Probiotic Strains and Their Purposes

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Bifidobacteria Bifidum

 

This microorganism has the ability to protect the body against

rotavirus diarrhea and is a supportive therapy for intestinal

infections and intestinal disturbances. It has also been reported to

have immune strengthening properties, especially in relation to

colon health and its suppressive effect on tumors. It is well

tolerated without side effects, and reduces the inflammatory

response of the colon and stimulates the body's fluid immunity.

 

Bifidobacteria Infantis

 

This strain is part of an important group of microorganisms, which

are considered to exert a range of biological activities related to

human health. One aspect is the inhibitory effect of B. infantis on

invasive pathogenic bacteria such as E-coli. Results of studies show

that it is able to exert more than one mechanism of inhibition,

which is important with regard to protection of gastroenteritis.

Although the mechanism of anti tumor activity is unclear, it clearly

produces compounds with anti proliferative activity useful in the

prevention and therapy if solid tumors like breast cancer.

 

Bifidobacterium Lactis

 

Research studies have shown B. lactis has significant immunological

effects. This strain resists acid digestion and the action of bile

salts, survives intestinal transit and reaches the colon in

significant numbers. This strain also helps constipation, helps

prevent diarrhea, especially in children, and decrease chronic

inflammation of the sigmoid colon. In addition, its anti-microbial

properties decrease the effect of negative bacteria, especially

clostridia.

 

Bifodobacteria Longum

 

Researches report that B. longum was able to eliminate the nitrates

commonly found in foods ingested by humans. Normal levels of

nitrates ingested by humans not able to destroy this strain. It may

also significantly inhibit the development and growth of colon,

liver and breast cancers in laboratory animal models.

 

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

 

This is one of the most thoroughly studied probiotic strains. Its

advantages in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders are well

documented. It has been associated with the alleviation or

prevention of disorders such as lactose intolerance, viral and

bacterial diarrhea, adverse effectors of abdominal radiotherapy,

constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and food allergy according

to Applied Environmental Microbiology, Jan. 1999. It has been shown

to inhibit the growth of tumors, it is an organism of human origin

that survives in the gastrointestinal tract, and has evidence

proving its ability to inhibit the formation of human colon cancers.

L. rhamnosus has demonstrated an increase resistance to vaginitis

and urinary tract infections. More recently, there has been evidence

linking a lactobacilli vaginal deficiency with sexually transmitted

diseases including AIDS. It has also been shown to inhibit the

growth of a variety of bacterial species. One-researcher

reports, " L. rhamnosus may be considered as one of the most

important lactobacilli, if not the best. "

 

Bifidobacterium breve

 

Decreases intestinal permeability and has a positive effect on the

immune system.

 

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

 

By far the most important bacterial resident of the small intestine

is L. acidophilus. This is the colonizer, the inhabitant that

constitutes the first line of defense against alien invaders as well

as opportunistic organisms like yeast. It even helps to keep your

heart healthy by lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.

When present in significant numbers, they prevent pathogens from

lining the intestinal walls. If too many colonies of intestinal

bacteria build up, nutrient absorption can be blocked. Fortunately,

when the walls are crowed with acidophilus colonizers, there is no

room for newcomers.

 

Lactobacillus Brevis

 

Research studies have shown that L. brevis decreases intestinal

permeability, improves intestinal micro flora, and has a positive

effect on the intestinal immune system.

 

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus

 

This bacteria is not a colonizer, but it is a great help to the

resident bacteria that set up colonies in your intestines. It is

especially famous for alleviating digestive problems and taming

runaway appetites, but everyone can benefit greatly from it. L.

bulgaricus is recommended for overall support of the friendly

bacteria. It enhances the digestibility of milk products and other

protein, helps to produce natural antibiotic substances, and to

clean the colon without disrupting friendly bacteria.

 

Lactobacillus Casei

 

This microorganism is reported in Microbiology and Immunology to

have the most potent protective activity against the potentially

lethal Listeria bacteria than any other bacteria. About 30% of those

infected with listeria die. Listeria bacteria infect shellfish,

birds, spiders and mammals (including cows) in all areas of the

world. It is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected

animals or their secretion, by breathing infected dust, or through

contact contaminated sewage or coil. It is most commonly transmitted

through consumption of contaminated dairy products and raw

vegetables. The most common form of Listerosis is meningitis

(infection of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord),

which if left untreated can result in coma and death. L. casei is

being studied for use as a vaccine against sexually transmitted

diseases, and also for use with tumors in cancer patients.

 

Lactococcus Lactis

 

L. lactis is a natural antibiotic, which reduces the ability of

pathogenic bacteria to grow and cause infection. It is especially

effective against the bacteria Listeria monorytogenes, which causes

severe food poisoning.

 

Lactobacillus Paracasei

 

This lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is both acid and bile resistant and

thus survives the journey from the mouth through the

gastrointestinal tract and into the intestines very well. Recent

research indicates that L. paracasei is effective in the prevention

and treatment of certain types of diarrhea. Research studies also

have focused on L. paracasei's ability to alter the activity of the

intestinal micro flora, modulate the immune system, and perhaps

reduce the risk of some cancers.

 

Lactobacillus Plantarum

 

This strain is the dominating bacterial species in most naturally

fermented foods. It is an excellent alternative to antibiotics, and

makes use of its potential to block receptor sites for gram-negative

bacteria. L. plantarum is capable of metabolizing semi resistant

fibers, such as, onions, garlic, artichoke, wheat, oat, rye,

bacteria bananas and yeast. It is also and important tool in anti-

microbial defense and is effective both against extra and

intercellular pathogens.

 

Lactobacillus Salivarius

 

This particular microorganism has the unique ability to eradicate

the dreaded Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacteria, which is

considered a major cause of peptic ulcers. It interferes with the

normal defenses against stomach acid and/or produces a toxin that

contributes to peptic ulcer formation. The traditional treatment

involves antibiotics, but does not always eradicate to organism and

is often accompanied by harmful side effects. It can also become

resistant to antibiotics. L. salivarius was discovered by

researchers to be able to produce a high amount of lactic

inflammatory response. It is also effective against pathogenic

organisms such as Salmonella typhimurium.

 

Lactobacillus gasseri

 

Demonstrates good survival in the GI tract, adheres to intestinal

tissues, suppresses H. pylori, reduces gastric mucosal inflammation

and has demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect.

 

Streptoccus Thermophilus

 

The antioxidant activity of this strain scavenges the body for free

radicals, which increase in the body as a result of aging, stress,

antibiotics, consumption of sugar, chlorinated water and other

chemicals and toxins. It displays anti tumor activity especially as

related to colon cancer cell growth. It has been shown to inhibit

ulcer formation in rats, and is effective in the treatment of

diarrhea as well as intestinal and vaginal infections