Did you know that probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are good for your mental health?
Studies are finding that daily probiotic ingestion increases our ability to cope with stress, reducing both depression and anxiety.
The neurochemical composition of your brain is impacted by what you’re eating and how it’s populating your intestines. Furthermore, a healthy gut will reduce your cortisol levels, elevating your mood and balancing your hormones. As women, our gut flora impacts the chemical environment of the entire body, impacting the flora in our reproductive systems as well. Fighting candida (yeast) and promoting regular bowel movements, probiotics are a girl’s best friend.
Probiotics and Pregnancy
From a Chinese Medicine perspective pregnancy increases damp heat, making us susceptible to swelling, increased blood pressure and yeast growth. Probiotics populate your body with good microflora, fighting the growth of pathogenic flora like candida or yeast. Probiotics are an easy way to promote a healthy amniotic environment for your baby’s growth.
Probiotics and Postpartum
Candida growth can impact uterus healing and breastfeeding. Thrush is a yeast infection that can plague your nipples, your baby’s mouth, your own healing uterus and your vagina. Help your healing body by taking various strains of probiotic. Your breast milk will benefit from probiotic use, giving you and your baby a boost of beneficial bacteria.
Purchasing Probiotics
Pharmaca sells a home-brand probiotic line produced by Natural Factors. The 12 billion count capsules will provide ample probiotic support at any age and stage of life. If you aren’t close to a Pharmaca, you can find Natural Factors Acidophilus & Bifidus Double Strength Capsules at your local health food store.