We often hear the word Lactobacillus in relation to digestive health or gut flora. Maybe you have seen the word Lactobacillus on the ingredients list in certain products from the pharmacy? But what exactly are Lactobacilli and what purpose do they serve?
Lactobacilli are a type of lactic acid bacteria that belong to the bacterial strain Lactobacillus. Along with the strain Bifidus, Lactobacillus is one of the most common strains of lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacilli can be found in normal, healthy human flora in the mouth, intestinal tract and genital area, as well as in nature in the bacterial flora of many mammals.
Lactobacilli are commonly called “good” bacteria as they serve a number of important functions in the body. Lactobacillus is found in normal, healthy gut flora and is thus involved in digestion and plays an important role in the body’s immune system. The lactic acid bacteria in our gut also help keep bad bacteria at bay by forming lactic acid, which creates an inhospitable environment for the unhealthy bacteria in the gut.
Lactic acid bacteria and many other kinds of good bacteria are found naturally in the diet, for example, in fermented vegetables. Many people also choose to supplement their diets with probiotics or synbiotics – dietary supplements that contain good bacteria, and in the case of synbiotics, good bacteria and fibre. Two types of lactobacilli to look for in probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei.
Det ser ut til at du er i Norge. Besøk vår norske nettside her www.supersynbiotics.no
