Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Probiotic Strain Effects & Uses

Lactobacillus casei shirota is a probiotic strain that was discovered by Dr. Minoru Shirota and is used in Yakult’s probiotics. It is used in the production of cheeses, fermented drinks and yogurts.

This probiotic survives the stomach acids and pancreatic juices to reach the gut. In the intestinal tract, Lactobacillus casei shirota produces lactic acid (LAB) and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12.

This strain of good probiotic bacteria is used to treat diarrhea (including antibiotic related diarrhea) and constipation conditions.

This probiotic strain also has anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in treating IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Clinical studies also show Lactobacillus casei shirota supports the function of the immune system.

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 Casei Shirota

L. Casei Shirota is a strain of probiotic bacteria that can promote digestive health and improve overall immunity.

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can confer health benefits on their host organism. They are necessary to counterbalance the “bad” bacteria that we come into contact with every day, through foods we eat and environmental toxins.

An imbalance in the ratio of good to bad bacteria can lead to a number of digestive ailments as well as negatively effecting overall health. There are naturally over 400 different probiotic species that live in the human gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract and the mouth.

Seeding the diet with good probiotic bacteria can help to protect or restore this balance and support general well-being.

Lactobacillus casei shirota is from the Lactobacillus family of probiotic species. Other species in this family include Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus Plantarum.

These are all Lactic-Acid producing bacteria (LAB) that colonize the digestive tract.

Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Benefits

Lactobacillus casei shirota has been associated with a reduction of diarrhea and an improvement in constipation symptoms. It can help to normalize bowel movements and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. It may also promote improved nutrient absorption from foods.

A clinical study in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in November 2003 showed Lactobacillus casei shirota (LcS) had a significant improvement in alleviating severe constipation and improved the stool composition in the second week of the four week study.

A clinical study in the British Journal of Nutrition in February 2014 showed LcS reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in patients with spinal cord injuries(SCI) and reduced the occurrence of AAD in hospitalized SCI patients.

A clinical study in the British Journal of Nutrition in October 2015 showed Lactobacillus casei shirota helped prevent aflatoxin absorption. Aflatoxins are toxic substances found in grains and other food crops contaminated by the Aspergillus fungi. Aflatoxins are recognized carcinogens for animals and humans.

Lactobacillus casei shirota also helps relieve Diverticulitis (inflammation of the colon or large intestines) symptoms. A clinical study done by the University of Maryland Medical Center showed this probiotic supplement helped reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Uses of Lactobacillus Casei Shirota

Lactobacillus casei shirota is able to inhibit the Eschericha coli (E. Coli) bacteria from attaching itself onto the intestinal wall and weakening the intestinal barrier.

This is of particular benefit to those with Crohn’s disease as it is estimated about 36 % of sufferer’s have intestinal lesions that contain E. Coli.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition of the lining of the digestive system that most often affects the small intestine (ileum) and large intestine (colon).

Symptoms of Crohn’s  disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, unplanned weight loss and blood and mucus in the stools.

Symptoms may go into remission and flare up on a regular basis. The cause of Crohn’s disease in unknown but genetics are thought to play a part and smokers tend to have more severe symptoms.

It is also suspected that it is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks healthy bacteria in the gut and infections may trigger this abnormal response in the immune system.

A clinical study published in Antimicrobe Agents and Chemotherapy in June 2001 showed Lactobacillus casei shirota inhibited the growth of and associated inflammation of the Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection.

This anti-inflammatory effect of this supplement has also been noted for its preventive activity in autoimmune diabetes, chronic rheumatoid arthritis and allergic bronchial asthma.

Is Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Safe?

Lactobacillus Casei Shirota occurs naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract and is used in the production of various dairy products. It is generally well tolerated with no reported serious side effects.

This probiotic strain from the L. casei family is considered safe for the treatment of diarrhea in both adults and children. However, some individuals should speak to their doctor before using probiotic supplements to prevent unwanted reactions.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems such as organ donors, those using a catheter or those with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome). Milk based probiotics should also be avoided if allergic to milk or lactose intolerant.

Probiotics should be avoided if pregnant or breast feeding unless otherwise directed by a health care professional. Probiotics do interact with antibiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from each other.

Lactobacillus casei shirota has been used commercially since 1935 and is useful for treating chronic constipation as well as diarrhea. This probiotic also improves the immune system and helps reduce inflammation in IBS and IBD conditions.

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