I’m a licensed pharmacist who has answered a lot of patient questions about probiotics – here I will review Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics, focusing on the science and what clinical trials have to say about the bacteria strains in the Good Girl Probiotics supplement. Does this probiotic really help with vaginal wellness? Let’s dive in and analyze the robust blend of bacteria in this supplement.
Good Girl Probiotics’ Key Ingredients
- Probiotic Blend: Delivering 1 billion CFUs per serving, this product is packed with powerful bacteria – I recommend at least 1 billion Colony Forming Units in any supplement, so this is a good amount. Learn about CFUs in my article here.
- Diverse Strains: From Lactobacillus acidophilus to Lactobacillus rhamnosus and more, each strain brings its own health advantage. I’ll list these out in a bit, but the good news is that many have clinical reviews that suggest they may be able to help many women with gut and vaginal health and may even help reduce the likelihood of getting a UTI.
- Prebiotic Bonus: With the inclusion of inulin, a prebiotic, it offers a symbiotic health approach, ensuring the probiotics thrive.
One thing to note – it has a gelatin capsule, which means that this is not a vegetarian product.
Research-backed Benefits of Good Girl Probiotics
Here is a full list of active strains in the supplement:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus paracasei
As I already mentioned, there is good research showing that many of these may be able to help some women improve gut and vaginal health. Let’s review a few of the ones I’ve written about before.
Lactobacillus acidophilus in Good Girl Probiotics
A renowned name in the world of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus is naturally present in our bodies. It’s a go-to for many seeking digestive health improvements. But what does research tell us about this strain?
- Gut Health: Clinical trials have shown that L. acidophilus can maintain a gut’s flora balance, inhibiting harmful bacteria through lactic acid production.
- Lactose Intolerance: Its ability to digest lactose may assist some in managing lactose intolerance symptoms.
- Immune Boost: L. acidophilus may stimulate the immune system, preparing the body to fend off infections (read a good study here).
- Vaginal Health: Some studies suggest its potential in managing vaginal infections by helping maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
Good Girl Probiotics and Lactobacillus gasseri’s Potential
Recent research is illuminating the relationship between menstruation and gut health. One of the strains in Love Wellness’ Good Girl Probiotics has a study that I reviewed that showed it helped decrease period pain. A study with Lactobacillus gasseri supplementation found a significant reduction in menstrual pain among endometriosis patients. This groundbreaking discovery might pave the way for better menstrual health management, although I would point out that a single study doesn’t provide enough proof that you should stop any other medications that your doctor prescribed. One important point – if you are having serious health issues or pain during your period, see your doctor. This could be a sign of a serious, and possibly treatable, health condition.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus in Good Girl Probiotics
Naturally found in the human gut, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is another star in the probiotic community, with a lot of good research suggesting that it can be beneficial to gut health, and with some emerging research that shows that it may help improve the balance of bacteria in a woman’s vagina.
- Gut Equilibrium: This strain promotes gut health by battling harmful bacteria.
- Immune Enhancement: Pretty cool – studies suggest it may even bolster respiratory system immunity.
- Mental Well-being: Emerging research hints at its potential in anxiety reduction, linking gut health to mental health.
- Diarrhea Management: Well-documented studies vouch for its efficacy in reducing diarrhea for some people, especially antibiotic-associated instances.
- Cognitive Benefits: Preliminary studies have found potential cognitive benefits in older adults, though further research is required.
- Vaginal Health: Some studies, like this one, have shown that supplementing with L. rhamnosus can improve the balance of bacteria in a woman’s vagina, making it less likely that a person would have an infection.
Lactobacillus plantarum in Love Wellness’s Good Girl Supplement
Lactobacillus plantarum is found in fermented foods and in the human gut and is recognized for its beneficial roles in health.
- Digestive Support: L. plantarum may promote gut health by competing with harmful bacteria.
- Lactose Digestion: This strain can digest lactose, potentially aiding those with sensitivities.
- Anti-inflammatory: Research suggests L. plantarum may help reduce inflammation.
- Immune Boost: Strains like Lactobacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO can enhance immune system activity.
- Cholesterol Reduction: Studies indicate it might help in reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels.
- Skin Health: There’s potential for topical L. plantarum applications to improve skin health, though more research is needed.
Usage and Storage – How to Store Good Girl Probiotics
- Ease of Storage: Conveniently, Good Girl Probiotics require no refrigeration, perfect for modern lifestyles.
- Dosage Recommendations: Taking 2 pills daily is recommended. For best results, as a pharmacist, I’d suggest the right time to take Good Girl Probiotics would be one in the morning pre-food and the second in the evening pre-sleep.
What does Good Girl Probiotics Cost?
You can buy Good Girl Probiotics on Amazon or directly from Love Wellness on their website, and on the manufacturer’s site it comes to about $1 a day to take this supplement. Each bottle has 60 pills, which you should take 2 of a day, so at about $30 a bottle, this means you are spending a dollar a day taking this supplement.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast, that may confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria colonize our bodies, especially our gut, assisting in digestion and supporting our immune system. They’re often dubbed the “friendly” or “good” bacteria, distinguishing them from the harmful bacteria that can cause diseases. However, not every person will have any positive impact from any particular supplement. And it’s always a good idea to see your doctor before beginning to take any new supplements.
Understanding the Gut Microbiome
Women, and men, have a community of trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tracts. This intricate ecosystem is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic living things. Not only do these organisms aid in digesting food, but they also play pivotal roles in our overall health, affecting everything from metabolism, immune function, and even mood. A balanced gut microbiome is vital for good health. Factors like diet, medication, and stress can disrupt this balance, leading to digestive issues and other health concerns. That’s why some doctors and pharmacists recommend supplements like the Good Girl Probiotics that contain a blend of different bacteria that have been shown to help improve gut health in some clinical trials.
The Vaginal Microbiome: A Delicate Balance
Just as the gut has its microbiome, so does the vagina. The vaginal microbiome is a community of microorganisms that live within the female reproductive tract. Don’t worry, this is a healthy (and normal) thing – all healthy women have this! A balanced vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacilli, which produces lactic acid, keeping the environment acidic and hostile to harmful pathogens. This balance is crucial in preventing infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Any disruption, be it due to antibiotics, hormonal changes, or other factors, can pave the way for these issues. Hence, maintaining this balance is crucial for overall feminine health. That is partly why the Good Girl blend has so many Lactobacilli, and partly why I like it for women looking to improve their vaginal health.
Reviewing How a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome can Help Reduce Urinary Tract Infections
Maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome can positively influence urinary tract health. Here’s why:
Barrier against Pathogens: A healthy vaginal microbiome is predominantly made up of lactobacilli. As we’ve already mentioned, these produce lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH. An acidic environment is less hospitable to many harmful pathogens, including the bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), like Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Prevention of Bacterial Ascension: The urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the bladder) is in close proximity to the vagina. A balanced vaginal flora can prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the vaginal region and migrating to the urethra, reducing the risk of UTIs.
Competitive Exclusion: Beneficial bacteria compete with potential pathogens for nutrients and living space in the vagina. By occupying the space and utilizing available nutrients, lactobacilli can help prevent harmful bacteria from establishing a foothold in the vaginal and urethral regions.
Production of Bacteriocins: Some lactobacilli strains produce bacteriocins, which are proteinaceous toxins that inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains, providing an added protective effect against harmful bacteria. So basically, the strains in Good Girl Probiotics may outcompete bad bacteria, keeping your vagina and urethra less likely to have bad bacteria that cause UTIs.
However, while a healthy vaginal microbiome can reduce the risk of UTIs, it’s not a guaranteed prevention method. Other factors, such as sexual activity, urinary retention, kidney problems, and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, can also influence UTI risk.
It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding concerns about urinary tract health or if experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, or pelvic pain. These can be not only super painful, but can cause serious problems with your daily life and even potentially damage your reproductive organs or bladder. So see a doctor!!
Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics – Reviewing our Review
Love Wellness’s Good Girl Vaginal Probiotics offers a well-researched, comprehensive supplement for healthy women looking to improve their gut and vaginal health. Each of the strains used in the supplement have studies that show a lot of promise from everything from improving everything from gut health, immune function and vaginal health. Of course, always consult with healthcare professionals before introducing any supplement, and if you are having serious problems or discomfort in your digestive system or vagina, see your doctor before trying a supplement.
