It’s interesting to understand just how much of an impact gut health has on overall health and, for women, vaginal health can be impacted by gut health! Here’s how…
The microscopic cosmos of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses all live within us naturally and is better known as the ‘micro biome’. The micro biome is made up of 100 trillion microorganisms that work to balance our health.
The micro biome exerts significant influence on our metabolism, our weight, our digestion, our immune function, our hormones, our DNA expression, our mood and behaviour, and so much more.
For women, vaginal health can be impacted by gut health, and a healthy micro biome can help to maintain good levels of healthy bacteria within the vagina. The good bacteria helps keep the vagina healthy by inhibiting the growth of yeast and other unwanted organisms.
A healthy vagina is dominated by Lactobacilli, a type of ‘good’ bacteria that supports vaginal health. Many women are susceptible to vaginal flora imbalances, and from time to time this may cause irritation and discomfort.
Disruptions in the vaginal microbiota can result in excess bacteria and yeast build up- known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV affects 20% of women of reproductive age. While the condition can be mostly mild and asymptomatic, it is associated with vaginal discharge, poor pregnancy outcomes, pelvic inflammatory disease, post-operative wound infections and endometriosis following elective abortions. BV flora also predisposes women to infection by HIV as well as other STDs. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis after BV, affecting about 40% of women with vaginal complaints.
Fermented foods such as yoghurt and kimchi contain high levels of good bacteria which may help to promote good bacteria within the body. If you are considering taking probiotics to maintain vaginal health please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner.
For information on Blackmores Women’s Flora Balance, please visit Blackmores website.
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