The digestive system contains more bacteria than cells in the body. Every day, the bacterium in the gut “fight” over space. Once space is found, bacteria latch on and can survive between two to thirty-six hours before either being eliminated or by encountering “food” to multiply and grow. Bad bacteria latch on to the digestive track and cause disruption in the digestive system. This disruption impacts the digestive, immune, nervous systems and more. Good bacteria (or probiotics) latch on to the digestive track and provide many benefits that allow the body to be healthy. Probiotics are measured by “Colony Forming Units” or CFUs. CFUs measure how many bacteria are viable and ready to grow. A properly formulated product should contain between one billion to ten billion CFUs per serving.
If you remember from Biology, all living organisms are broken into genus and species. Lactobacillus is the name of the genus of one common type of probiotic. There are almost fifty different species of Lactobacillus. There are minor differences in what each species provides to the body, but each genus will give the same benefits. Lactobacillus gets its name from the enzyme it produces—lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose (commonly seen in milk) into lactic acid. Lactic acid is in a wide variety of different food and beverage products and makes a product taste sour, yet creamy (like what you would taste in yogurt or sour cream). Lactobacilli (the plural of Lactobacillus) are found in the gut, urinary track, and vagina (if appropriate).
Lactobacilli’s main function in the gut is to digest and metabolize proteins and carbohydrates, synthesize Vitamins B & K, and catabolize bile salts. It can reduce the chance of being lactose intolerant and help treat diarrhea and relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis. For the immune system, studies have shown that consumption of Lactobacilli can increase the expression of genes that is responsible for immune health, thus increasing immune response and the immune system. Because of this, antioxidant activity in the body is increased. A high antioxidant activity is related to lower chronic and acute inflammation in the body. Lactobacilli help prevent infections, especially upper respiratory infections. It can also help reduce symptoms of the common cold and allergy symptoms. For women, it helps prevent vaginal infections and maintain a healthy vaginal flora. When combined with prebiotics, studies have shown that it may help lower cholesterol and increase HDL (good cholesterol). Studies have also shown that it might help cure acne and eczema, for either children or adults.
Lactobacilli species are used in the production of wine, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, beer, cider, kimchi, cocoa, and kefir. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most widely used strain of Lactobacillus. Other common strains of Lactobacillus are L. rhamnosus, L.casei, and L.bulgaricus. Yogurt contains the most Lactobacilli strains.
Happy V produces products that contains two different types of Lactobacillus strains that are primarily studied for feminine health. Chobani’s line of probiotic drinks have a range of Lactobacillus strains plus other probiotics. For non-supplement products, companies do not need to list the type or amount of probiotics. Dairy based products that contain the label “Live and Active Cultures” adhere to a strict 100 million CFU (yogurt) or 10 million CFU (frozen yogurt). Beyond that, companies who do not list the amount or type of probiotic might be including minuscule (non-effective) amounts.
What is your favorite probiotic product?
Any suggested products are purely the writer’s own opinion and does not imply affiliation with the brand.