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As someone deeply steeped in the wellness space, understanding the best probiotics for women is one of the few things that still remains a mystery. Lymphatic drainage? Got it. Balancing my blood sugar? You bet. I’ve even cracked the code on the perfect proportions of protein in my diet. But when it comes to understanding the best probiotics for women, I still find myself with a good many questions.
Through influencer testimonials and splashy ads, you’ve likely heard the ever-ambiguous touting of “gut health” thrown around. But… what does that mean? And does it go beyond the occasional (or not-so) bloating episode that all the “hot” girls claim to experience online?
With these questions in mind, it’s time for an expert to set the record straight. Because even if we’re taking our probiotics every day—and can feel their supposed benefits—I’m sure we’re all craving some clarity as to how they impact our bodies. And of course, whether or not we’re taking the best probiotics we can be.
Featured image from our interview with Janessa Leoné by Teal Thomsen.
As it turns out, the benefits of probiotics for women go way beyond the gut. For answers and insights, I spoke with Dr. Barry Peskin, obstetrician-gynecologist and Medical Advisor for Happy V. With everything from increasing fertility to improving skin, probiotics are worth the hype. Below, we get into the nitty-gritty of all things probiotics for women. From who should take them to side effects to understanding the difference among prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (you know you’re curious)—consider this your one-stop shop to all things probiotics.
Plus, keep scrolling for the best probiotics for women our editors swear by. We’re sharing the pros and cons of our favorite brands—and we’re not shying away from sharing our true experiences. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know, you can trust: it’s right here.
Dr. Barry Peskin is an obstetrician-gynecologist in Coral Springs, Florida and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Hillbrow Hospital in Johannesburg, and an obstetrics and gynecology residency, including one year as Chief Resident, at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland. He received his medical degree from University of the Witwatersrand and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Probiotics are supplements that contain some of the types of good bacteria that live and thrive in your bowel. They’re important for women for several reasons. They can help to:
Improve gut health. Probiotics can help keep the gut microbiome healthy, which can improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and boost the immune system.
Improve vaginal health. Probiotics can help to prevent yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other vaginal infections.
Increase fertility. Probiotics may help to increase fertility by improving the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases. Probiotics may help reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Women are two to six times more likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome than men, with inflammatory bowel disease being diagnosed at a rate of 2:1 in women compared with men.
Improve skin health. Probiotics may help to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and acne.
Increase energy levels. Probiotics may help to increase energy levels by improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
Reduce stress levels. Probiotics may help to reduce stress levels by reducing cortisol levels.
Not everyone needs to be taking a probiotic. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be found in some foods and supplements. While they can help improve gut health and vaginal health, probiotics are not necessary for everyone.
There are a few groups of people who may benefit from taking probiotics, including:
Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are all important for gut health. They work together to create a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
There are several different strains of probiotics that are beneficial for women. Some of the most common strains include:
Colony-forming units are used to estimate the number of viable cells of bacteria or fungi in a sample. This is done by plating the sample on a growth medium and counting the number of colonies that form. A colony is a group of cells that have grown together and formed a visible mass. The number of CFUs in a sample can be used to determine the concentration of bacteria or fungi in the sample.
Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects, including:
Recommended by Edie, Wellness Editor
I don’t take a probiotic, but if I did, I would take Just Thrive! It’s what I recommend to my clients who need digestive support. It’s spore-based, meaning that it actually makes its way to your digestive tract— where it’s needed. As nourishing as probiotics can be, their journey to the intestines can be rough (especially as they pass through the stomach). Way too many probiotics die off before they get to the gut. *Note: I don’t take a probiotic because I eat a lot of fermented foods.
Recommended by Suruchi, Food Editor
I’ve been taking Seed for about three years now, and while many other supplements and greens-type powders have come and gone in my life, this is the one thing that has remained a constant. It took a while for me to notice any difference when I started taking it in terms of digestion, but after a few weeks, I started noticing an improvement in digestion and regularity. Three years later, the benefits have continued and Seed is a part of my everyday morning routine.
Pros: As Edie mentioned, a lot of probiotics don’t even make it to the gut, but Seed is designed to get where it needs to go. Their 2-in-1 nested capsule safeguards viability through digestion for delivery of an average of 100% of the probiotic starting dose to your colon.
Cons: At $50 a month, it is an added expense, but I find it has been worth it for my health. However, they’ve launched a six-month supply program instead of monthly shipments. It’s not only better for sustainability but also saves you about $90 a year!
Recommended by Casey, Editorial Intern
For almost two years, I was on antibiotics almost every month for what we thought to be recurrent tonsilitis. (Surprise! It was an auto-inflammatory disorder.) These antibiotics took a toll on my gut health, and I decided to seek out a diet filled with fermented foods and plenty of fruits and veggies. My GP recommended Trust Your Gut, and I’ve been taking it for around a year and a half now. Since I integrated it into my daily routine, I experience very few moments with an upset stomach and my bloating has decreased tenfold.
Pros: This probiotic doesn’t need to be refrigerated and contains 11 clinically-studied and acid-resistant strains.
Cons: It’s a bit on the pricey side (as many probiotics are), which is really the only downside I’ve experienced with this product.
Recommended by Isabelle, Managing Editor
TMI, but here we go: after three months of getting my period for five days a week, every week, I was finally able to schedule an appointment with my gynecologist. And… turns out your girl had her first yeast infection. (Hooray!) Because the prescribed medication would have interacted with other prescriptions I’m taking, I was at a loss for what to do. But then Happy V entered the chat—and my period has thankfully returned to normal.
While this prebiotic and probiotic is specifically intended to improve vaginal health, it also supports gut and immune health. Because I wasn’t expecting anything different, I wasn’t surprised when I found that I didn’t notice the positive effects of taking these supplements until about a month later. (According to reviewers of other products, there are different probiotics that produce results faster.) However, several months in, I’m happy to report that my period has returned to normal and I haven’t experienced any sniffles/illness since the holidays.
Pros: Doctor-formulated, 100% natural, subscription option, recyclable packaging, more affordable than other options
Cons: Results took about a month to notice
There’s a romance surrounding the French way of life. An inherent enjoyment of beautiful things, delicious experiences, and the present moment that permeates daily rituals and routines. There’s no doubt that French Girl clichés abound, but still: there’s an undeniable je ne sais quoi possessed by every French woman I’ve met that goes beyond what she looks like or what she’s wearing. It’s her presence—her charm, wit, and sophistication—that makes her absolutely magnetic.
A central part of all of this is food culture—the French love food to a degree that borders on obsession, and the ability to appreciate it is a nonnegotiable. Which is why my friend, celebrated food writer and stylist Rebekah Peppler, has spent the past several years of her career living in Paris and traveling throughout France, telling stories and sharing secrets behind French food. Her newest book, Le Sud, shares the food, drink, and lifestyle of the South of France—a place that’s long captured my imagination (and that I’m finally visiting with our family this summer!)
“The thing is, all the clichés you’ve heard about the south of France are true,” says Peppler. “The light takes on new forms by the hour, casting beauty on the simplest pleasures.
There are open-air markets bursting with sun-ripened produce; the surprisingly loud, surprisingly comforting surround sound of cicadas in late summer; acres of olive trees, lavender, and sunflowers; cliffs that drop into salt-heavy turquoise coves. And the food? It’s not overrated. The figs, the ratatouille, the aïoli, the crispy panisse, pissaladière, braids of garlic, Provençal melons, an overwhelming variety of local cheeses, actually good tapenades, and all the rest.
Peppler notes that this is the part of France where the French themselves holiday. “It is where throngs of Europeans descend for summer vacances—doing their best French cosplay while lounging, flirting, apéro-ing in the sun. American in Paris, yes yes sure, but the south is no stranger to American expats, of which I am just one in a steady line.”
If you think of French food as fancy or fussy, these recipes are not that. Instead, these are simple meals cooked from the freshest ingredients at home in Provence or on a picnic blanket on the Côte d’Azur. The places where the French themselves holiday, “lounging, flirting, apéro-ing in the sun.” So, what better way to welcome summer than by cooking like a French girl on vacation? Whatever your travel plans are for the months ahead, cooking a meal from Le Sud is the perfect way to escape to a golden-lit reality. And you might as well invite a few friends to join.
Read on for your South of France dinner party menu from the pages of Le Sud—and be sure to grab your copy and romanticize your cooking all summer long.
This is the spritz to make when you’re by the sea (or want to be) and desire something lightly bitter and bubbly and giving sunset in a cup.
“For the most ease, ask your fishmonger to clean and scale whatever is freshest and make this version, prettily stuffed with lemon slices and a simple pistou,” says Peppler.
Bendita Entre los Melones
Literally “blessed between the melons,” this recipe title is inspired by a Spanish saying, “bendito entre las mujeres” or “blessed among the women.”
There are few things in life better than devouring fresh, ripe fruit by the sea. However, when you also have a coastal cocktail and fresh-caught dinner in your evening lineup, you may have just peaked. In her new book Le Sud, Rebekah Peppler shares this simple melon recipe—and dare we say it’s the perfect way to end a summer meal.
With a name meaning “blessed between the melons,” Peppler’s recipe draws from a Spanish saying, “bendito entre las mujeres” or “blessed among the women.” This appetizer is far from your typical serving of fresh fruit—sprinkled with a touch of salt and a sweet chilled white wine; it’s one of those dishes that inspires one to remember—the simplest things are so often the best.
Peppler’s recipe keeps things easy and breezy—leaving more time for sun and sand.
Charentais melon: A type of French Cantaloupe, Charentais melon is distinct in flavor and slightly more intense in aroma than the melon we know and love. However, if a cantaloupe is all you can get your hands on, feel free to sub it in.
Sweet white wine: Muscat de Beaume-de-Venise or Sauternes are Peppler’s picks, but anything you have on hand will do.
Flaky sea salt: fruit brushed with a bit of salt is a highly underrated summer snack.
Literally “blessed between the melons,” this recipe title is inspired by a Spanish saying, “bendito entre las mujeres” or “blessed among the women.”
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There’s a time and a place for roller luggage, but when it comes to short two- to three-day getaways, the best weekender bags are the ultimate travel companion. These handy, oversized duffels are large enough to pack a few days’ worth of clothing along with travel necessities like shoes, toiletries, electronics, and any other essentials you’ll need for a long weekend away.
Ahead, you’ll find the most functional and stylish weekender bags for your travels. Some include smart secret pockets for protecting your valuables or separate compartments for storing your shoes, while others will comfortably slide into your rolling suitcase for stress-free airport adventures. With any of these on hand, you’ll be looking for excuses to go on a mini escape every weekend.
Anytime the Camille Styles team is traveling, we all use the iconic Beis Weekender. It may just be the most popular overnight bag of all time, thanks to its smart, oversized design. Camille Styles producer, Michelle has had hers for years and receives compliments everywhere she goes. She absolutely loves the leather construction and well-designed pockets, like the large zippered pocket that’s able to fit curated outfits, accessories, and work essentials (including your laptop!), plus a separate bottom compartment that’s specifically designed to store your shoes and toiletries.
It can get pretty heavy considering how roomy the bag is, but it makes for an exceptional carry-on or personal item because of the handy luggage sleeve, especially given the not-too-lofty price tag.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to drop major moolah to find a well-made, reliable weekender. This one from Target rivals the space of our all-round pick, and the variety of use cases make it well worth the (incredible) price. Plus, beyond the roomy main compartment and padded laptop space, it also includes additional tiny pockets that keep important items like your passport and keys within reach.
You can also carry this in a variety of ways. The easy-to-grip handles fit nicely into your hands, the padded strap allows you to sling it over your shoulder, or you can rest it comfortably on your suitcase thanks to the handy luggage sleeve, all under $100.
If you tend to overpack (we’ve all been there!), don’t stress yourself out by trying to cram everything into a small bag. With the extra large Lambert weekender bag, you’ll be able to fit that fifth outfit (plus your laptop, toiletries, and accessories) with room to spare. Camille Styles Managing Editor, Isabelle adores the chic vegan leather design—which scores her countless compliments in the TSA line—because it feels incredibly luxe and features well-thought-out interior pockets. The jumbo size offers more than enough room for longer trips, so you’ll surely get a ton of use out of it.
If you’re skipping away for a quick one- or two-night getaway, a compact tote is perfect for fitting all of your necessities. The CALPAK Luka bag fits the bill and reminds me of a marshmallow-y Mary Poppins’ bag, thanks to the trendy-yet-durable soft shell exterior. You can fit a surprising number of items inside even though it’s one of the smallest picks on this list at 16 inches wide.
And as for the pièce de résistance? An external shoe pocket that keeps your kicks separate from the rest of your belongings, whether you use this as a gym bag or a travel companion.
People constantly rave about the Dagne Dover backpack, and the brand’s Landon Carryall deserves just as much hype. This sleeper hit makes for a stylish gym or overnight bag because of the soft, expandable neoprene fabric and unexpected design features. Along with a standard laptop pocket, it also has a stretch key leash, a mesh bag for easy organization, a laundry bag, and two large compartments for handy water bottle storage.
Longchamp always delivers accessible designer bags, including expandable weekenders like this leather-trimmed option. The unique origami-inspired design expands or minimizes with just a zip, making the bag deeper or shallower depending on what your current needs are. Plus, when it comes to storing, you can fold it up teeny tiny to make room for other larger items.
While weekender bags are the ultimate travel sidekick, the best ones can be used for a range of needs—whether it be a gym bag, work tote, or even your everyday carryall. The size and functionality of this MZ Wallace bag have made it a staple for young professionals and jet-setters alike, and it just may become your most used bag. With a padded nylon exterior, this design is completely water-resistant to defend against the elements.
You can also pack an impressive amount inside thanks to nine (!) interior pockets (including a special laptop compartment) and seven exterior pouches. You can say bye-bye to endlessly searching for your wallet or that one pair of sunnies that you swore you packed.
The straps on weekender bags can make or break their entire functionality. Think about it: These totes can get very heavy very quickly, and you won’t always have roller luggage to rest it on. To spare you from aching shoulders or hands, opt for this Aota bag. The soft leather handles boast an ergonomic fit, while the long shoulder strap comfortably fits in the nook of your shoulder so you can lug your items around without breaking a sweat. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the bag comes in a gorgeous faux leather finish that’s comparable to the real thing.
Lightweight bags have their advantages—mainly, they’re so much easier to tote around. The Maia Weekender feels light as air with nothing in it and somehow maintains that same feel even when packed to the brim, likely because of the twill fabric. But this bag has so much more going for it than its lightweight nature. Sure, it’s affordable, but it also looks sleek with its leather trim, has snap-down extensions to easily store more items, and is designed with a variety of internal pockets for supreme organization.
Some vegan leather looks cheap and plastic-y, but that’s not the case with this Mali & Lili bag. The PETA-certified vegan leather is strikingly similar to the real thing, and most people won’t be able to tell the difference, even if they get really close. Looks aside, the stylish bag features a roomy main compartment along with a separate bottom one for shoe storage. Cute detailing, like the included luggage tag and swappable shoulder straps, pumps up the personality for a customizable flair.
Weekender bags aren’t always the most affordable items, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any diamonds in the rough. Target always comes through with stylish, cost-effective options, including this design. While the unstructured bag doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles of some of its pricier counterparts, it gets the job done with a spacious main pocket, a few zippered compartments for storing valuables, and an adjustable carrying strap for comfortable maneuvering.
If you’re someone who has written off Vera Bradley bags because of the loud patterns, one look at this Microfiber Grand Weekender will have you reconsidering your stance. The signature Vera Bradley print is reserved for the inside of the tote. From the outside, it seems like your run-of-the-mill travel bag with exterior pockets, a luggage sleeve, and a shoulder strap. There’s one minor detail that gives this bag the advantage over the sea of others, though: It’s machine washable, so when you need to spiff it up between trips, you can throw it in and forget about it.
Fake the look of a bespoke Italian leather bag with this gorgeous Badgley Mischka weekender. Inspired by high-end equestrian styles, the stylish tote features faux leather detailing with smart pockets, gold hardware, and comfortable straps. The spacious interior can hold quite a bit—up to 35 pounds, which is more than enough for multiple days’ worth of clothing and shoes. Choose between an off-white hue with tan leather accents or opt for the sleek all-black bag.
One of the most frustrating aspects of deep weekender bags is having to dig for the exact item you’re looking for, so you end up taking everything out to grab that one favorite blouse. Away created a genius solution to this dilemma with its clam shell-zipper duffel that sprawls open in front of you, offering a clear view of each item you’ve packed.
The separate compartments also help you curate expert-level organization: Smaller zippered pockets are perfect for storing electronics, jewelry, and some toiletries, while the outer padded laptop pocket keeps your device secure with strong magnetic closure. As a bonus, it’s available in a few neutral colors, but you can even personalize it with your initials for an extra $35.
If you want genuine leather, get ready to spend some major money for a quality weekender bag—that is, unless you shop at Quince. The brand takes out the middleman to bring you equitable, quality fashions at lesser prices. The brand’s leather weekender, for instance, is crafted with 100% top-grain Italian leather and is seriously gorgeous. Aside from the looks, the bag is extremely functional, with three zippered compartments, metal feet to prevent scuffs, a removable shoulder strap, and a luggage sleeve.
I never realized how important a luggage strap was until I owned a bag that continuously slid off my suitcase. (Yes, it was beyond aggravating!) Not all luggage straps are created equal, but the one on Everlane’s ReNew Weekender is levels above other options. Besides firmly hugging your suitcase handle, it also doubles as a secret pocket for storing items that you want to keep on hand.
When you’re not traveling with a suitcase, this lightweight bag isn’t a pain to tote around because of the sturdy handles and adjustable over-the-shoulder strap. Some other added perks? It’s made from 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles and comes in four different colors: black, cream, gray, and olive green.
Nothing is worse when you’re traveling than getting caught in a rainstorm and ending up with soggy luggage, which is why we had to include a waterproof bag on our list. This water-resistant weekender from Monos is guaranteed to keep your belongings completely dry, regardless of whether you opt for the nylon or vegan leather finish. It features a spacious main compartment with a separate laptop pocket and smaller pouches, while the zipper closure keeps the elements shielded from your stuff. If you do end up with wet items (you know, like sweaty workout clothes or soaked bikinis), you can pop them in the separate bottom compartment, which is also an excellent spot to pack shoes.
Some weekenders are entirely too big to meet the personal item requirements on some airlines, but that’s not the case for this pick from July. The sleek, briefcase-esque duffel measures in at 10.5- by 18- by 8.5 inches, so it can comfortably fit under the seat on most commercial jets. It also fits much more than your office essentials: Functional design elements, like the large main compartment, laptop pocket, and hidden external pocket, offer enough room for a few days worth of outfits and toiletries without feeling like you have to cram it to the brim. Not to mention, you’ll feel effortlessly chic carrying it around, thanks to the elegant look.
There are endless rationales for splurging on the Rothy’s weekender, and at the top of the list is the bag’s care. It can be thrown in the wash when it needs sprucing up (a rare quality in structured weekender bags). The versatility makes it a no-brainer for any trip with three massive zippered compartments (including a special slot for your laptop). It can store boundless clothing and accessories while the padded straps ensure carrying the tote is painless, all while still fitting in the overhead compartment on most major airlines. This is also a purchase you can feel good about: Rather than being constructed of nylon or leather, the bag is made from recycled marine plastic.
Our style editor shares how to style them.
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
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