Not all bacteria are harmful to your body. While some diseases have been blamed on bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli, there are some microorganisms that have been medically proven to yield several health benefits to the human body. These beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus, are collectively known as probiotics and they make sure that all bacterial species in your body stay balanced.
Everything from your mouth to your digestive tract has bacteria inside of it, but certain types can be harmful if they grow too large in number. The lactobacillus bacteria, which come in many forms and names, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus and L. gasseri, among many others, help to keep potentially harmful bacteria in check.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is found and produced naturally within the small intestine and the vagina. Its presence is necessary to prevent vaginal infection, gastrointestinal diseases and maintain the body's overall health. When the intestine is infested by bad bacteria, lactobacilli will attack to restore their growth to a normal level. Sources of lactobacilli include fermented vegetables, cultured drinks and probiotic capsules.
Lactobacillus may be said to be essential to good health. It has been found to be useful in a number of situations such as:
Post antibiotic treatment
Antibiotics may be prescribed for the treatment of a bacterial infection. Most antibiotics, however, kill a broad range of bacteria including the good bacteria in your body. A colon that is bereft of good and bad bacteria leads to a weakened immune system as there are less white blood cells and defensive chemicals left behind to guard against sickness. Replenishing the body's probiotic bacteria, whether through a cultured drink or probiotic supplements, helps restore the good bacteria in your intestine while stimulating the production of white cells that form part of your body's immune system.
Constipation and diarrhoea
Waste and toxic build-up in your colon can prevent proper elimination of faeces. In other cases, eating contaminated food introduces bad bacteria into your colon. Both situations may lead to constipation, diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease. Lactobacilli, specifically L. rhamnosus, help ease your digestive system by feeding on the impacted waste and bad bacteria found in your intestine. Some people swear by the immediate relief lactobacilli provide in stopping diarrhoea without the use of medication.
Yeast infection
A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida albican fungi. Lactobacilli produce high levels of lactic acid that alters the pH level of the intestines, making it more acidic. An acidic environment makes it difficult for harmful microorganisms to thrive. Thus, lactobacilli have been found to be an effective treatment for yeast infections. When lactobacillus is present in your body, it not only feeds on the Candida fungi but it also stops their excessive growth in your colon. Studies also indicate that lactobacilli are an effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis, a condition that affects many women.
Lactose intolerance and digestive problems
Some individuals experience gas and stomach discomfort as a result of poor digestion of milk or milk-based products. For others, overeating may unduly stress the digestive system as it can only produce so much gastric juices and enzymes to help dissolve food. Lactobacillus rhamnosus contains enzymes that break down lactose (milk sugar) and convert it to a more useful form while also dissolving food substances and making them ready for absorption. As such, lactobacilli have been generally recommended for those suffering from lactose intolerance and sluggish digestive systems.
Atopic dermatitis
A clinical trial involving the use of fermented foods containing Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis revealed a wide range of beneficial effects. Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disease characterised by eczema or itchy, dry, scaly rashes on the face and body. It has been shown that taking lactobacillus supplements reduced the severity of the disease by increasing T cells in the lymph nodes surrounding the pancreas. This goes without saying that daily intake of probiotics that contain certain strains of lactobacilli can help combat atopic diseases.
Urinary tract infections
People who suffer from urinary tract infections can rest assured that including probiotic products containing lactobacilli in their daily diet will benefit them as well. Several lactobacilli strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, L. reuteri DSM and L. casei, have demonstrated so many beneficial effects on the health of women who have recurring UTIs.
Allergic rhinitis
Say goodbye to sneezing and runny nose because you will never have to experience them again if you take the recommended dosage of probiotics every day. A study conducted on children with allergic rhinitis found that probiotic drinks and supplements that contained L. rhamnosus GG, L. gasseri and L. lactis reduced the symptoms of patients after a month of treatment.
Source: My Wellness Me
How can you get enough lactobacillus?
Getting enough probiotic bacteria from your diet every day is important to boost your body's immune response. They can be obtained from dairy products, yoghurt and fermented vegetables. Another way to increase your lactobacillus levels is by taking a dietary supplement with probiotics.
Take probiotic bacteria supplements for at least two weeks if you're treating an infection, such as a vaginal yeast infection, a pylori infection or a respiratory infection. If your goal is to improve your health, you can take it on a daily basis.
Are there any risks associated with taking lactobacillus supplements?
Unlike some drugs that cause serious adverse effects, eating foods or taking supplements with lactic acid bacteria is generally considered safe. Some people, particularly those taking vaginal health supplements, may experience mild stomach upset, flatulence and bloating for a few days. It's crucial to consult your nutritionist or other qualified healthcare providers to ensure you're getting the right products.
It is also important to conduct your own research. To ensure the health of your gut, make sure the lactobacillus supplements you buy contain a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Originally published on Jul 10, 2009
