Lactic bacteria is a collective name for gram-positive bacteria (good bacteria) that have the ability to form lactic acid. Lactic acid is the end product of the fermentation of carbohydrates, or more specifically glucose, which is the bacteria’s main source of fuel. This helps us maintain balance in our gut flora, as the lactic acid wards off bad bacteria.
An adult’s gut flora usually consists of around 1,000 different species of intestinal bacteria, the two largest groups being Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Lactic acid bacteria are primarily found in the filum Firmicutes and are known as probiotic strains. The most common lactic acid bacteria are lactobacilli (from the strain lactobacillus) and bifido bacteria (from the strain bifidus).
The good gut bacteria serve several important functions in the body, for example, they help regulate our immune system, prevent inflammation, and help us manage various digestive problems such as diarrhoea and gas. The good bacteria in the gut also protect us from the harmful bacteria that enter the body.
Lactic acid bacteria are found naturally in certain foods and in the body. However, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for these good bacteria to be able to reproduce and flourish. Stress, poor diet and antibiotics can all worsen the conditions for lactic acid bacteria in the gut.
Lactic acid bacteria have long been used to preserve food. The bacteria ferment the carbohydrates in the food and lower the pH, thus extending the food’s shelf life. Since lactic acid bacteria contribute to the healthy function of the gut flora, it is also a good idea to include fermented foods in your diet, as these foods naturally contains small amounts of lactic acid bacteria. Examples of lacto-fermented foods are kimchi and sauerkraut. But be sure to choose unpasteurised alternatives so you don’t miss out on the benefit of the good bacteria.
In addition to eating fermented foods, it is possible to get lactic acid bacteria in your diet as a dietary supplement. These supplements are available in different forms – in capsule, in liquid form and as a powder. In powder form, lactic acid bacteria can easily be mixed with cold or room temperature liquids and consumed immediately. Perfect to drink as is in the morning or mixed into a smoothie.
Det ser ut til at du er i Norge. Besøk vår norske nettside her www.supersynbiotics.no
