According to the National Institutes of Health, probiotic bacteria are beneficial when eaten. You can find probiotics in various dairy and soy products and in some juices. You also can buy dietary supplements that contain live probiotic bacteria. Probiotics include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus thermophilus. These bacteria have been shown to prevent and relieve infections as well as intestinal problems such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Evidence suggests that they can help prevent colon cancer as well.
Lactobacillus
The acidophilus strain of Lactobacillus is the best-studied probiotic. It reduces diarrhea and helps people ingest dairy products containing lactose more easily. Acidophilus bacteria have been found in foods such as milk, yogurt and baby formula in the United States since the mid-1970s according to the "Journal of Dairy Science." Acidophilus can enhance the immune system and help prevent colon cancer as noted by a 2000 review in "Immunology and Cell Biology."
As reported in "BMC Microbiology," Lactobacillus reuteri secretes factors that regulate the immune system and fight disease-causing bacteria. Other beneficial strains of Lactobacillus include casei, rhamnosus and bulgaricus, all of which have been shown to reduce diarrhea according to "American Family Physician."
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium species, such as B. infantis and B. animalis, help reduce diarrhea and mitigate irritable bowel syndrome. An "Immunology and Cell Biology" review cites several studies that have shown that Bifidobacterium species can enhance immune system function and prevent colon cancer.
Other Probiotics
Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii are used as probiotics as well. Both have been shown to help with diarrhea. S. boulardii is a yeast and not a bacterium, but deserves mention because it is one of the common probiotics.
References
- NIH: An Introduction to Probiotics
- American Family Physician: Probiotics
- Journal of Dairy Science: The Scientific Basis of Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM Functionality as a Probiotic
- BMC Microbiology: Probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri biofilms produce Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Factors
- Immunology and Cell Biology: Survival and Therapeutic Potential of Probiotic Organisms with Reference to Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Spp.
