There's something about yogurts and reproductive health

Since I started managing my stomach ulcers, I’ve had to create a long list of foods to avoid. This list was born out of necessity—any food or drink that triggered my symptoms automatically made it to the prohibited list. It’s taken a lot of self-discipline, but this approach has been far more effective in managing my condition than any conventional medication I’ve tried. Avoiding trigger foods has been key to my healing process.

One of the hardest things to give up has been drinks. Living in a hot, dry climate, chilled carbonated beverages, teas, coffees, and juices used to be my go-to refreshments during sunny afternoons. However, all of these are now on my prohibited list. It’s been almost two years since I’ve had any of them, and during hot seasons like this one, the temptation to break my rules can be overwhelming. But when I remember the pain that follows, common sense always prevails.

Then, one day, I had a thought: What about yogurt?

Yogurt is a fermented food, and fermented foods are typically acidic. For someone with ulcers, acidic foods are usually a no-go. However, fermented foods like yogurt also contain probiotics, which are known to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and potentially aid in ulcer healing. They can also improve digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating and discomfort. So, I found myself torn between the potential acidity of yogurt and its possible benefits. I decided to take the plunge and give it a try.

I started with a bottle of sweetened yogurt and waited to see how my stomach would react. To my surprise, there was no negative response. Since then, yogurt has become my go-to drink. As I discovered that sugar can also aggravate my ulcers, I switched to plain, unsweetened yogurt, often adding a couple of spoons of natural honey for flavor. Now, my days feel incomplete without a cup of cold, plain yogurt sweetened with honey.

Interestingly, since incorporating yogurt into my daily routine, I’ve noticed a significant change in my urinary habits. Before, I would wake up at least twice a night to urinate, regardless of what I ate or drank. But now, I can’t remember the last time I woke up to urinate at night. This made me wonder: Could this change be linked to my newfound love for yogurt? Is there a connection between yogurt and reproductive health?

Courtsey:

The Science Behind Yogurt and Reproductive Health

While my personal experience with yogurt and urinary habits is anecdotal, there is scientific evidence to suggest that yogurt and probiotics can influence various aspects of health, including reproductive and urinary health. Here’s what research says:

Probiotics and Urinary Tract Health:

Probiotics, particularly strains like

. They help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs). This could explain why I’ve experienced fewer nighttime urination episodes since starting yogurt.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2014) found that probiotics can help prevent recurrent UTIs by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.

Gut-Bladder Axis:

Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and bladder function, often referred to as the "gut-bladder axis." A healthy gut microbiome, supported by probiotics, may positively influence bladder health and reduce symptoms like frequent urination or urgency.

Reproductive Health Benefits:

Probiotics in yogurt may also play a role in reproductive health, particularly in women. For example, Lactobacillus strains help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, preventing infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

A study in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease (2017) highlighted the role of probiotics in promoting vaginal health and reducing the risk of infections, which are often linked to urinary symptoms.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Yogurt’s anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its probiotics, may indirectly benefit reproductive and urinary health by reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can contribute to conditions like interstitial cystitis (a bladder condition) or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Hormonal Balance:

Some studies suggest that a healthy gut microbiome, supported by probiotics, may help regulate hormones like estrogen. This could have implications for reproductive health, including menstrual regularity and menopause symptoms.

My Takeaway

While my experience with yogurt and reduced nighttime urination is personal, it aligns with scientific findings about the benefits of probiotics for urinary and reproductive health. Yogurt’s ability to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy microbiome may have contributed to the positive changes I’ve noticed.

That said, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different. What works for me may not work for everyone, especially when it comes to managing conditions like stomach ulcers. If you’re considering adding yogurt or other fermented foods to your diet, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

For now, I’ll continue to enjoy my daily cup of plain yogurt with honey, grateful for the unexpected benefits it’s brought to my health. And who knows? Maybe this simple dietary change has done more for my body than I initially realized.

Resources

• Falagas, M. E., Betsi, G. I., & Athanasiou, S. (2006). Probiotics for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: A review of the evidence from microbiological and clinical studies. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 58(2), 266–272. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkl200

• Bresler, L., & Bahlani, S. (2019). The gut-bladder axis: A new frontier in urology. Current Urology Reports, 20(12), 75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0942-0

• Reid, G., & Bruce, A. W. (2006). Probiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: The rationale and evidence. World Journal of Urology, 24(1), 28–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-005-0043-1

• Homayouni, A., Bastani, P., Ziyadi, S., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Ghalibaf, M., Mortazavian, A. M., & Mehrabany, E. V. (2014). Effects of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: A review. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 18(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1097/LGT.0b013e31829156ec

• Plaza-Díaz, J., Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Vilchez-Padial, L. M., & Gil, A. (2017). Evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics and synbiotics in intestinal chronic diseases. Nutrients, 9(6), 555. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9060555

• Baker, J. M., Al-Nakkash, L., & Herbst-Kralovetz, M. M. (2017). Estrogen–gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas, 103, 45–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025

• Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., Merenstein, D. J., Pot, B., ... & Sanders, M. E. (2014). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(8), 506–514. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66

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