Best Probiotics for Women: 10 Probiotics That Are Great for Women of All Ages

Our Recommended Probiotics For Women:

Editor’s Choice

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9.7/10 Our Score

• Once Daily Probiotics for Women: A probiotic supplement for women with 50 Billion CFUs plus clinically proven ingredients to help promote digestion, immune support and feminine health. Organic prebiotics and 6 probiotic strains with D-Mannose & ProCran, a science backed cranberry extract that provides powerful antioxidants. 50 mg of ProCran is equivalent to 2,500 mg of cranberries without the sugar and calories.
• Prebiotic + Probiotic with Patented Cranberry Extract: A natural women’s prebiotic-probiotic combination. Contains patented and science backed ProCran, a cranberry extract which naturally contains proanthocyanidins – a key cranberry antioxidant. Cranberries support your immune system, protect your body from free radicals, and support urinary tract health.
• Organic Prebiotic & Probiotic Blend: Our Women’s Probiotic contains organic prebiotics and natural vegan probiotics for a complete synbiotic to support digestive health, urinary tract support & immune system. A shelf-stable vegan probiotic in delayed-release capsules with NO: dairy, soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, or shellfish.
• 50 Billion Cfus & 6 Probiotic Strains: Naturally inspired probiotic with targeted doctor-approved probiotic strains for women, our probiotic includes: Lactobacillus Gasseri, Acidophilus, Plantarum, Paracasei, Casei and Bifidobacterium Lactis.
• Safety Assured Standard of Quality: Our women’s prebiotic and probiotic is 3rd-party tested for purity and manufactured in the USA using imported and domestic ingredients. Our product is contained in acid-resistant capsules to protect against stomach acid with delayed-release technology to ensure the probiotics reach the intestines and release where they’re needed. No refrigeration required.

Last update on 29th March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Check Price

This formula from Physician’s Choice is quite a popular option and comes at a very attractive price. It is 3rd party tested containing 60 billion CFU. The package lists 10 strains and comes as 30 capsules. You don’t keep it in the refrigeration since the protective bottle can keep microorganisms alive. Apart from the 10 strains listed, it contains organic Jerusalem artichoke root and chicory root powder blend. Overall a great product at a great price, so if you want to support your digestive system this is a recommended product to try and see if it fits your needs.

What are probiotics?

The most common source of probiotics is the culture of a specific strain of bacteria which is obtained from fermented foods like yogurt and miso. However, there are many other natural sources. For example, various species of lactic acid bacteria (including Lactobacillus casei) are commonly found in human milk, and some species of Bifidobacterium are present in human feces. Other sources include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and certain types of pickles.

However, most probiotics do not survive through the stomach acid to reach the intestinal tract intact. This is why there are a number of products available which contain probiotics with special strains that have been proven to survive gastric acid and bile. These strains are often called “acid-resistant” or “bile-tolerant” strains. They may also contain other species of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Therefore, it is important to look at the product label and read the fine print. You should look for the following information: The name of the specific bacteria or bacterial species (if any) that make up the bulk of the product. Look for the words “lactobacillus” or “bifidobacterium” or some other species name. These are often followed by the strain number. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Strain 20000 is a popular strain used in probiotic supplements. It is often found in products containing “friendly” lactobacilli.

Also, it will help you determine how much of each strain is actually present in the product. If there are too few good bacteria, this may not be enough information to make a decision about whether or not the product is for you.

What do probiotics do?

Probiotics have been used for centuries in Japan, China, and other parts of Asia to promote good health. Recently, scientists in the U.S. discovered these beneficial “good bacteria” and began using them to help treat a variety of medical conditions. Today, millions of people around the world use probiotics to naturally support healthy gastrointestinal, immune, and overall health.

 They are sometimes called “good” bacteria because they help keep the “bad” bacteria under control. Many people take them for immune system support and to aid in the prevention of certain illnesses. Research has shown that many people have fewer bad bacteria in their digestive tracts than is healthy. Having too few good bacteria can allow “bad” bacteria to multiply and cause disease. Probiotics help restore the good/bad balance in your digestive tract and promote gastrointestinal health.

Many people take probiotic supplements to help with a variety of health issues, including stress, eczema, ulcers, and diarrhea. Scientists are still not totally sure about the benefits of probiotics, but there does seem to be some evidence that they may help prevent or relieve gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics for Digestive Health

What’s so special about the digestive system? For one thing, it is the part of your body that deals with over 90% of your immune function! In other words, if you are sick, your immune system is focused on fighting off the infection or disease, but your digestive system is working overtime to deal with the aftermath. That means your immune system gets “caught up” on the job, and this can lead to many other health problems.

A healthy gut flora (the beneficial bacteria in our intestines) is critical for good health. It assists in nutrient absorption and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers, allergies, and other illnesses. They also help to regulate the immune system and assist with gastrointestinal disorders like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. 

Most people who have a healthy digestive system don’t even realize how healthy it is! When you think about it, your digestive tract is almost like an “undiscovered country” that most people never see. And yet, without a healthy digestive system, it is almost impossible to achieve and maintain good overall health.

Bloating

Most people who suffer from occasional bouts of “gas” find it uncomfortable. In many cases, however, it becomes a serious problem that can lead to painful bloating and even more severe gastrointestinal problems.

Some people develop the tendency to bloat when they eat large amounts of carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, potatoes, and rice. When this happens, the body tries to break down the carbohydrates into glucose, which is the form of sugar used by the body for energy.

During this process, some gas is produced, but not enough to satisfy the body’s need for energy. As a result, the body produces more gas, in an attempt to fill the energy gap. This process creates a positive feedback loop that eventually leads to uncomfortable gas buildup and other unpleasant consequences.

If this situation is not corrected, the unhealthier part of your intestine can begin to rot and produce toxins that can lead to more serious medical conditions like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Probiotics are live, healthy bacteria that are good for you and help keep your GI tract in good working order. Adding probiotics to your diet may help prevent or alleviate bloating. 

Constipation

Laxatives, enemas, and colonic irrigations are not the answer! They can seriously damage your insides! If you really want to get rid of that stubborn constipation, then try a simple change in your diet.

Most people get all the good bacteria they need from the foods they eat, however, some people may have a deficiency of certain beneficial bacteria. Instead of using only one type of fiber (like wheat or bran), use a mixture of fibers. Add some oat bran, barley, flaxseed, and/or psyllium to your diet. These are all good sources of insoluble (indigestible) fiber. Make sure you add some soluble (digestible) fiber too. Some good choices are pears, apples, prunes, dates, figs, prune juice, apricots, and citrus fruits. You should also drink more fluids.

Taking a probiotic supplement can help restore the friendly bacteria in your gut. Many people like to start with a single-strain product, and then gradually add other strains as desired.

Probiotics for Vaginal Health

The vagina is home to hundreds of species of “good” bacteria that live in harmony with the resident “bad” bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, as it is with the use of antibiotics, the vagina becomes susceptible to overgrowth of potentially harmful species of bacteria. This can lead to yeast infections (thrush), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and even more serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and chlamydia. 

Unfortunately, many women are deficient in good bacteria. This is partly because most probiotic supplements are made by killing off the “bad” bacteria in the culture and then isolating the good ones. This process is called “selective cultivation.” However, this method leaves a lot of the good bacteria behind, and it usually takes several hundred billion (or more) of the “good” bacteria to replace the 10- to 100-billion bad ones that were killed off during the selective cultivation process.

There is evidence that suggests probiotics may have a role to play in maintaining or restoring healthy vaginal flora. However, this area of research is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to substantiate these findings. It is also important to remember that probiotic supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet or an active lifestyle.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in your vagina. Symptoms include a fishy odor, an unpleasant vaginal discharge, and, in some cases, symptoms similar to those of the “morning-after” effect following unprotected sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, there is no test to detect this condition, so it’s often diagnosed by a physician based on the patient’s description of her symptoms.

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of bacterial vaginosis including poor diet, stress, birth control pills, certain medical conditions, and having multiple sex partners. The most important factor is the presence of “good” or “normal” vaginal flora which keeps the vagina healthy and free from infection. This is where probiotics (friendly bacteria) come in. 

Urinary Tract Infections

The medical term for an infection of the urinary tract is “UTI”. Women are much more likely to get a UTI than men. This is probably because the urine of women is naturally slightly acidic, which provides an excellent environment for bacteria.

Also, the vagina naturally has a lot of acidity, and this helps prevent most types of bacteria. Antibiotics are the drugs of choice for treating bacterial infections. However, many people are increasingly turning to “natural” remedies instead, since they believe these are safer and have fewer side effects. One of the most common alternative treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is to take probiotics supplements.

Thrush

Unfortunately, most probiotic products sold in health food stores are not effective against thrush. That’s because these probiotics are typically grown in a laboratory on artificial media, and are therefore devoid of many of the natural substances necessary for growth in the human gut. 

However, taking probiotics along with antifungals may speed up the recovery process. A recent study suggests that adding a good quality probiotic to the treatment regimen may shorten the time needed to clear up thrush infection.

What to Consider When Looking for the Best Probiotics for Women?

When choosing probiotics involves some trial and error. It can take some time until you find a product that works for you. You are advised to opt for a different product to try until you notice its benefits on your health. You should ask your physician to recommend products suitable for you. 

There are plenty of probiotic supplements on the market, but you should also have sources of probiotics in your diet. Wheat, garlic, asparagus, onions among other great dietary sources that can support your own beneficial bacteria. Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and miso are ideal for anyone who doesn’t prefer probiotic supplements. 

When choosing a probiotic supplement make sure it contains alive and active bacterial cultures and colony-forming units of the most researched probiotics. They will boost your immunity and help you balance good bacteria along with the bad. Probiotics are good bacteria similar to those found in your body, so these supplements will help you when you need a properly balanced view of immune dysfunction or infections.

Probiotics can help prevent and treat conditions like mastitis or urinary tract infections, while lactobacillus is great at preventing and treating bacterial vaginosis. Moreover, it will improve the absorption of calcium magnesium, and iron in your body. 

You can find them in many forms, drinks, pills, or powders. Pills might be the most popular and convenient form, but make sure you check with your doctor which is better for your digestive system. In some cases, oral supplements might not be beneficial. If you are pregnant or face serious health conditions, you should consult your doctor before adding probiotic supplements to your diet. The same applies to anyone with food allergies.

Make sure to avoid products from unknown brands. Products from reputable brands will have been tested and evaluated through third party organizations before it hits the shelves. The number of live organisms and the exact strains should always be listed on the package. When it comes down to colony-forming units, you should be looking for products that contain billions of them.

CFUs

It is quite unlikely that any two products (even from the same manufacturer) will have exactly the same amount of live bacteria. However, most manufacturers are very careful about keeping the level of live probiotics relatively constant… within a range of +/- 10%.

You can be assured that the manufacturer has tested the product and knows it to be effective, and also knows how many probiotics (or other active ingredients) are in the product. Women should look for a minimum of 10 billion CFU’s (colony forming units) per serving, and ideally 2-3 billion. More is better, and 10 billion or more is even better. Look for “Bacteria Count” on the label or the packaging. 

Strains 

When you’re shopping for a probiotic for women, look for at least 10 billion CFUs per capsule (that’s colony forming units), or more. But don’t worry about getting the highest amount available. Remember that all probiotics have to compete with each other for space and nutrients within the digestive tract.

The best strains of probiotics for women include Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Lactobacillus casei LC705, Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB41 and Streptococcus thermophilus ST42. These are all of the strains listed in the “FDA-Approved Labeling” section above.

Note that these are the only ones that are guaranteed to be safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is important to use strains that have been approved by the FDA because these are the only ones that are guaranteed to be safe.

Third-Party Testing

A number of the major manufacturers of probiotics hire a company to do third-party testing for them.

One thing these tests check for is whether or not the bacteria stays alive and remains in your gut. If it doesn’t, you won’t get the full benefits of the probiotic.

One of the major concerns that the FDA has is that a lot of the “bioactive” ingredients are not living organisms but rather inert substances that may or may not have any health benefits. So, when a company says that a certain amount of a certain ingredient is in their product, the FDA wants to make sure that this claim is true. You see, if it’s not true, then the manufacturer could be making fraudulent claims about the product which could lead to very serious problems.

Storage

There are many different kinds of probiotics for women. All of them have different ingredients and will have different effects on your health. To make things even more confusing, some of these products are designed for short-term use (acute) while others are designed for long-term (chronic) use. Storage is an important consideration when it comes to taking a probiotic supplement. It should be stored in a dry, dark place, out of the reach of sunlight.

You should look for a product that has been stored in a tightly sealed container in a refrigerator or even a freezer. Storing it in a cool place is important because certain bacteria and yeast grow and thrive at warmer temperatures. Probiotics that have been exposed to heat and light will be killed off and thus won’t have the same beneficial effects as those that are still viable and active.

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