Benefits of lactobacillus - A closer look at lactobacillus plantarum & lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus Plantarum

Lactobacillus Plantarum is a beneficial species of bacteria commonly found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut and sourdough, and naturally present in human saliva. Capable of surviving the journey through the gastrointestinal tract, it can be used as a probiotic. Strains of Lactobacillus Plantarum have been shown to:

• Alleviate the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Help treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
• Accelerate the healing of intestines after illness.
• Mitigate allergic reactions to foods such as soy flour.

There is also evidence that Lactobacillus Plantarum may help in the treatment and prevention of depression and dementia.

Lactobacillus Plantarum through Diet

• Parmigiano cheese can have up to 10 million CFU of viable lactic acid bacteria per gram.
• Limit or completely eliminate sugary food and drinks to maintain a healthy balance of flora in digestive tract.
• Consider also adding probiotic-laden foods and beverages and fermented foods daily.
• For people leading busy lives an easier way to ensure a healthy balance is to supplement the diet with with a quality probiotic.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a species of probiotic bacterium believed to have a range of health benefits and are used as probiotics and in dairy products such as yoghurts and un-pasteurised milks.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has been proven to survive acid and bile in the stomach and is capable of adhering to and colonizing the gastrointestinal tracts of humans. It is known to stimulate antibody production and produce an anti microbial substance that is beneficially active against pathogens including Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Clostridium.

In 1983 Goldin and Gorbach found Lactobacillus Rhamnosusin in the human gut and proved that it was resilient enough to survive the high levels of acidity in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. The strain is named Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG after the surnames of its discoverers.

Lactobacillus GG research has shown it to be a trusted, efficient, effective immune-boosting probiotic. Social health programs in Argentina are proving it's benefits by reducing illness in children.

However some probiotic products advertised as being beneficial to digestion may also contain harmful sugars such as High Fructose Corn Syrup, binders or fillers.

Specific strains of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, such as Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, have been extensively studied and their potential beneficial effects include:

• Increased weight loss in women.
• Prevention and treatment of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal infections.
• Prevention of respiratory tract infections.
• Treatment Bacterial Vaginosis.
• Reduction of gut permeability
• Reduction of peanut allergenicity.
• Enhanced natural immunity.
• Help control fungal overgrowth, the cause of Thrush
• Ease the symptoms of bladder infections.
• Alleviate symptoms of IBD and IBS

Though Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is widely considered to be safe and highly beneficial, there is some evidence that, in rare cases, it may cause problems for individuals with weakened immune systems. It should therefore not be taken by people who are severely immunocompromised, unless under medical supervision.

Why choose a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus?

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has been shown to successfully treat gastrointestinal carriage of Antibiotic Resistant Enterococcus in renal patients.
• Often, harmful bacteria can take a hold in the gut as a result of infections or antibiotic use. Harmful bacteria can overcrowd beneficial bacteria, upsetting the natural microbial balance of the gut. Supplementation with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, allowing them to re-colonise the gut and inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast colonies such as candida.
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosusis is one of few probiotics that can survive the harsh environment of the gut.
• A daily dose of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gr-1 has shown some effectiveness for treating chronic urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women by preventing pathogens from adhering to the urogenital tract.
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance when the probiotic is combined with milk.
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has also been shown to reduce the duration of episodes of diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosusis is widely recognised as being effective in maintaining digestive health and treating a number of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Cautionary Information

• Probiotics are generally regarded as safe for human consumption.
• Use cautiously if immune system is compromised.
• Use cautiously if sensitive or intolerant to dairy products containing probiotics.
• Lactose-sensitive people can develop abdominal discomfort from dairy products.
• Seek medical advice before use if suffering from pancreatitis.