Because most of us take probiotics as a daily supplement, it’s easy to forget that “probiotics” are not just one thing like vitamin C or D. “Probiotics” refer to a whole world of beneficial bacteria and yeasts and the enormous variety of strains each communicate with our bodies to different effect.
There are so many strains yet to be researched and science has only just hit the tip of the iceberg on probiotic therapies. What we know about probiotics so far includes the value of specific strains for digestive health and feminine care. Flora understands that and offers ten different probiotic formulas that are targeted to a variety of wellness needs. We’re spotlighting three of the most interesting: Women’s Care, Travel Care and Complete Care. Each of their probiotic formulas contains different strains to achieve different results:
Probiotics for Feminine Health: Flora Women’s Care Probiotic
Did you know that there’s a vaginal microbiome? It’s true — and certain probiotic strains can help to maintain a healthy vaginal pH. An imbalanced vaginal pH can make us more prone to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and possibly even sexually transmitted infections.
According to holistic nutritionist, Dana Remedios BA Hon, RHN, RNCP, Lactobacillus strains are the “gatekeepers” of women’s health. The 6 strains of Lactobacillus in Flora Women’s Care function like a protective barrier to vaginal cells and are designed to support vaginal health, urinary tract health and hormone balance.*
+ Women are much more likely than men to get urinary tract infections and these can often be recurrent. The Lactobacillus strains in Women’s Care are prolific producers of lactic acid, which helps to keep the pH level of the vagina slightly acidic, making it more difficult for yeast and unwanted bacteria to thrive. Strains like L.helveticus have been studied in cases of Candida and L.rhamnosus and L.reuteri in studies regarding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTI).
Research has shown that probiotics taken orally can eventually help repopulate the vaginal microflora. Probiotics can also help offset hormonal changes linked to diarrhea and constipation (linked to menopause & PMS) and ensure breakdown products of estrogen metabolism are tightly bound for excretion from the body They also limit bacterial species that cause estrogen reabsorption.
Lastly, in pregnancy, UTIs and yeast infections can occur more commonly. Not many medications are safe to take, but probiotics are an option to help with digestion, mood and immunity, and to discourage UTIs.
Probiotics for Travel: Flora Travel Care Probiotic
Unlike most probiotic formulas, Travel Care contains just a single strain that’s been shown to help reduce incidence of traveler’s diarrhea and other common gastrointestinal issues while traveling. Most forms of travel, from long flights to foreign foods, can take a toll on our digestion. Clinical trials for Travel Care show that just one strain can provide powerful support for gut health and digestive symptoms when you need it most.
What’s even more interesting about this strain — especially for the adventurous traveler who constantly exposes themselves to new foods and environments — is that it can also reduce the danger of pathogens that can ultimately have far-reaching health implications.
The strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ssp. Boulardii, inhibits toxins from binding to cell receptors and directly produces anti-toxins that destroy toxins released by C. difficile and E. coli. It also reduces inflammation and stimulates and supports both innate and adaptive immune response.*
Lastly, Travel Care is also a great support for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as well as combating the pathogenic “bad” bacteria.*
Probiotics for Immunity + Overall Health: Flora Complete Care Probiotics
This full-spectrum blend of six strains of “good” bacteria is professionally formulated to provide balance to the entire intestinal tract.* Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are two probiotic families that have been carefully chosen to ensure a blend that closely resembles the normal environment of a healthy digestive system. According to Remedios, people may take it to feel more comfortable, get sick less often, and feel a better sense of wellbeing and vitality. Here are what some of the strains in the formula do:
Lactobacillus casei helps deal with inflammation and reduces incidence of allergies.
Bifidobacterium longum reduces blood levels of cholesterol and synthesizes vitamins.
Bifidobacterium breve discourages overgrowth of bad bacteria and secretes lactic acid which can reduce lactose intolerance and help to digest food to improve nutritional intake and overall health.
Bifidobacterium bifidum supports immune health.
Our team(and the entire wellness world!) is nerding out big time on gut health and the microbiome lately. Get 20% off your Flora Health purchase with code CHALKBOARD20. It’s a great time to optimize your immunity and take your health to the next level. Have more questions about Probiotics? Stay tuned for our Instagram Live with holistic nutritionist, Dana Remedios.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Flora Health. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.
