Probiotic strains: tailored solutions for female gut health

The profound role that the gut microbiome has on health was discussed in the Biology Journal.¹

Our gastrointestinal tract is colonised by many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the gut microbiome or intestinal microflora. Some of these microbes are helpful, though some can be harmful. Cleveland Clinic² describes how beneficial microbes, like probiotics, can help to control the potentially harmful types.

The Biology Journal literature review¹ also reveals that the gut microbiome is reported to differ between men and women. 

Probiotics, with their benefits for gut health, may offer helpful benefits for women, given the multiple and unique challenges they face, including bloating and hormonal imbalances.

The Nutrients Journal³, reports that The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines probiotics as “living microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, impart a health benefit on the host”. They are reported to be safe to consume during pregnancy, are well tolerated and have carry-over benefits to infants, according to a paper in The Frontiers in Nutrition Journal.⁴

The beneficial microbes in probiotics add to the populations already in the body to nourish and restore good intestinal flora. As the ISAPP describes, “They don’t stay in the gut permanently, but they promote a more favourable gut environment for beneficial microbes.”

Probiotics are identified by their specific strain and the NIH states that the seven most often used in probiotic products are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),⁵ probiotics can colonise the gut in various ways dependent on the strain of probiotics and work through various mechanisms. This includes preventing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Many lifestyle factors, such as stress and diet, can affect the balance of gut flora, and many studies suggest probiotics can maintain intestinal health, rebalance gut flora, and support immune health. It is well known for its effectiveness in restoring beneficial gut flora after antibiotic use.

Hormonal changes that women experience can bring up various gastrointestinal discomforts that probiotics may be able to assist with. 

Menstruation

Various gastrointestinal symptoms are experienced during the menstrual cycle, such as loose stools.

This can be explained by the women’s shifting hormones, according to an article from Northwestern Health Sciences University.⁶

Progesterone slows digestion, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms many women experience of bloating and constipation.

Meanwhile, the rise of oestrogen speeds up the process of digestion, so women may experience looser stools. 

The International Probiotics Association⁷ reports how there is an increasing number of studies now researching the link between premenstrual symptoms and the imbalance of the gut microbiome.  For example, one 2022 study⁸ found differences in microbiome observed between those who had premenstrual symptoms and those who didn’t.

Another 2022 study in the Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Journal⁹ found that the microbiome has a role in the production of metabolites that may help with these symptoms. 

Menopause

According to Northwestern Health Sciences University,⁶ when a woman reaches menopause, reduced levels of estrogen slow the movement of food down the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of constipation and bloating.

Vaginal heath

The Lactobacillus strain is one of the most well-known probiotic strains and may have a large role in contributing to a healthy vaginal microbiome and overall vaginal health. 

Probiotics are microorganisms, mostly made up of bacteria but also include yeasts, and are naturally present in fermented foods, such as yoghurt, pickles, kimchi kombucha and sauerkraut. Some of these foods contain live cultures but do not typically contain proven probiotic microorganisms. 

The ISAPP adds that fermented food products with strains listed on the labels are a good indicator that a live microorganism is a true probiotic. 

A diet full of foods that have live cultures should be sufficient to maintain general health. Though the concentration of probiotics is generally less in foods, Cleveland Clinic² states they can encourage a greater diversity of microbes for the gut. Just be sure to check the label to see that it contains live cultures. The ISAAP¹⁰ notes that in general, cultured dairy foods such as yogurt and kefir have the most live microorganisms.

However, you or your practitioner might look into a probiotic supplement to help with your microbiome. There are many probiotic supplements out there, so it’s best to discuss with your healthcare practitioner which one is right for you. 

Choosing probiotic supplements

Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFU), which indicate the number of live microorganisms in each serving.       

Strain names come in three parts: the genus, the species, and the strain designation. For example, Bifidobacterium (genus) infantis (species) Ab42 (strain designation).

Don’t forget to consume prebiotics

Nutrition Australia¹¹ advises that it’s important to also consume foods full of prebiotics, a type of soluble fibre, such as inulin, to feed the probiotics. Such foods include garlic, onion and bananas. 

Women face unique health challenges that involve changes in their hormones. Probiotics present as a potential treatment to aid in relieving the gastrointestinal symptoms that accompany these changes. These can be found in foods, but extra help can be found in supplements if there are difficulties eating the variety that contains live cultures. However, your GP should be consulted to determine suitability and assist you in choosing the right probiotic product.