b'SKIN HEALTH:The skin is your largest organ and home to numerous microbes that keep it healthy. But its also exposed to a constant onslaught of physical, chemical, bacterial, and fungal challenges. Studies have shown that probiotics have the potential to help with a number of skin irritations and discomforts. For instance, during one study review that appeared in the journal Nutrients, probiotics reduced the incidence of eczema in infants and children under the age of three. VAGINAL HEALTH:A delicate bacterial balance is essential to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.bacteria naturally live in the vagina and play an important role in protecting against infection. LactobacilliA lack of this beneficial bacteria or overgrowth of other bacteria or yeast can lead to infection, namely a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Taking antibiotics, experiencing hormonal changes, and having poor hygiene are among the factors that can upset the normal bacterial balance in the vagina. A study that appeared in the journal Microorganisms found that women who supplemented with a probiotic and had a healthier vaginal microbiome and better vaginal containing L. acidophilusL. rhamnosusimmunity than women who were given a placebo. In women who developed bacterial vaginosis, an extremely common vaginal infection, a review of 14 clinical trials reported that adding a probiotic supplement to conventional antibiotic therapy was more effective at eradicating the infection than antibiotics alone.WEIGHT MANAGEMENT:Researchers know that overweight and thin people have very different gut bacteria populations, suggesting that bacteria may be a factor when it comes to obesity. In fact, when overweight people begin to lose weight, their gut bacteria makeup starts to resemble that of thin people. One probiotic in particular, Lactobacillus gasseri, was found to promote the bodys excretion of fat duringfound that combining supplemental bowel movements. A recent study review in the journal NutrientsL. gasseriL. gasseriwith exercise and a calorie-restricted diet for 12 weeks accelerated weight loss. But may not be the only type of probiotic capable of fostering weight loss. One randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 overweight subjects reported that those taking Lactobacillus plantarum reduced their body weight, the fat around their organs (visceral fat), their belly fat, and their insulin resistance. It also decreased leptin levelsthe hormone that regulates fat storage and how many calories you eat and burn.12THE G O OD GUT'