The importance and benefits of probiotics and lactic acid bacteria
Probiotics and lactic acid bacteria
Probiotic bacteria are naturally found throughout the digestive tract, especially in the large intestine. They are vital for a healthy digestive system and can promote well-being in many ways. Certain probiotic bacteria are particularly well-known and studied for their health benefits.
Lactic acid bacteria are bacteria that produce lactic acid in their metabolism. Lactic acid bacteria strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are common probiotics, but a lactic acid bacteria strain can only be called a probiotic when its health benefits have been scientifically proven.
Probiotics, on the other hand, is a broader concept and refers to microbes such as bacteria, viruses and yeasts that provide health benefits. Therefore, all lactic acid bacteria can be probiotics, but not all probiotics are lactic acid bacteria.
We all have about 1.5 kilograms of microbes living inside us, most of which are in our intestines. The importance of gut microbes to our health is undeniable, and their role in the development and progression of many diseases has been intensively studied. Therefore, the balance of gut microbes and their health benefits are important areas of research.
Benefits of probiotics and different strains
Different strains of probiotics can provide significant health benefits, such as improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, balancing the gut microbiome, and alleviating gastrointestinal diseases. Different probiotics can also help treat or prevent specific health problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lactose intolerance.
Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the most studied probiotic strains in the world. It is sometimes called Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis. It is highly resistant to both stomach acids and bile and adheres well to the intestinal mucosa. Bifidobacterium is considered an important strain in the human intestinal flora. Bifidobacterium lactis breaks down waste products and helps absorb vitamins and minerals from food. Bifidobacterium lactis is a natural component of breast milk.
Bifidobacterium longum Bifidobacterium longum is a bacterium that is highly resistant to stomach acids and bile. It is one of the first bacterial strains to settle in the infant's intestine and helps build a healthy microbial population. Bifidobacterium longum is believed to reduce symptoms associated with IBS.
Bifidobacterium bifidum Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the most common probiotic bacteria found in the intestines, vagina and breast milk. Low levels of Bifidobacterium bifidum can cause Candida yeast to overgrow, and studies show that adding Bifidobacterium bifidum, among other things, reduces the risk of Candida symptoms. Bifidobacterium bifidum is easily destroyed when taken with antibiotics.
Bifidobacterium infantis Bifidobacterium infantis is important for children and is recommended for pregnant women because the mother's gut flora is passed on to the baby. However, Bifidobacterium infantis lives with a person throughout their life. It is believed to improve digestion and reduce the risk of overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestines and vagina. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis are believed to be useful in the treatment of IBS.
Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram-positive probiotic bacterium that is able to produce so-called class II bacteriocins. These are peptides that Lactobacillus acidophilus produces in its ribosomes and have antimicrobial effects. They kill harmful microorganisms in the intestines.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lactobacillus bulgaricus was isolated from fermented milk as early as 1882. Russian Nobel laureate Ilya Mechnikov speculated that Lactobacillus bulgaricus was one of the reasons why the Balkan population lived so long. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria found in yogurt.
Lactobacillus gasseri Lactobacillus gasseri is a strain that is found in the stomach, among other places. Studies show that it inhibits two inflammatory molecules (TNF and IL-6), which are in turn found in macrophages infected with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus The Lactobacillus Rhamnosus strain has been studied extensively. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is also known as Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. It adheres well to the intestinal mucosa and is known to help treat IBS and constipation. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus promotes the formation of healthy butyric acid in the intestine. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus also fights the unhealthy formation of biofilms by the E.Coli bacteria.
Lactobacillus brevis Lactobacillus brevis is a strain that is naturally found in the intestines and also in the stomach. It is also naturally found in sauerkraut and pickles. Lactobacillus brevis is also used in the production of kefir.
Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus Casei is considered a very good probiotic strain. It is found naturally in the digestive tract but also in colostrum. It is also used to make cheese, green olives and yogurt. Studies show that Lactobacillus Casei stimulates the immune system.
Lactobacillus salivarius Lactobacillus salivarius is naturally found in the large and small intestines, lower intestine and in the healthy bacterial flora of the mouth. Lactobacillus salivarius fights harmful bacteria throughout the body and is also known to fight biofilms created by Candida and other fungi. Biofilm makes it difficult to get rid of Candida and because Lactobacillus salivarius prevents biofilms, it is important to include this strain in your Candida treatment.
Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus plantarum is a powerful and important probiotic strain because it fights harmful bacteria very well by producing certain unique peptides. Lactobacillus plantarum is naturally found in the intestines and also in fermented foods. Lactobacillus plantarum is a strong strain that can survive the acidic environment of the stomach and is well tolerated in the intestines. It can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome.
Lactococcus lactis Lactococcus lactis fights unhealthy bacteria and is known for its ability to produce lactic acid. Lactococcus lactis is therefore also used in the food industry.
Lactobacillus paracasei Lactobacillus paracasei is naturally found in the human gut and mouth. It is known to fight harmful bacteria, and studies have shown its beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis and even leaky gut.
Lactobacillus helveticus Lactobacillus helveticus is known to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Lactobacillus helveticus has also been shown to have a positive effect on calcium metabolism in a study of postmenopausal women.
Streptococcus thermophilus Streptococcus thermophilus is a naturally occurring strain in the human colon. It survives well in the colon. Streptococcus Thermophilus also helps produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, the milk sugar.
Benefits and uses of probiotics
Probiotics can promote beauty and skin health. They can help balance the microbial population in the gut, which directly affects the condition and appearance of the skin. For example, if your gut bacteria are out of balance, it can affect your skin, causing acne, inflammation, or dryness.
Balancing your gut microbes with probiotics can also help support skin health. Probiotics can also help slow down skin aging, as they can support immune system function and reduce inflammation, which is one of the underlying factors of aging. Probiotics are known to promote collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
The benefits of taking probiotics can usually be seen within about a week of starting to take them. However, it is important to note that probiotics are not a miracle cure and can affect different people differently. The best results are achieved when probiotics are included as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Why don't probiotics always work immediately?
The effectiveness of probiotics can vary depending on how well they reach the intestines and how well they survive in the digestive tract environment. For example, a course of antibiotics can weaken the effects of probiotics, as antibiotics kill not only harmful pathogens but also the good bacteria that live in the intestines. Therefore, it is recommended to take probiotics only after a course of antibiotics. In addition, stomach acids can destroy probiotics, so they should be taken on an empty stomach to achieve the best effect.
Correct Dosage and Quality of Probiotics
When choosing a good probiotic preparation, it is important to ensure that it contains a sufficient number of live probiotics that will remain alive until the end of the shelf life. The recommended amount is often at least 10 billion bacteria per dose, but combinations of different strains can also provide better results depending on individual needs.
It is not always better for a product to contain several different strains, but what is most important is that they are effective and scientifically researched. Probiotics generally have a good effect when taken daily over a long period of time as part of a balanced diet.
Probiotics are important health-promoting microbes that can improve digestion, support the immune system, promote beauty, and alleviate digestive disorders. Lactic acid bacteria are one of the most common types of probiotics and can produce lactic acid, which helps maintain intestinal balance. Different probiotics offer different benefits, and when choosing one, it is important to pay attention to both the correct dosage and scientifically proven health benefits. Maintaining a balance of gut microbes is key to a healthy and balanced life.
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Disclaimer:
This article is not intended to provide any medical advice, but rather to provide a comprehensive information package on the benefits and potential uses of lactic acid bacteria for interested readers. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications, or have a medical condition.