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.

The Best Probiotics for Women: An Expert’s Insight

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

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.

How Probiotics Benefit Women’s Health

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.

How to Know if You Should Be Taking Probiotics

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:

• People who are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut after taking antibiotics.
• People with digestive problems. Probiotics can help to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other digestive problems.
• People with vaginal infections. Probiotics can help to prevent and treat yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
• People with immune system disorders. Probiotics may help to boost the immune system and fight off infection.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics

Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are all important for gut health. They work together to create a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.

• Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed probiotics. They are found in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health. They are found in some foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, and they can also be taken as supplements.
• Postbiotics are the byproducts of probiotics. They are produced when probiotics break down food and other substances in the gut. Postbiotics can have a number of health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.

The Best Probiotic Strains for Women

There are several different strains of probiotics that are beneficial for women. Some of the most common strains include:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus reuteri HR7. These two strains are specifically designed to support vaginal health. They can help to prevent and treat yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other vaginal infections.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14. This strain is a general-purpose probiotic that can help improve gut health. It can help improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and boost the immune system.
• Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. This strain is also a general-purpose probiotic that can help improve gut health. It can help to improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and boost the immune system.

Colony-Forming Units (CFUs)

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.

Potential Side Effects of Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects, including:

• Gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These are the most common side effects of probiotics and usually go away on their own within a few days.
• Allergic reactions. In rare cases, probiotics can cause allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and swelling of the tongue or throat.
• Severe infections. In people with weakened immune systems, probiotics can potentially cause severe infections.

The Best Probiotics for Women—Tested By Our Editors

Just Thrive Probiotic

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.

• Type: Capsule
• Colony Forming Units: 3 billion cells
• Dosage: 1 capsule per day
• Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

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!

• Type: Capsule
• Colony Forming Units: 53.6 Billion AFU
• Dosage: 2 capsules daily
• Certified: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, sesame-free, glyphosate/AMPA-free, corn-free, no binders, no preservatives

Ora Trust Your Gut High Potency Probiotic & Prebiotic

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. 

• Type: Capsules
• Colony Forming Units: 52 Billion CFU
• Dosage: 1 capsule at night and 1 capsule in the morning 
• Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, soy-free, and vegan

Happy V Prebiotic + Probiotic

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

• Type: Capsules
• Colony Forming Units: 20 Billion
• Dosage: 2 capsules daily
• Certified: Vegan, non-GMO

Growing up, my family and I used to play games almost every night after dinner. There were countless Monopoly marathons, Uno matches that would rival competitive sports, and more than a few domino games that included ‘friendly wagers.’ And while admittedly, I needed a long break before I could eagerly jump back into the game night frenzy, as an adult, I’m happy to keep the tradition going. To help you do the same, I’ve rounded up my favorite game night games that are guaranteed to keep you laughing well into the night. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The Best Game Night Games

Before you scroll through, here are a few tips to take game night from an obligatory commitment to something everyone will look forward to. I love making a special but stress-free meal (or putting together a varied spread of appetizers), popping open a bottle of wine, and setting the scene with a curated playlist that has something for everyone. 

Not one for competition? No worries. While you can certainly catch me *aggressively* engaging in all of the games below, when you get down to it, I’m simply happy to be surrounded by my favorite people without any screens among us. And, of course, we certainly don’t need excuses to make that happen. If we’ve learned anything from the past two years (and my goodness, we’ve certainly learned a lot), it’s this: Coming together, connecting, and offering up your presence alone is always enough.

But with that being said, after the greetings and hugs are given, it’s always good to have an activity or two that’ll help you further facilitate the fun. Whether you’re a player who’s all about strategy or someone who loves leaning into their luck, you’ll have your pick of all the best game night games below.

We’re Not Really Strangers

More and more games are coming out that are dedicated to inspiring thoughtful conversations. They allow you to go deep with other players, even if you’ve only just met. We’re Not Really Strangers is all of this and more (there’s a reason the game took social media by storm!).

Patchwork

In this game, crafting a full-blown, beautiful patchwork blanket is the goal. It’s great for players who moonlight as puzzle fanatics (so… everyone) and even lets you indulge in a little strategic thinking.

Werewolf: A Party Game for Devious People

You need at least seven people to play Werewolf, making it a great option for game night. Every player gets a character card (1 Moderator, 1 Seer, 1 Doctor, and 2 Werewolves) and the Werewolves work together to select a victim. Accusations and lies ensue—but don’t worry, it’s just a game.

Just One

While I love getting competitive, sometimes a cooperative game is more my speed. Just One is the perfect blend of Catch Phrase and Monikers (keep scrolling for those recs below). Players work together to give their teammates clues that help them guess the mystery words.

Cards Against Humanity

It’s not game night without the mother of all game night games. Cards Against Humanity is a ridiculous, adult-themed take on the card game Apples to Apples, and it’s quickly worked its way to the No. 1 best-selling spot in the toys and games department.

Monikers

When The New York Times calls something “The perfect party game,” you believe it. It’s simple to play. In three rounds, players give clues and try to get their team to guess as many of the names as possible from the deck. Round one: Say whatever you need to get your team to guess the name on each card (without, of course, using the name itself). Round two is a little more challenging. Using the same cards from the first round, you can only offer up one word as your hint. Round three? Charades, my friends.

Rat-A-Tat-Cat

If memory serves me correctly, I believe this easy, but strategic (and wildly fun) card game came into my life on my sixth birthday—and I’ve played at least a monthly round of Rat-A-Tat-Cat ever since. While it’s simple enough for young children to enjoy, there’s plenty of skill and intuition packed in. Each player is dealt four cards kept face-down. Cards are numbered one through nine, and with every turn, players draw a card from the deck trying to end up with the lowest score.

Mille Bornes

Whether it’s a reunion, holiday, or really any time my family finds ourselves together, you can bet we’ll be playing Mille Bornes. French for a thousand milestones, Mille Bornes is the classic, mid-century card game that has players racing head-to-head.

Hot Seat

Want to get to know your friends better? Then you have to play the Hot Seat card game, which will help you find out who your friends really are—you may even discover a few things you didn’t want to know!

Exploding Kittens

Admittedly, because of my proud cat lady status, I was initially turned off by the name. But because of Exploding Kittens’ popularity, the Russian Roulette-style game piqued my curiosity and found its way into my game night rotation. Contrary to what you might think, it’s a family-friendly option that’s fun for kids and adults alike. And while I love welcoming almost any game into my life, my patience wanes when I have to leaf through ten pages of instructions.

5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule is a simple, yet incredibly fun game where you are challenged to name three of whatever topic is on the card—sometimes you’ll be able to name them in three seconds and other times your mind will go completely blank!

Codenames

Only serious game players are allowed! There are two spymasters and each spymaster is trying to get their team to guess which word or picture cards are theirs by only saying one very strategic word.

Sorry!

I recently played this game on vacation and it was way more fun than I remembered (it helps that I kept winning!). Sorry! is proof that sometimes, the best games are the ones we loved but haven’t played since childhood. All the more reason to break out your favorite, classic game night games.

Catch Phrase

Catch Phrase is definitely an oldie, but a goodie. If you haven’t played, you try to get your teammates to guess the word or phrase that appears, but you can’t say any of the words on the screen.

Ticket to Ride

In this cross-country train adventure game, you and your friends will collect cards and grow your railway across America. If you can connect two cities and have the longest railway, you’re the winner. If you want your array of game night games to keep the party going all night long, this is a great pick to include.

Sleeping Queens

Some might write it off as being only for kids, but not a family holiday goes by without my sisters and I breaking out the Sleeping Queens box. The game is fast-moving and requires some quick thinking on every player’s part. The game ends when the player who wakes the most queens wins.

Bananagrams

Bananagrams is simple: build your own crossword with the tiles you’re dealt with, and the first player to complete their grid is the winner. Honestly, though, this is one of the few games where I forget all about the competition, rewrite the rules, (hey, it’s my game night), and throw the timer away. Instead, I love focusing on trying to use up the whole bag of letters and seeing all the creative combos people can come up with.

Scattergories

I. Love. Scattergories. End of story. It’s one of my favorite game night games for a reason. While Scattergories has been around for years, it never gets old. The classic, category-based game puts your creativity to the test. Each round only takes about three minutes to complete, so you can fill your game night full of Scattergories.

The Hygge Game

While this is less about competition and more a game meant to inspire meaningful conversations, it nonetheless gets to the heart of game night: connecting and coming together with family and friends.

Twister

Okay, everyone is familiar with this game since it’s been around since the ’60s, but we think it has been unjustly forgotten over time. The great thing about Twister is that it is just as appropriate at an eight-year-old birthday party as at a grown-up party. Because after all, the greatest game night games can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

What Do You Meme?

If memes crack you up, you’ll seriously love this game. Think Cards Against Humanity, but with meme captions as the playing cards to make the best photo/text combo.

Smart Ass

Was trivia night at your local bar the highlight of your week? Bring the fun home with Smart Ass, a game where you have to shout out the answer to each who, what, or where question first to win the round.

Cranium

This all-rounder game is played in teams and forces players to use different kinds of creative intelligence, hence the name. Teams try to complete tasks by doing all kinds of things—getting your teammates to guess what you’re making out of clay, solving a puzzle, acting out a scene, or spelling words backward, for example.

Carcassonne

Like Catan, but different (and IMO—better). With 2-5 players and a bit of strategy in your back pocket, your goal is to place tiles to construct the landscape around the medieval French city of Carcassonne. Build, create, and claim roads, fields, and monasteries with your followers to win the game. When it comes to the best game night games, you’ll want to be sure you have this one on hand.

Without question, the coffee table is one of the best places to express creativity and make a design statement in the living room. It’s a little like lipstick at the end of your makeup routine: a quick final step, but one that makes all the difference. However, finding coffee table decor ideas that are a little outside-the-box can be stressful for many of us. (Self included.) But since I’ve been wanting to freshen up my own, I reached out to a few of my favorite interior designers and asked if they’d spill their best foolproof coffee table decor ideas.

Ro Miller Rynd of RM Rynd Interiors puts it best: “The coffee table is often the centerpiece of the space, so we should treat it with respect.”

One common thread throughout these expert coffee table decor ideas is to fill it with things that feel personal to you. Whether that be a functional design that can (stylishly) house remotes and other small items, a stack of colorful books, or fresh flowers—the goal is to make it your own. According to Penelope Bianchi of McCormick Interiors, decorating your house should be like writing your autobiography; nothing should be fake or contrived. Amen!

Designers Share 12 Essential Coffee Table Decor Ideas

Read on for 12 coffee table decor ideas from the following interior designers to create a coffee table that speaks to your style.

1. A Strong Foundation is Key

When styling a coffee table, Sarah Peddicord starts with the foundation. A ceramic, leather or textured tray will both ground the coffee table and give the foundation for layering opportunities on the table. Next, she suggests playing around with adding different ceramic vases that can hold flowers, giving the coffee table height. This can also be achieved by adding unique sculptural elements, matchstick holders, and other treasured elements, all of which give the table a lived-in look.

2. Appeal to All the Senses

Shazalynn Cavin Winfrey believes that the best coffee tables appeal to all of our senses. They are tactile and display items we can touch; they include things that smell wonderful like candles or scented wax sculptures; they have a small vessel for your favorite candies, and they are also visually interesting. Pro tip: Look for pieces that double as conversation starters.

3. Think in Odd Numbers

This is a common rule of design but Peddicord encourages anyone who’s arranging coffee table decor to consider it in the preliminary stages. Depending on the size of the table, she recommends having three or five different elements. It’s also important to note that every part of the table should be the same. Remember juxtaposition creates tension that engages the eye and is much more visually appealing than a table that’s one-note. 

4. Showcase Your Books and Arrange Bindings in Different Directions

While Cindy Witmer Olrik agrees with the odd numbers rule, she makes an exception with square coffee tables. She loves using beautiful books and wants to showcase them on every corner. Arranging the bindings in different directions, usually facing the seat closest to that side, topped with “the prettiest little objet d’art that I can get my hands on” makes a perfect setting. Check out some of our favorite coffee table books here. 

5. Divide the Table Into Balanced Quadrants

Once you’ve divided your table into quadrants, Ro Miller Rynd suggests placing items in each of them to achieve visual balance. They do not need to match each other, but you’ll want to use things that take up similar space. For example, if you use a stack of books in one quadrant, you will want to use a plant or bowl of similar size in the quadrant diagonal from it.

6. Think of Your Table as Your Autobiography

This is Penelope Bianchi’s decorating philosophy. Her entryway table is full of antiques she’s collected throughout her travels—they’re beautiful and great conversation starters. Similarly, Winfrey suggests using trays and glass boxes to hold collections that evoke an emotional response from the owner. She once designed a coffee table for a family with enclosed specimen trays to house items they collected on nature walks nearby. Never be afraid to use non-traditional, personal elements. 

7. Curate Your Decor Items to the Space

Another one of Rynd’s tried and true coffee table decor ideas is to use items that relate to the space. For example, use design or art books in a common area, but use sports or travel books in a men’s library. She also suggests layering books from largest to smallest on the top. Select favorite accessories such as bowls, candlesticks, plants, or succulents for the other quadrants, and finish off with small accessories placed on top of books.

8. Use the Rule of Threes

Abbe Fenimore likes to style coffee tables using the rule of threes. This entails arranging items in odd numbers for a visually dynamic aesthetic. This is perfect for adding interest to a large square coffee table, plus it leaves a little space to kick your feet up. Don’t feel like you need to fill up every inch of the coffee table either.

9. Fresh Flowers Are Your Friend

This is the number one thing I heard from designers when it comes to coffee tables. According to Abbe Fenimore, an age-old styling trick (and still a favorite of hers) is to add fresh flowers. “They will instantly add life and soften up the area,” she notes. Fresh flowers appeal to all five of the senses and can be changed with the seasons. Peddicord also loves decorative branches to create a foraged look.

10. Employ the Triangle Method

Holly Lydick styles her coffee tables in the shape of a triangle. This is different from the rule of threes, as it applies to height. Start with a taller accessory, such as a box or a plant, and tier down to a lower height accessory, such as a small tray, and then a final, third-tier even lower. This helps to maintain balance and consistently draws the eye downward. 

11. Try Two

If you’re looking for an option with maximum functionality but also want to showcase your style, try out a two-tiered coffee table. Lydick recommends using one with a glass top. Here you can curate a collection of antique tortoise boxes on a tray or stack your favorite books detailing their beautiful bindings on the open end, while still leaving open space up top.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to Change It Up

Rynd reminds us that we’re not married to one look. Feel free to add new items as you like from your travels or as the seasons change. When you’re entertaining, subtract items as you need for extra space. Your coffee table can always be evolving which makes it a favorite and reasonable spot to modify. Lydick similarly advises making sure that any groupings still allow room for entertaining—creating space for coffee, wine, appetizers, etc.

Our Favorite Coffee Table Decor

From candles to design books to decorative objects—these are a few of our favorite things that we always keep out on the coffee table. Remember: when curating your coffee table aesthetic, less is always more. Be thoughtful and discerning with what you display and consider how the various components play together to create the vibe you want.