Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are friendly bacteria that normally occur in the human gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary tracts and play important roles in promoting good health. They are also friendly because they are used therapeutically as probiotics (the opposite of antibiotics) for the purpose of re-colonizing areas of the body where they may be depleted for one reason or another. This is important since the body relies on beneficial bacteria for several functions, including nutrient absorption, preventing colonization by pathogenic bacteria and metabolizing foods and certain drugs. Probiotic bacteria are found in some fermented food products (i.e., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) as well as in dietary supplements.
Different types of Species
The other primary group of beneficial bacteria are the Bifidobacteria, which normally colonize in the human colon and, like Lactobacillus species, produce lactic acid. Bifidobacteria work to block bacterial infection in the gut, producing antimicrobial substances that are effective against many harmful gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In fact, some species of Bifidobacteria (including B. infantis, B. breve and B. longum) bind to the intestinal mucosa and prevent attachment of pathogenic coliform bacteria.
Specific Benefits
Every type of probiotic has a specific health benefit to you. Clinical studies have shown that L. rhamnosus enhanced immunity in healthy adults. It did this by increasing certain activities of white blood cells and enhancing natural killer (NK) cell tumor activity. These Nk cells play a huge part in your immune system's rejection of cells infected by viruses and or tumors. L. rhamnosus also reduced the occurrence of diarrhea.
L. rhamnosus also has been shown to increase the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), eliciting protective effects on the intestinal mucosa. Interferons are natural proteins produced by the cells of the immune system in response to challenges by foreign agents such as viruses, parasites and tumor cells. IFN-gamma has antiviral, immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties.
One of the more popular strains of beneficial bacteria is the L. acidophilus strain. This bacteria is beneficial to one of the most common causes of vaginal infection, which is vaginosis. Some research shows that intravaginal suppositories that contain L. acidophilus can improve resolution of infection in bacterial vaginosis, and is better than placebo. Research also shows that L. acidophilus can increase the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is implicated in peptic ulcers, this is great news.
Using probiotics effectively.
Studies have shown that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria have a great safety profile and are tolerated very well, when used orally and appropriately. One of the more common effects from this is flatulence which will be mild, and usually subsides over time as supplementation is on-going. Children beware because bifidobacteria will also lead to diarrhea. No drug interactions are know with these species.
There are many supplements to chose from, which contain many types of probiotic species. You may want to purchase a probiotic that contains multiple species. It is recommended to take 10 billion (CFU) colony forming units a day, but 14 CFO may be more powerful.
If you wish to maintain healthy levels you may want to look for a probiotic that delivers prebiotics. One prebiotic may be (FOS) or fructooligosaccharides. These promote growth of the healthy bacteria, and can even relieve constipation.
Different types of Species
The other primary group of beneficial bacteria are the Bifidobacteria, which normally colonize in the human colon and, like Lactobacillus species, produce lactic acid. Bifidobacteria work to block bacterial infection in the gut, producing antimicrobial substances that are effective against many harmful gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In fact, some species of Bifidobacteria (including B. infantis, B. breve and B. longum) bind to the intestinal mucosa and prevent attachment of pathogenic coliform bacteria.
Specific Benefits
Every type of probiotic has a specific health benefit to you. Clinical studies have shown that L. rhamnosus enhanced immunity in healthy adults. It did this by increasing certain activities of white blood cells and enhancing natural killer (NK) cell tumor activity. These Nk cells play a huge part in your immune system's rejection of cells infected by viruses and or tumors. L. rhamnosus also reduced the occurrence of diarrhea.
L. rhamnosus also has been shown to increase the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), eliciting protective effects on the intestinal mucosa. Interferons are natural proteins produced by the cells of the immune system in response to challenges by foreign agents such as viruses, parasites and tumor cells. IFN-gamma has antiviral, immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties.
One of the more popular strains of beneficial bacteria is the L. acidophilus strain. This bacteria is beneficial to one of the most common causes of vaginal infection, which is vaginosis. Some research shows that intravaginal suppositories that contain L. acidophilus can improve resolution of infection in bacterial vaginosis, and is better than placebo. Research also shows that L. acidophilus can increase the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is implicated in peptic ulcers, this is great news.
Using probiotics effectively.
Studies have shown that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria have a great safety profile and are tolerated very well, when used orally and appropriately. One of the more common effects from this is flatulence which will be mild, and usually subsides over time as supplementation is on-going. Children beware because bifidobacteria will also lead to diarrhea. No drug interactions are know with these species.
There are many supplements to chose from, which contain many types of probiotic species. You may want to purchase a probiotic that contains multiple species. It is recommended to take 10 billion (CFU) colony forming units a day, but 14 CFO may be more powerful.
If you wish to maintain healthy levels you may want to look for a probiotic that delivers prebiotics. One prebiotic may be (FOS) or fructooligosaccharides. These promote growth of the healthy bacteria, and can even relieve constipation.
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