Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are found in certain foods and supplements. Healthy gut bacteria can become upset by taking anti-biotics or taking drug treatments or pain-killers on a regular basis. Therefore, it can be good for your gut and your general health to supplement with probiotics to re-balance your system.
Probiotics have many health benefits both for physical health and mental health. If you take a regular course of probiotics, they can help restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria.
Gut health has been connected to mental well-being. Studies have found supplementing with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains for 1–2 months can improve anxiety, depression and memory.
Interestingly, probiotics may help improve the immune system. Some probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body.
Gut bacteria and endometriosis
Recent research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria may trigger or worsen endometriosis by altering estrogen levels.
Research on monkeys with endometriosis has shown that when compared to the healthy control group, they showed a significant lack of the probiotic lactobacillus, a ‘good’ bacteria, and significantly more ‘bad’ bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli.
Monkeys with endometriosis also showed a significant increase of intestinal inflammation than compared to their healthy counterparts in the control group. Although research is not yet conclusive, there seems to be a link between gut health and the occurrence or severity of the disease.
Feedback on Probiotics and endometriosis:
This is an extract from feedback submitted here at Endo-Resolved
'Started probiotics Feb 23, 2012 and got substantial relief from endometriosis pain. Take double dosage half the month to reduce endometriosis. I have also started both Nattokinase and Serrapeptase with good results.'
Suggested supplementing of probiotics
There are many different probiotic supplements available. Interestingly, acidophilus and bifidus are beneficial to help expel estrogen by changing the molecules into a form that can be excreted from the body. They also decrease estrogen recycling in the intestines by limiting the growth of unhealthy bacteria.
The bacteria of Lactobacilli seems to play a key role in restoring a healthy gut balance. One small study found the probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri to significantly reduce the total weight and surface area of endometrial implants in female mice.
The exact reason for this is unknown. Researchers believe that L. gasseri may increase levels of a cytokine called interleukin-12, which has been shown to reduce growth of endometrial tissue.
Human studies are needed to know the best probiotic strains and doses for endometriosis. In the meantime, supplementing with a probiotic complex with various strains will help to improve your gut health and support your immune system.
Endometriosis and intestinal microflora in monkeys - academic.oup.com
New probiotics for endometriosis health - Pubmed