Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis
Some symptoms of BV may seem similar to those of a yeast infection, such as a burning sensation when you urinate or strangely colored discharge that is thicker than normal. One distinguishing factor of bacterial vaginosis is that it often is accompanied by a fishy odor. This smell may become even more potent after sexual intercourse.
Can You Take Probiotics While On Antidepressants
Probiotics may be helpful, but they dont replace therapy, medication, or other depression treatments. You might notice an improvement in your symptoms after you start taking probiotics, but its important to still keep up with any other treatments. This is especially true if you take antidepressants.
Things That Mess With Your Period
Wouldn’t it be great if you could circle a date on your calendar and have your period actually show up then? You’d plan beach trips around it and you’d never be caught without a tampon. Unfortunately, a little variation is typical: “The average cycle is 28 daysthat’s 28 days between the first day of one period and the first day of your next periodbut anywhere in between 24 and 31 days is considered normal,” says Veronica Lerner, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Still, a highly irregular period is usually a sign that something else isn’t right in your body.” Take note of these 10 things that could be messing with your menstrual cycle, and see your doc if anything seems too far off.
Heard of marathon runners losing their periods? It’s not a myth: frequent rigorous exercise combined with low body fat puts stress on your body, and this stress tells your brain to stop producing reproductive hormones. “Since you can’t nourish a baby under extreme stress, your body temporarily shuts down the production of fertility hormones,” explains Dr. Lerner. One study found that half of exercising women experience subtle menstrual irregularity. A period that arrives a few days off schedule is nothing to worry about, but see your doctor if you haven’t had your period for longer than three months. “It’s a condition called amenorrhea, and it can compromise your bone density long-term,” says Dr. Lerner.
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When Should You Take Probiotics
When it comes to finding the best time to take your probiotics, a lot depends on your particular schedule when you eat meals and when your gut is the most likely to be empty. That’s why it can be difficult to find consistency in the opinions of experts about the best time to take probiotics. However, there are a few solid rules to keep in mind when deciding the best time to take probiotics.
“There are three factors that influence how fast probiotic bacteria reach the small and large intestine: meal composition, the size of the last meal and timing ,” said Dr. Mike Goodman.
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How The Microbiome Affects Estrogen
Estrogen is made primarily by your ovaries. It then circulates through your bodyto your uterus and breasts and other organs, until it reaches your liver whereitâs inactivated. Inactivated estrogen is then sent to the intestine where itis supposed to stay inactivated so it can exit the body through the stool. Thatis normal, healthy estrogen metabolism.
When certain intestinal bacteria are present, something very different happens.Unfriendly bacteria make an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, whichre-activates estrogen in your gut. Thatâs a problem because re-activatedestrogen then re-enters your body and causes excess estrogen. That is impairedestrogen metabolism.
Fun fact: An unhealthy microbiome is called dysbiosis.
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How Does Your Gut Health Impact Your Period
So, if estrogen recirculates through your body and you develop excess levels of it, youll probably experience symptoms pretty similar to PMS: heavier periods, bloating, mood swings, and more.
Fluctuating estrogen levels can impact the digestive tract, too, by leading to spasms in your intestines that can potentially cause diarrhea. Or, you could have the opposite issue and experience constipation due to a dip in estrogen, which slows digestion.
How Effective Are Probiotics
Researchers are currently unsure how effective probiotic supplements are for treating conditions. Theres constant research on the topic. While many research studies have had positive results on the impact of probiotic supplements, more research is still needed.
Its also important to keep in mind that unlike medications, dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA. This means that manufacturers can sell supplements simply with claims of safety and effectiveness.
Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement or giving one to your child. Supplements might interfere with medicines you may be taking. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with your provider before taking any supplement.
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Choose The Right Probiotic For Your Health Condition
Not all probiotics are created equal. The combination of strains included in the probiotic supplement plays a critical role in determining its impact on a range of health outcomes.
Each probiotic strain performs a different function. Depending on what the probiotic is trying to accomplish, you will find different strains in the composition. Furthermore, several studies, including this powerful study by Visconti et al., have demonstrated that probiotic strains work in teams for optimal impact.
A high quality, science-based probiotic supplement will contain strains that are mindfully combined for optimal impact. At OMNi-BiOTiC®, our products are tailored to specific health conditions, rooted in 25 years of microbiome research and clinical studies to demonstrate efficacy. For example, OMNi-BiOTiC® STRESS Release was specifically formulated for individuals with leaky gut and irritable bowel syndrome.
In aclinical study with IBS patients, OMNi-BiOTiC® STRESS Release demonstrated a reduction in symptom severity, improved bacterial diversity in the intestines, and a reduction in Zonulin, the main marker for leaky gut.
How To Improve Estrogen Metabolism Through Your Gut
Fortunately, there are ways to improve the health of the microbiome and to,therefore, promote the healthy metabolism of estrogen.
- Eat more vegetables. Fiber promotes a healthy microbiome anddecreases the activity of the microbial enzyme beta-glucuronidase .
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol consumption alters themicrobiome leading to higher activity of beta-glucuronidase and higher levelsof estrogen metabolites. Researchers think that alcoholâs effect on themicrobiome is one way that it increases the risk of breast cancer .
- Take a probiotic. In one study, oral supplementation of Lactobacillusacidophilus decreased the activity of beta-glucuronidase .
Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor with 20 years of experience in womenâshealth. Her book is Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for BetterHormones and Better Periods.Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @larabriden.
Let’s support one another.
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Redefine The Good Stuff To Avoid Feeling Bad
When youre cramping and irritable, you just know that a hot fudge brownie sundae with extra fudge, nuts and whipped cream will make everything better. The problem is those sweet treats can significantly impact your insulin levels.
Foods that are really sugary and sweet will increase your insulin levels, and high insulin levels can cause imbalances in other female-factor hormones. Thats why you want to follow a low glycemic diet starting at least a couple of weeks before your expected period, says Dr. McClure.
If you eat a lot of carbs and sugar during your period, you might feel bloated or backed up. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome might experience irregular periods which could lead to other complications. But when your blood sugar levels are going up and down, Dr. McClure says you might feel tired or get headaches frequently.
The other problem with that hot fudge brownie sundae comes from the added estrogens that can be found in some animal products such as dairy and oils. Estrogens, which can be found in some animal products and added oils, can cause your uterine lining to become abnormally thickened. Then, during your menstrual cycle, your body must create more prostaglandins to break down the lining. More prostaglandins translate to more pain. Thus, you also want to avoid foods that can increase estrogen levels in your body.
Scientific Support For Probiotics
A huge number of studies have shown that probiotics are effective in addressing a variety of conditions and health issues:
- Probiotics can help reduce inflammation, improve gut barrier function, and block pathogen binding in patients with irritable bowel syndrome .
- Probiotics can help heal and seal a leaky gut, improving intestinal barrier function .
- If you have lactose intolerance, probiotics can help manage uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain, gas, and bloating .
- Many studies have connected probiotics to maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients .
These are just a fraction of the studies that have been conducted on the therapeutic effect of probiotics across multiple conditions. They really are a remarkable tool for promoting wellness throughout the body.
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How Probiotics Can Help Bacterial Vaginosis And A Yeast Infection
Both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are common conditions that many women deal with at one time or another. These illnesses each stem from having an overproduction of unhealthy bacteria in the vagina. Such bacteria are only able to grow when there is an imbalance in vaginal microflora, which is a group of bacteria that keep the vagina healthy.
When left untreated, BV and yeast infections can lead to serious complications like the development of transmitted infections or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease . If the patient is pregnant, these conditions could also result in a preterm birth or low birth weight.
Is It True That I Can Sync My Period With My Bestie
Sadly, no. A biological nod to the sisterhood is a nice thought, but theres no real evidence to suggest our cycles calibrate in line with other women. The idea was introduced by a research paper published in 1971, but contemporary experts argue the initial research was flawed and more recentstudies show no synchronicity. So that’s that.
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The Pros & Cons Of Probiotics
Antibiotics are the drugs of choice when it comes to fighting bacterial infections. Without antibiotics, infections such as strep throat or tuberculosis can cause organ damage, even death. But while theyre destroying the bad bacteria thats making us sick, theyre also doing a number on the beneficial bacteria that normally live in our gastrointestinal tract leading to side effects. That disruption of our gut flora causes gastrointestinal complications ranging from mild to moderate antibiotic-associated diarrhea to the more serious AAD caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Clostridium difficile .
Theres nothing good about those side effects. But are antibiotics alter ego probiotics the miracle cure many make them made out to be?
3.9/5nifedipineverapamildiltiazemisradipinefelodipineamlodipineof the answer
Magnesium supplements can interact with several drugs. Taking magnesium too close to a dose of some antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, may interfere with how the body absorbs the medicine. Similarly, magnesium can interfere with some osteoporosis drugs if the doses are taken too close together.
One may also ask, when should you not take magnesium? People with diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium before speaking with their health care provider. Overdose. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
I’ve Been Told That After A Few Years On The Pill I Should Take A Break Is This True
Yes. Just as a muscle will weaken if you dont exercise it, Ismail believes the natural reproductive system can become lazy if suppressed for a long period of time. Controlling the bodys natural process with medication for years on end may not technically damage it, but its not something we should encourage. I recommend women have a three-month break every two years to allow the body to rebalance and confirm normal periods return on their own, using condoms as interim protection, he explains.
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Should You Take A Daily Probiotic Supplement
Probiotics are good for your gut, but the source matters.
Theres a lot of buzz around probiotics. Theyre endorsed by celebrities and fill grocery stores aisles.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut. Scientists believe they could unlock a deeper understanding of our health. Probiotics are found in some foods and drinks, like yogurt or fermented tea.
Just like vitamins, probiotics are available as supplements. Manufacturers make steep claims about their benefits. They include digestive health, strengthened immune system, weight loss and reduced cancer risk. But can a supplement really do all that?
To learn more about probiotic supplements, we spoke with Carrie Daniel- MacDougall, Ph.D., M.P.H., a nutritional epidemiologist at MD Anderson who studies diet and the microbiome.
Heres what you should know about probiotic supplements.
Its always better to get nutrients from food. That includes probiotics.
More research needs to be done on probiotics in general and probiotic supplements, but its always better to get your nutrients from food rather than supplements, Daniel-MacDougall says. They just dont deliver the same benefits as food.
One reason is because supplements arent regulated as closely as medications. So the quality and ingredients can vary greatly from product to product.
Unless your doctor is prescribing probiotics for a specific purpose, stick to getting them from foods like yogurt that may have other nutrients, like calcium.
Possible Reasons To Discontinue Probiotics
Its clear from dozens of well-designed studies that probiotics can have beneficial effects on gut bacteria, the immune system, and many other systems of the body. So why would you stop taking them?
In our clinical experience, many people start to consider weaning off from probiotics even after theyve experienced significant progress in their health for a number of reasons:
- Reducing the ongoing cost of their supplements
- Simple convenience
- Concerns about dependency
- Safety concerns
We know that when individuals choose to pursue alternative health therapies that arent covered by insurance, costs can quickly add up. For many people, this becomes a deciding factor in reducing or discontinuing probiotic therapy. If discontinuing probiotics is right for you at this time, there is usually a way to safely make that transition, or to reduce your dose while maintaining benefits.
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What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Probiotics
When you start taking probiotics they will have a noticeable effect on your body and in particular your health. This is key if you have a chronic illness and with to regain better health.
Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that helps keep your body healthy and working well.
This good bacteria helps you in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it, helping you feel better.
Probiotics are part of a larger picture concerning bacteria and your body your microbiome.
Why Women Need Probiotics
The combination of yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis are estimated to affect 1 billion women per year.
That is an insanely high number which means that these conditions are FAR too common.
The good news?
These conditions can be prevented with the use of targeted and specific probiotics.
What’s even better is that certain probiotics not only help vaginal health , but they also provide other benefits such as normalization of stooling patterns and may even help with weight loss.
So how do you get these benefits?
You have to use the right strains and species.
Remember that not all probiotic strains and species are created equal.
Certain species of bacteria have benefits that others don’t provide.
This means that you need to be making sure you use the right TYPE and DOSE of probiotics to get these benefits.
Below I’ve outlined the most beneficial probiotic species and strains that have been clinically proven to help women:
Vaginal health strains ->
These three lactobacilli probiotics have shown great promise as it relates to improving vaginal health.
They work by leading to a transfer of organisms from the rectum into the vagina which acts to normalize vaginal bacteria concentration and prevents vaginal yeast infections.
In addition to reducing vaginal yeast infections, these probiotics also help to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections.
Weight loss strains ->
Intestinal issues strains ->
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Can You Eat Probiotics
Yes! Probiotics are naturally occurring in lots of foods that we eat every day. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, buttermilk, and some cheeses (mozzarella, gouda, and others. It is best to double check food labeling to see if it contains “live cultures of probiotics.”
So if you or child is able to eat by mouth, you may want to introduce some of these foods regularly into the diet.
If your not able to consume anything by mouth, you can still benefit from these natural food sources of probiotics!
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that has a tangy taste to it. You can take 2 oz of plain flavored kefir and mix it with 2 oz of water, then run it into a G or GJ tube. I like to keep this mixture separate from formula just so that it doesn’t cause any clumping.
As we were introducing food by mouth to my daughter, I made lots and lots of smoothies with either yogurt or kefir. These are not only awesome sources of probiotics, they also add needed protein too.
You can also incorporate yogurt, kefir, buttermilk or tempeh into a blenderized diet!
Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is known world wide as a high protein meat substitute, so this is perfect if you are following a vegetarian diet!