Until recently, the idea that bacteria have a role to play in improving a human being’s health was unheard of. Though they are generally seen as the purveyor of infectious illnesses, the truth is that there are certain strains of bacteria that are essentially good for health. From regulating blood sugar to controlling inflammation, research shows that probiotic gut bacteria positively affect many aspects of human health. Perhaps the most interesting findings have been in the area of probiotics and their impact on prenatal and postnatal health of both mother and child.

Pregnancy is tough on the mother’s body. Everyday life involves plenty of multitasking, and when you add pregnancy to the mix, the amount of stress and fatigue felt is phenomenal. Research suggests that probiotic supplements such as Labor of Love taken during and after pregnancy supports a healthy gut and can help give you more energy.

How do probiotic supplements give you energy?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your gut health. They can be found in natural, fermented foods like yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, as well as in supplements. While there are many different types of probiotics, they typically fall under the marquee of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Depending on the strains you choose, probiotic supplements can aid in supporting good digestive health gut, reduce diarrhea due to antibiotic use, control skin conditions, support urinary and vaginal health, and help prevent of colds and allergies, and much more.

When you think of your mood on any given day, the idea is that your mood originates from your brain. But recent research shows an undeniable connection between emotions and your gut. In fact, the gut has been dubbed the “second brain”. Your gut is connected directly to the brain via the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is found in the gut area. Probiotics interact with the brain through the vagus nerve which connects the brainstem and the gut. Studies show that using probiotic supplements regularly during pregnancy can improve feelings of apathy and boost your moods. We've listed a handful of ways below.

Produce happy neurotransmitters

Your gut microbiome produces and regulates certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA2. These brain chemicals are responsible for making you feel good, reducing anxiety, and improving your mood. Serotonin is also known as the “happy chemical.” Contrary to popular belief, more than 90% of this happy chemical is actually produced in the gut, and not the brain.

Reduce inflammation

Inflammations and disorders of the mood have a bidirectional interaction. Studies show that conditions like depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and brain clouding can be caused by inflammations. Probiotics and healthy gut flora help reduce inflammations, and thereby, keep mood disorders at bay.

Lowers cortisol levels

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. It is basically the body’s alarm system secreted by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays an important role in how your brain interprets moods, motivation, and fears. Balanced levels of this hormone help keep inflammation low, regulates blood pressure, controls your cycle of sleeping/waking up, and boosts your energy so you can handle the higher stress levels experienced during pregnancy in a better way. Probiotics work to lower this stress hormone in your body.

Absorbs nutrients

Our bodies get energy from the food consumed and nutrients absorbed. Expectant mothers are eating for the health and wellbeing of two, and so it is even more important that all the vital nutrients are assimilated properly. If this does not happen, your energy levels will suffer. Probiotics aid in the complete absorption of nutrients. Some strains even produce vitamins K and B which are needed for energy production in the body.

Balances blood sugar levels

If blood sugar levels spike during pregnancy, it can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn child. Such spikes also result in imbalanced energy levels so you feel like you are unwittingly riding on an emotional roller coaster. Probiotics for pregnancy help to balance blood sugar levels and maintain a steady amount of energy production through the day.

Improves sleep patterns

Lack of sleep is one of the primary reasons for feeling tired and stressed out. Probiotics aid in creating better sleep patterns by increasing the levels of tryptophan in the body. Tryptophan is necessary for melatonin production which ensures good quality sleep.

A Healthy Gut is Key & Can Give You More Energy

The gut microbiome is said to be well-balanced when about 85% of the gut bacteria are of the beneficial and healthy kind. This balance is difficult to maintain, especially during times of long-term stress to the body. By taking a daily probiotic supplement, pregnant women can ensure a balanced gut microbiome.

LoveBug Probiotics ensure that good bacteria is delivered, activated and ready for use straight inside the gut. The Labor of Love probiotic supplement is designed to meet the needs of expectant mothers and their infants. Each tablet has billions of good bacteria as well as 250mcg of folate. With 8 specialized strains of bacteria, this supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, and does not have unnecessary additives.

References

Huang, R., Wang, K., & Hu, J. (2016). Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 8(8), 483. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu8080483.

Jacka FN, Mykletun A, Berk M: Moving towards a population health approach to primary prevention of common mental disorders. BMC Medicine. 2012, 10: 149-10.1186/1741-7015-10-149.

Javier A. Bravo, Paul Forsythe, Marianne V. Chew, Emily Escaravage, Hélène M. Savignac, Timothy G. Dinan, John Bienenstock, John F. Cryan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Sep 2011, 108 (38) 16050-16055.

L. Desbonnet, L. Garrett, G. Clarke, B. Kiely, J.F. Cryan, T.G. Dinan,
Effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis in the maternal separation model of depression, Neuroscience, Volume 170, Issue 4, 2010, Pages 1179-1188, ISSN 0306-4522, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.08.005.