Our guest in this episode, Greg Leyer, PhD, has an academic background in deadly pathogenic bacteria, such as botulism and other foodborne illnesses. Now, he focuses on healthy bacteria and joins James to discuss benefits of probiotics for the vaginal microbiome. While gastrointestinal health is thought to depend on microbiome diversity, the vaginal cavity requires a more homogenous population of Lactobacillus species. By producing organic acids—mainly lactic acid—lactobacilli help maintain a pH below 4, which prevents bacterial vaginosis. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How and why taking oral probiotics affects the vaginal microbiome Forms of microbiome supplementation, like probiotics, spores and heat-inactivated bacteria Efficacy of probiotic supplementation in different geographic locations and ethnicity And check out Dr. Leyer’s ongoing work: Your Health - Our Science UREX™ – The world’s most documented probiotics for women’s urogenital health Women's Health | The Probiotics Institute by Chr. Hansen