Probiotics for vaginal balance - Kefir · 1/22/2015 Probiotics for vaginal balance Blackmores ......
Transcript of Probiotics for vaginal balance - Kefir · 1/22/2015 Probiotics for vaginal balance Blackmores ......
1/22/2015 Probiotics for vaginal balance Blackmores
http://www.blackmores.com.au/womenshealth/probioticsforvaginalbalance 1/3
BLACKMORES
27 Sep 2010Blackmores (https://plus.google.com/+BlackmoresAus)
Probiotics for vaginal balance
57 views 2 min to read
Probiotics to restore and balance vaginal flora can help women whosuffer from vaginal infections. So what are probiotics, and how canthey help? Naturopath Jennifer McLennan explains.
Women's health (/womenshealth)
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are regarded as live bacteria that are able to provide health benefits to the host. They areingested through foods or supplements and are known to adhere to the bowel wall.
Apart from supplements, foods rich in “good” bacteria include yoghurt, sauerkraut and fermentedfoods. Many of us are aware of the benefits of probiotics in the bowel, but we now know that certainstrains of probiotics taken orally are able to survive the gastrointestinal tract and ascend into thevagina from the rectum.
0 comments
1/22/2015 Probiotics for vaginal balance Blackmores
http://www.blackmores.com.au/womenshealth/probioticsforvaginalbalance 2/3
Vaginal infections
Vaginal infections can occur when the dominant bacteria in the vagina, Lactobacilli, becomeovertaken by other bacteria or fungal microorganisms. Common predisposing factors that can alterthe vaginal flora include:
Read Jennifer’s article ‘Is it fungus or bacteria?’ for more information about fungal and bacterialinfections (/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7bB3A8E186471D4827A2A1D005D30135A3%7d%40en).
How probiotics work in the vagina
Healthy vaginal flora, dominated by Lactobacilli, act as a first line of defence preventing infectiousagents from causing damage. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacilli in the vagina, are believed to workin the following ways:
The nifty microorganismdestroying features that probiotics possess seem to be a potent weaponthat the body can use in the defence against invading bugs.
Prevention
Here are some ways to prevent vaginal infection and encourage healthy vaginal flora:
Medications, such as antibiotics•Increased hormone levels•Poor immunity•New sexual partners (common in bacterial vaginosis)•
Production of lactic acid, keeping the vaginal environment acidic. The acid environment makes itdifficult for ‘bad’ bugs to grow.
•
Production of hydrogen peroxide by Lactobacilli makes a harsh environment for a nasty microorganism, decreasing the likelihood of them thriving.
•
Lactobacilli can block other organisms from attaching to the vaginal wall and taking hold. It canalso compete with and displace “bad” microorganisms that have already adhered to the vaginalwall.
•
Probiotics are also thought to stimulate the host’s immune system and activate cells to kill off“bad” microorganisms.
•
Choose underwear made from natural fibres which are able to breath. This helps to stop fungusfrom thriving.
•
Avoid perfumed products such as feminine deodorant sprays, soap and toiler paper, as they canalter the flora in the vagina.
•
Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet, as this may help to prevent the spread of microorganisms from the anus.
•