General considerations about Lactobacillus and what they are used for

People have a preconceived idea that all the existing bacteria are bad for the organism. However, it is necessary to recognize that some of them can bring many benefits. A good part of them live in the intestine and help in its correct functioning.

This is the case of lactobacilli. The group of bacteria that reside in the intestines of people is named intestinal flora or intestinal microbiota. Lactobacilli can be defined as beneficial bacteria, which have as their main function to feed on the organic matter present in the intestine, as well as helping to prevent diseases caused by bad bacteria.

Are you curious to know more about lactobacilli? You will know everything about them in this article!

Lactobacilli, probiotics and fermented milk

The lactobacilli can be defined as beneficial bacteria for the body, whose main function is to consume the organic matter present in it and still prevent many health problems. But what are probiotics and fermented milk? Check below!

What lactobacilli are and what they are used for

Lactobacilli can be described as a type of bacteria that are beneficial to the body. They are present in the intestinal region and help protect the mucosa, as well as assist the body in the digestion process. Due to these and other factors, the presence of lactobacilli in the body is essential.

Lactobacilli are a species of bacteria that are also known as acidophilus. The name is due to the fact that it produces lactic acid. This occurs because of the process of breaking down milk. This is done by means of an enzyme that is named lactase, which is also widely produced by these bacteria.

What are probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria considered beneficial that reside in the human gut. Unlike other bacteria, probiotics are meant to improve the overall health of the body, bringing a number of benefits such as better digestion and the absorption of essential nutrients to strengthen the immune system.

From the moment that the intestinal flora goes into a certain unbalance, which generally occurs after the use of antibiotics or when the person does not have a healthy and balanced diet, the intestine ends up suffering with the action of bad bacteria, which do not strengthen the immune system, facilitating the appearance of diseases.

Probiotics and the microbiota

First of all, to understand the relationship between the two, it is important to keep in mind that the intestinal microbiota is responsible for housing microorganisms considered beneficial and harmful. Besides them, there are still those bacteria that can perform both functions in the body, taken by the most favorable condition.

With this, from the moment that the body is in a state of imbalance, the bacteria that can perform a dual function end up being taken by bacteria harmful to health. In order to reverse this situation, it is essential to consume probiotics, to modulate the intestinal microbiota, strengthening the healthy bacteria.

What probiotics are for

Probiotics have as function the regulation of the intestinal microbiota, the balance of gastrointestinal disorders, the prevention and treatment of diseases and also act as immunomodulators. There is an alternative way to supply the body with probiotics, which is through supplements.

Through the ingestion of foods that have some type of probiotic, it is also possible to increase the number of these bacteria in the body, among them, you can mention: yogurt, kefir and miso. Among the benefits of the presence of probiotics in the body, are: control of intestinal microbiota, strengthening of gastrointestinal activities, stimulation of the immune system and the fight againstdiseases.

What is fermented milk

Fermented milk can be obtained from the fermentation of skim milk. This fermentation process is done through live lactobacilli, i.e. bacteria beneficial to the body and that help the functioning of the intestine. Therefore, fermented milk is considered a probiotic food, as well as kefir, for example.

This type of milk has properties that can benefit the health of the individual, especially the intestinal flora. In addition, fermented milk can help strengthen immunity. This type of milk is offered in small packages, this has a specific purpose, which is to prevent the presence of these bacteria bring negative effects to the body.

Difference between probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are similar only in the way these words are written, however, they are quite different, however both have a relationship with the gut microbiota. Very briefly, prebiotics can be defined as fibers that serve to feed probiotics.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that bring several benefits to the host's health, while prebiotics are carbohydrates that the body cannot digest and that serve as food to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, including probiotics.

Live lactobacilli, what they are and their benefits

Live lactobacilli are nothing more than bacteria that can be found in the mouth, intestinal tract and also in the vagina. They have several properties that can benefit the body. Learn more about them below!

Live lactobacilli

Live lactobacilli are bacteria that can be found in various parts of the body, including the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina. They are popularly known as beneficial bacteria and have several functions of fundamental importance for the proper functioning of the body.

As these bacteria are part of the intestinal flora, they feed on organic objects that are inside the human body. These bacteria help prevent infections and diseases that can be caused by other bacteria. Although not directly fighting bad microorganisms, lactobacilli inhibit their proliferation.

What are live lactobacilli

Lactobacilli are beneficial bacteria present in the body, harmless because they feed on the organic matter present in the intestine. These bacteria also help prevent diseases and infections caused by bad bacteria. Lactobacilli have the ability to reproduce rapidly.

This factor is due to the widespread presence of these probiotics in the body. With this, they do not allow nutrients for the bacteria that cause disease in the body, more specifically, the bad bacteria.

The general benefits of live lactobacilli

Live lactobacilli have several benefits, including helping to improve and regulate the functioning of the intestinal flora. They are also effective in fighting toxic and cancer-causing substances.

Another very important benefit of live lactobacilli is that they help strengthen the immune system as well as minimize side effects caused by the use of antibiotics.

In order for them to reach the intestine in one piece, the live lactobacilli pass through the environment acidifying it. With this, it hinders the presence of disease-causing microorganisms in the stomach and intestine.

How to ingest live lactobacilli on a daily basis

Because it is a lactic bacterium, lactobacilli are usually present in foods derived from milk as well as in the milk itself. Therefore, there are some sources of lactobacilli, among them: fermented milk, yogurt, curd and cheese.

It is important to always pay attention to the levels of fat present in each of these foods, because they tend to be high, which makes daily consumption unfeasible.

These foods are also not a viable option for those with problems such as lactose intolerance, allergies, or some other dietary restriction related to milk and dairy products. To circumvent this situation, soluble or capsule probiotics have been developed.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and its benefits

Lactobacillus acidophilus is nothing more than a name given to bacteria capable of bringing benefits to the body, which are also known as probiotics. They are present in the intestinal tract of people. Learn more about them below!

What is Lactobacillus acidophilus

This type of lactobacillus can be defined as a bacterium that is able to bring benefits to the body, unlike most others, which only bring harm. They are also known as probiotics and are able to reproduce widely in the gastrointestinal tract.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is responsible for the production of a substance that helps the body function, which is lactic acid. The production of this substance is only possible due to the degradation of milk by the enzyme lactase.

Lactobacillus acidophilus prevents vaginal infections

The bacteria that make up the genus acidophilus are fundamental to the health of the vagina, as they are able to produce lactic acid, which is a substance capable of helping to control the proliferation of harmful bacteria for the body.

This probiotic is also able to prevent the appearance of fungus, which are the main responsible for the occurrence of vaginal infections such as candidiasis.

In addition, this type of probiotic, if properly supported by a specialist, can also be applied in the vagina, so that it can alleviate the consequences caused by fungal infection. To do this, the person should open a capsule of this probiotic in 1 or 2 liters of water and do a sitz bath.

Lactobacillus acidophilus strengthens the immune system

Immunity is also benefited by the presence of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria cause the immune system cells to be activated. The body's defense cells are located near the digestive system, mainly in the small intestine, so the action of bacteria favors their activation.

The use of probiotics shows itself as an excellent alternative for the treatment of colds and flu.

As a result of the significant improvement in the functioning of the intestine due to the action of probiotics, the individual also suffers less from allergy crises, because the substances that cause them are no longer absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces cholesterol levels

This genus of beneficial bacteria is also capable of significantly reducing blood cholesterol levels. In some specific cases, this probiotic is able to lower LDL levels in the body by up to 7%.

LDL is the bad cholesterol, and is responsible for the appearance of several diseases, some of which can even lead the bearer to death. They are: Stroke, Infarction, High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure and clogging of veins and arteries.

Lactobacillus acidophilus prevents the onset of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disease that arises due to the action of negative bacteria in the intestine, more specifically due to an infection, because of the presence of bad bacteria on the intestinal wall.

As a consequence of this infection, inflammations arise in the intestine, and as a result of this fact, the individual begins to suffer with excessive gas and also with soft stools.

Beneficial or probiotic bacteria help in controlling the development of bad bacteria, so they are important for treating diarrhea. Probiotics have properties that help renew the intestinal flora.

Lactobacillus acidophilus improves symptoms of irritable bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome causes several types of unpleasant symptoms in the individual. Among them is the presence of excess gas, which causes abdominal bloating and also belly pain. These symptoms can be suppressed with the use of probiotics.

The number of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome is quite large, and many of them also have dysbiosis, which is a factor that aggravates the symptoms.

How to consume

Probiotics of the type Lactobacillus acidophilus can be consumed through products that are commonly ingested by people, such as yogurt, milk, cheese, curd, and some other dairy products.

Access to these foods is very easy, however, there are some people who simply cannot consume them, but need this probiotic. The solution for them is to resort to the consumption of these probiotics through capsules.

This is the most recommended method for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. The consumption of these capsules varies according to the brand of the product, however, in general, it is recommended to consume 1 to 2 capsules, at meal time or afterwards.

What are the side effects

There are some side effects to the use of these probiotics, one of the main ones is the fact that the individual begins to produce excess gas. This occurs because in several cases because probiotic supplements have a substance called fructooligosaccharides, which serve as a kind of maintenance for the beneficial bacteria.

One of the most recommended ways to inhibit these effects is through the use of digestive enzyme supplements, such as bromelain or papain, for example.

Lactobacillus Casei and its benefits

This type of Lactobacillus is widely studied by the scientific community, due to its beneficial properties for the body. Through the following topics, you can understand how Lactobacillus Casei can benefit the entire functioning of the body. Check it out!

What is Lactobacillus Casei

This type of beneficial bacteria is included in the genus Lactobacillus, which also has other types of bacteria, but that are part of the same genus, due to the similarity between them. All bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus have properties that significantly benefit the body.

Lactobacillus Casei can be defined as a gram-positive bacterium, which are bacteria that have the ability to obtain a stain similar to violet and blue, by means of the Gram technique, besides being inactive and non-porous, which makes them not attack the organism. They can be found both in the urinary system and in the mouth.

Lactobacillus Casei and gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders are also widely fought due to the presence of Lactobacillus Casei bacteria. There are some researchers who have come to the conclusion that some variations of this probiotic can inhibit the inflammatory properties of many harmful bacteria to the body.

The use of Lactobacillus Casei also significantly benefits the digestive system, on account that it works as something that fights the causers of inflammation in the intestines.

Lactobacillus Casei and respiratory infections

Respiratory infections are also fought by this bacteria, especially the upper respiratory infection, which affects many people and commonly occurs in the nose, throat and also airways of the individual. Therefore, the consumption of this probiotic is essential for those who are prone to developing respiratory infections.

People can resort to using Lactobacillus Casei to treat this problem. However, it is always important not to do this without first consulting a doctor. First go to the doctor's office and clear all your doubts.

Lactobacillus Casei and liver diseases

Due to the lack of balance in the intestinal microbiota, several liver diseases can occur in the body of the individual. Among the problems that can occur is cirrhosis, which is a disease that seriously affects the liver.

The use of Lactobacillus Casei helps in reducing liver damage, as well as improving oxidation capacity, making it important for the treatment of liver diseases.

Can lactobacillus be consumed by children?

The answer to this question is yes, moreover, there are several types of fermented milks produced especially for children, and that have bacteria that act on behalf of the proper functioning of the intestine and preventing infections that can cause diarrhea, which is very common in childhood.

For children, the consumption of fermented milk is very important because the microbiota is still in the formation phase, so children end up being more vulnerable to imbalances and also the action of microorganisms capable of causing disease. Therefore, consumption is not only allowed but it is essential.