Are Probiotic Strains Truly Necessary Microorganisms For The Body?
Times have changed dramatically, it seems like it was just yesterday that kids were encouraged to play outdoors and make mud pies. However, today we live in a society that is germophobic.
The popularity of Antibiotic soaps and cleaners makes the thought of welcoming any kind of bacteria into the body unsettling. It has come to the attention of many medical scientists that some bacteria in the body can be good, and some bad. Bacteria in the wrong spots can be outright harmful.
However, certain bacteria in the correct places can be very beneficial for one’s health. In this review, anybody interested in learning more about Probiotic Strains will be given the full details. Microorganisms are everywhere in our world, and some do us justice from within.
What Are Probiotic Strains?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may be able to promote good health and prevent illnesses. The origin of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning “promoting,” and biotic, meaning “life.” Probiotic Strains are a specific variety of a species of bacteria.
A Probiotic Strain is one part of 3-level probiotic bacterium. The parts of this bacterium is broken up as follows:
- Genus (Family of Similar Organisms),
- Species (the type of microorganism existing within the Genus)
- Strain (specific biological variety of a species)
By means of scientific research, certain probiotic manufacturers will use strains that have been proven to target particular health issues. Some strains have been proven to calm symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Other Strains inhibit the attachment of dangerous strains of E.coli in the gastrointestinal tract and by doing so supports a healthier immune system in children and babies.
How Do Probiotic Strains Help?
Probiotic Strains have many proven healing properties. Amongst other things, these strains aide the following:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Boosting the Immune System
- Improving Mood
- Improving stress management
- Promotes Vaginal health
- Promotes appropriate intestinal absorption
- Crowds out bad bacteria from gut
- Neutralizes toxins
- Fights against lactose intolerance
- Fights traveler’s diarrhea
What Are The Different Probiotic Strains?
Though there are plenty of Probiotic Strains out there, the aforementioned scientific research helps manufacturers to narrow down those that are helpful. There are two specific genuses of bacteria—Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — that are the most helpful strains and are commonly used in probiotics. Below is a convenient list of popular Probiotic Strains and their specified usefulness.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus – Most Common Probiotic
Lives in the mouth, intestines, and vagina and it attaches to the walls of the vagina and urinary system where it can fight infection. It helps to synthesize vitamins and many other antimicrobial substances while maintaining the integrity of the wall of the small intestine, aiding nutrient absorption and supporting immunity.
Bifidobacterium Longum
One of the most important strains in the body found in Gastrointestinal Tract of newborn infants and in human breast milk. It quickens the immune response and encourages microbial balance by overwhelming the harmful bacteria that can cause discomfort. It also neutralizes everyday toxins in the intestinal tract.
Lactobacillus Helveticus
This specific strain lives in the intestines and reduces symptoms of lactose intolerance by breaking down lactose. It fights to prevent and alleviate diarrhea and it is said to support a balanced mood by helping with anxiety management.
Lactobacillus Plantarum 299V
This strain is known to reduces pain and bloating while improving constipation for those who suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Additionally, it helps control diarrhea that is triggered by antibiotics.
Are These Really Needed?
One could assume that purchasing a product that offers more strains would be better. However, keeping these microorganisms alive in the same capsule has proven to be a challenge. Since these strains are alive, there is no guarantee that they will all survive until the time of consumption.
The leading manufacturers of probiotic strains rarely pack more than 6 strains in their products. In fact, many products only offer one strain per package; this is because most strains have very specific health benefits as listed earlier in this review. Therefore, it is more beneficial for an individual to research what strain will help them the most instead of proverbially shot-gunning the problem.
Where Probiotic Strains Are Naturally Found?
Yogurt
Surprisingly, there are billions of bacteria found in every serving of yogurt. During production, cultures of bacteria are added after milk has been pasteurized to ensure the bacteria survive. These bacteria found in the dairy product can help regulate your bowel health.
Sourdough Bread
These microscopic friends can even be found in a loaf of bread. Specifically, Lactobacillus can be found in Sourdough bread. Sourdough is known to be low on the glycemic scale and is favored due to its filling properties.
Kefir
This milky drink that originates in Russia and Turkey is thought to be an even greater source of probiotics than yogurt. It is made by fermenting goat, cow or sheep’s milk with kefir “grains”. Most impressively, this drink contains more than 20 different kinds of bacteria.
What Mistakes Should Be Avoided?
To ensure the proper use of Probiotic Strains, these three things should be avoided during your endeavors.
Avoid Taking the Wrong Strains!
Keep in mind that there are plenty of Probiotic Strains that have been clinically proven to help in certain health-related situations. Meanwhile, there may be some out to sell strains that could do the opposite of what your intentions are and harm your body instead.
The Probiotic Strains Explained Conclusion
This review has thoughtfully covered one of nature’s recently discovered miracles. Many strains have already proven to help alleviate many health problems too. With this comes the peace of mind that, with proper research, one can enjoy the benefits of taking these on a daily basis.
As stated before, research is always encouraged as one’s health is nothing to sneeze at. With the proper attention, taking probiotic strains will provide the user with millions of tiny bacteria that will work to manage the user’s gut. The correct strain in the correct amounts will surely allow the user to reap all of the benefits these miniature molecules have to offer.
