Lactobacillus Bacteria Species and Probiotic Uses

Lactobacillus bacteria are a family of friendly probiotic organisms that can have a positive effect on health when present in sufficient amounts.

These good bacteria are found in the digestive, genital and urinary tracts of humans.

The Lactobacillus probiotic genus includes L. Acidophilus, L. Reuteri, L. Plantarum, L. Gasseri, L. Brevis and a number of other species of bacteria. All of these are Lactic Acid Bacteria (LABs) that can convert lactose and other sugars into lactic acid within the gastrointestinal tract.

This can have a positive effect on digestion as well as prevent the proliferation of bad bacteria that can cause infection or disease.

Good Lactobacillus species are also used in food production in the fermentation process for beer, cheese, cider, kefir (fermented milk), kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut and yogurt. We can supplement the diet with probiotics by consuming more of these foods or by using probiotic supplements that contain Lactobacillus bacteria.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Lactobacillus Bacteria Overview

There are over 400 different strains of probiotic bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. The Lactobacillus genus of probiotics includes over 100 of these species. Of these, Lactobacillus Acidophilus is the most widely used in probiotic supplements.

These Lactic Acid Bacteria work to break down lactose from dairy products and sugar from other food sources.

They convert these compounds into Lactic Acid, which helps to maintain the acidity of the digestive system. Lactic Acid lowers the pH rating of the gastrointestinal tract, making it harder for bad bacteria to survive and colonize the intestines.

Lactobacillus bacteria play an important role in inhibiting the spread of pathogenic bacteria. They support the immune system by helping to preserve an acidic environment in the gut. This can help to preserve the balance between the good and bad bacteria populations in your gut.

If the bacterial microflora in the gut fall out of balance, a state of internal dysbiosis (or dysbacteriosis) is created. This microbial imbalance can result in digestive discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut Syndrome and a number of related adverse health conditions.

Using a Lactobacillus supplement can help to restore a healthy bacterial balance in the intestinal tract and prevent or alleviate many digestive ailments. Different strains of Lactobacillus bacteria can have different beneficial effects on the user.

In most cases, using a supplement that combines multiple strains will be the most effective option.

A clinical study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology in November 2015 showed of the 103 strains of lactic acid bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus identified, 27 strains were resistant to gastric stresses, and 15 strains were resistant to intestinal stress.

It was recommended that the cultures of Lactobacilli that possessed potential probiotic properties with high resistance to gastro-intestinal stresses were the most suitable for use in the dairy industry.

Lactobacillus Bacteria Uses

Lactobacillus has a number of important uses, both in food production and as a natural health supplement. Certain species of Lactobacillus bacteria are used as starter cultures for the production of yogurt, cheese, beer, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and other foods that require fermentation.

Lactobacillus bacteria is used to traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea associated with anti-biotic use caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile. This probiotic genus is also used for diarrhea and other GI (Gastrointestinal) side effects caused by the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil.

This probiotic is also used to treat UTI’s (Urinary tract infections) and BV (bacterial vaginosis) as well as respiratory illnesses. Lactobacillus Bacteriais used to treat the Helicobacter pylori infections that causes stomach ulcers. It is also used to combat the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which cause dental caries.

This probiotic strain also has anti-inflammatory properties and it is used to treat skin disorders such as allergic dermatitis and digestive problems associated with IBS (Irritable Bowel syndrome). Lactobacillus bacteria have also been shown to reduce cholesterol enzymes in clinical studies and helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Lactobacillus Bacteria Benefits

For vaginal infections Lactobacillus supplements help to protect the vaginal epithelium by building a thick layer that separates it from pathological bacterium.

This probiotic also helps maintain a healthy pH balance of 4.5 in the female urogenital tract. Lactobacili species produce hydrogen peroxide which creates a hostile environment for bad bacterium.

Lactobacillus probiotic products are also used to support digestive function and to prevent Leaky Gut Syndrome. A clinical study published in Frontiers in Microbiology in November 2015 showed that the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families of probiotics help to maintain the integrity of the mucosal barrier in the intestines.

Ensuring the integrity of the intestinal barrier is important both to prevent pathogens (bad bacteria) from penetrating into the body and to improve nutrient absorption from the foods we eat.

It was found that the interaction between commensal microbiota and the mucosal immune system was vital for proper immune function. This process is mainly performed via the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of epithelial cells, which are able to recognize the molecular effectors that are produced by intestinal microbes.

These (PRRs) mediate processes that improve inflammatory gut disorders (such as IBS) and are able to distinguish between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria.

A clinical study in the International Journal of Biometeorology in November 2015 showed that dietary supplementation of a mixture of Lactobacillus strains enhanced the performance of broiler chickens that were raised under heat stress conditions.

The probiotic mixture also improved the bacterial population of the cecal (large intestines) contents by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing Escherichia coli population. The strains Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44 were used for the study.

A clinical study published in Neuroimage in November 2015 showed through MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) that oral Lactobacillus increases GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid) levels. This is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that is involved in controlling anxiety, mood and sleep patterns.

Lactobacillus supplements also increased N-acetyl aspartate and glutamate levels. These three substances in the brain serve as biomarkers that are associated with accompanying behavioral changes that were shown to be affected by alterations in the gut microbiome.

Changes in GABA-A and -B receptor sub-types in specific brain regions resulted in a reduction of anxiety and depression-related behaviors.

Lactobacillus Side Effects

Lactobacillus probiotic supplements are safe for the majority of users. However, some individuals with compromised immune systems are recommended to avoid probiotics.

In healthy adults, there are no serious side effects reported. Some users may experience diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset when first adjusting to a probiotic supplement. These adverse effects typically subside within one week of use.

Some strains of Lactobacillus bacteria may be useful in treating lactose intolerance, but those with milk or yeast allergies should avoid these products. These supplements can also interact with antibiotics. They should be used at least two hours apart from each other.

The probiotic strain Lactobacillus GG is considered safe to use for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Otherwise unless directed by a medical professional, probiotics should be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding.

Probiotics do interact with antibiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from each other.

Lactobacillus bacteria have many health applications from improving the immune system and fighting infections to relieving diarrhea and helping to easing IBS symptoms. Speak to your doctor to learn more about probiotic supplements and to determine which strain of Lactobacillus is best for your needs.

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