravings are so much easier with the help of a probiotic supplement.

The one that I recommend to my patients is NativePath Probiotics, a powerful digestive health formula that includes 10 unique super-strains and 2.75 billion CFUs per capsule. Just one capsule a day will have you feeling lighter, more regulated, and well-equipped to fight off pesky infections.

Dr. Chad Walding
Article by

Dr. Chad Walding

Dr. Chad Walding is the Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer at NativePath. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a passion for helping people eat, move, and live in harmony with their natural state.

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    Medical Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Chad Walding nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

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