The normal balance of bacteria within human intestines can easily be disrupted by external influences such as diet, medication, aging and a depressed immune system. Probiotics are live microorganisms similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human intestines. Probiotics restore the natural bacterial balance in the gut.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is bacteria found naturally in the vagina and small intestines. It is one of the most commonly used probiotic strains. L. acidophilus produces vitamin K, lactase and anti-microbial substances, and functions as a natural antibiotic against infectious diseases. The primarily dietary sources of L. acidophilus are enriched milk, yogurt, and miso, while the probiotic forms are found in breast milk, onions, tomatoes, bananas, honey and garlic. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the use of L. acidophilus is associated with decreased disease and infection. For example, it is effective in treating vaginal infections, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, immune system disorders and lactose intolerance.
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus is a probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and cheese. L. Bulgaricus is known as a symbiotic organism that multiplies in the mucous lining of your gastrointestinal tract. It is imperative for the balance between good and bad bacteria, absorption of nutrients and elimination of harmful toxins. L. Bulgaricus is resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach. It effectively reduces intestinal infections by excreting end products of metabolism, such as acids, that can change the pH of the GI tract.
Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Bifidobacterium bifidum is a bacterial strain that lives in the colon and makes up part of the gut flora. B. bifidum provides a number of beneficial properties, such as decreasing allergies, lowering cholesterol, building the immune system, preventing the growth of tumors and aiding proper digestion. As a constituent of breast milk, it produces lactic acid and acetic acid, which are transfers from the mother to the infant, improving calcium absorption and immune function. B. bifidum increases the intestinal flora of the digestive tract, builds up the body's natural defenses and cleans itself out.
Bifidobacterium Infantis
Bifidobacterium infantis populates infant and adult intestines. It produces acids that hinder the growth of bad bacteria within the colon. B. infantis is an essential component of digestion, metabolism and overall well being. Probiotic.org recommends that individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and other types of digestive disorders include B. infantis regularly in their diets. It is advantageous for symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Streptococcus Thermophilus
The dairy industry depends on Streptococcus thermophilus as a commercial lactic acid bacterium. It is a key ingredient in most dairy products, particularly mozzarella cheese. It provides the taste and texture of these products. S. thermophilus can live at elevated temperatures, and it does not have genes with surface proteins. Therefore, harmful bacteria cannot attach to the mucosal surface. It also has the unique ability to reduce amino acids and peptides and break down casein proteins in dairy. S. thermophilus supports the body when its recovering from malnutrition. It is recognized as having antioxidant powers that protect the body from free radicals produced by stress, diet, aging, antibiotics, toxins and carcinogenic agents.
