Which probiotic strains are most important?

Probiotic bacteria - lactic acid bacteria

Probiotic bacteria are found naturally in the entire gastrointestinal tract with the highest numbers in the colon. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits. Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” probiotic bacteria are actually very helpful and vital for health. These bacteria can destroy disease-causing cells,help digest food or very important metabolites. 

Some of these probiotic bacteria have been studied extensively. In the product Flora Plus+, some of the most potent and well-studied probiotic strains available have been selected. Read about them below. 

Bifidobacterium lactis

Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the world's most studied probiotic strains. It is sometimes called Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis. It tolerates both gastric juices and bile well and adheres well to the lining of the intestine. Bifidobacterium is considered an important strain in the human intestinal flora. Bifidobacterium lactis breaks down waste products and helps to absorb vitamins and minerals in the food. Bifidobacterium lactis is a natural component of breast milk. [1] [2]

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram-positive probiotic bacterium that can form so-called class II bacteriocins. These are peptides that Lactobacillus acidophilus produces in its ribosomes. The class II bacteriocins have antimicrobial effects. They kill harmful microorganisms in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also important for the vaginal flora. [3] [4]

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Lactobacillus bulgaricus was isolated as early as 1882 from fermented milk. The Russian Nobel laureate Ilya Mechnikov believed that Lactobacillus bulgaricus was one reason why the people of the Balkans lived so long. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. [5]

Bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacterium longum is a bacterium that tolerates both gastric juice and bile well. It is one of the first bacterial strains to colonize a baby's intestines. Bifidobacterium longum is considered to reduce discomfort associated with IBS. [6]

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the most common probiotic bacteria in the gut, vagina and breast milk. Low concentrations of Bifidobacterium bifidum risk causing overgrowth of Candida and research shows that supplements of Bifidobacterium bifidum, among others, reduce the risk of candida (fungus). Bifidobacterium bifidum dies easily when taken with antibiotics. [7] [8] [9]

Bifidobacterium infantis

Bifidobacterium infantis is important for children and pregnant women are advised to take it as the mother's intestinal flora is transmitted to the baby. However, Bifidobacterium infantis lives with humans throughout life where it is considered to improve digestion and reduce the risk of overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestine and vagina. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis are considered good for IBS. [10]

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus gasseri is a strain found in the stomach, among other places. Research shows that it blocks two molecules that cause inflammation (TNF and IL-6) which in turn occur in macrophages infected with Helicobacter pylori. [11]

Streptococcus thermophilus

Streptococcus Thermophilus is a strain that occurs naturally in the large intestine of humans. It survives the passage to the colon well. Streptococcus Thermophilus also helps to produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose, i.e. milk sugar. [12]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a strain that has been researched extensively. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is also called Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. It adheres very well to the intestinal mucosa and is known to relieve problems with IBS and constipation. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus helps to form healthy butyric acid in the intestines. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus also inhibits unhealthy biofilm formation from E.Coli. [13] [14]

Lactobacillus brevis

Lactobacillus brevis is a strain that occurs naturally in the intestine and also in the abdomen. It is also found naturally in sauerkraut and in pickled vegetables. Lactobacillus brevis is also used in the manufacture of kefir. [15]

Lactobacillus casei

Lactobacillus Casei is considered to be a very good probiotic strain. It occurs naturally in the gastrointestinal tract but also in colostrum. It is also used to make cheese, green olives and yogurt. Research shows that the immune system is stimulated by Lactobacillus Casei. [16]

Lactobacillus salivarius

Lactobacillus salivarius is found naturally in both the large intestine, small intestine, abdomen and in the healthy bacterial mouth flora. Lactobacillus salivarius inhibits harmful bacteria throughout the body and is also known to inhibit the biofilm that Candida and other fungi create. Biofilm makes it very difficult to get rid of Candida, but since Lactobacillus salivarius inhibits this biofilm it is a vital strain for any anti candida protocol. [17]

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a powerful and important probiotic strain because it inhibits harmful bacteria extremely well by producing certain unique peptides. Lactobacillus plantarum is found naturally in the intestines and also in fermented foods. Lactobacillus plantarum is a resilient strain that survives the acidic environment of the stomach and reaches the intestines. [18]

Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis is known for its good ability to produce lactic acid and to inhibit unhealthy bacteria. Lactococcus lactis is also used in the food industry for its good ability to create lactic acid. [19] [20]

Lactobacillus paracasei

Lactobacillus paracasei is found naturally in the intestines and mouth of humans. It is known to inhibit harmful bacteria and there is research on its positive effect on Ulcerative Colitis and even leaky gut. [21] [22] [23]

Lactobacillus helveticus

Lactobacillus helveticus is known to reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics. Lactobacillus helveticus also has a positive effect on calcium metabolism, according to a study on menopausal women. [24] [25] [26]

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