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Common Questions About Probiotics Answered
What Are Probiotics?
Commonly known as living bacteria that inhabit our digestive system, “probiotic” literally means promotion of microorganism grown.
Probiotics and probiotic supplements can include bacteria, bacterial spores, or fungi (yeast).
Different Probiotic Strains Have Different Effect’s: Let’s Take A Look At Some of Them
A glance at Lacto and Bifido Strain Benefits: Lactobacillus acidophilus – Maintains integrity of intestinal walls. Lactobacillus fermentum – Helps neutralize toxic products made during digestion, promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. Lactobacillus rhamnosus – The “travel probiotic“- found to be effective in reducing occurrences of traveler’s diarrhea. Bifidobacteria bifidum – Promotes healthy digestion in both small and large intestines; especially helpful for proper digestion of dairy. Bifidobacteria longum – Helps crowd out bad bacteria, helps neutralize everyday toxins in the gut, breaks down carbohydrates without producing excess gas. Saccharomyces boulardii: a non-pathogenic, transient (non-colonising) yeast, originally...
Transient vs. Resident Probiotic Strains
Resident bacteria strains, or permanent gut dwellers, live on the walls of your intestinal tract. They form a protective layer against pathogenic ("unfriendly") germs there. Transient probiotic strains, or temporary visitors, follow the digestive process and are eventually evacuated from the body. They are helpful in fighting certain types of bacteria, and are important to the immune system. Resident strains: Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria bifidum, Bifidobacteria breve, Bifidobacteria longum, Bifidobacteria infantis, Lactobacillus animalis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Transient strains: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Brevibacillus laterosporus. Any statements or products mentioned herein this...
Dietary Sources Of Probiotics & Probiotic Supplements
Fermented foods including yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi are the most significant sources of dietary probiotics. Fermented foods contain a wide variety of bacteria and yeasts that can provide health advantages, but strain and quantity of probiotics are very hard to determine. Probiotic supplements come in oral, topical, and suppository forms and are made up of bacteria, bacterial spores, or fungi. Probiotic effects are based on certain families and species of bacteria, rather than merely amount or CFU count, according to research. While some probiotics, such as Bacillus coagulans (bacterial spore) and Saccharomyces boulardii (fungus), can be stored at room...
How Probiotics Work
A multitude of factors, including antibiotic use, dietary choices, lifestyle, and genetics, can impact the microbial balance within the gut. Probiotics work by assisting in the transformation of naturally occurring colonies in the environments to which they are exposed. They encourage the growth of commensal (good) bacteria by replenishing their numbers and/or pushing away non-commensal bacteria that have taken up residence in places they shouldn't be. Any statements or products mentioned herein this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.