Lactobacilli are microorganisms that we find in the digestive system, and that, taken in the form of yogurt, help maintain good intestinal health.
The lactobacilli are microorganisms found in our digestive system, and help positively in correcting the imbalance of the intestinal flora.
Among these microorganisms, the bifidus, casei or acidophilus species, among others, stand out. In this sense, to give just a simple example, known are the so-called prebiotic foods.
As we can see from time to time, these names are very well known today in the food sector, due to the introduction of lactobacilli in the food market.
But, what are the benefits of lactobacilli when we take them in the form, for example, of yogurt?
What are lactobacilli? What does it consist on?
Basically we could define lactobacilli as a type of bacteria which is beneficial to our body, there are different species of lactobacilli depending on the place or area of the body where we are. Thus, there are different types that live normally in our digestive, genital or urinary systems. And they are said to be beneficial not only because they tend not to cause diseases, but because they can positively help us when faced with certain pathologies or diseases.
We can also find them in certain foods, such as yogurt (which has a large number of beneficial bacteria for the digestive system) and certain dietary supplements. For example, in the case of yogurt, the bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus is commonly used, which helps to clean dairy products and provide protein, especially when it is made at home.
However, there are other species of lactobacilli of recognized popularity, as for example it could be the case of L. acidophilus or L. casei, which are part of the composition of some known yogurts on the market, despite the fact that they do not actually There are enough scientific studies that demonstrate its qualities for defenses, as was already alerted in a meta-analysis in 2016 and published in Genome Medicine.
What benefits do lactobacilli offer us?
The lactobacilli are very beneficial for our body, because as shown by a diverse number of scientific studies, correct the imbalance of intestinal flora, while stimulating the immune response of the body and facilitate digestion.
For this main reason, it is advisable to take yogurts with lactobacilli in these circumstances, but as long as they are not taken too frequently, nor do they change class or type in such a short time.
The ideal, as recommended by some specialists, is to eat two yogurts a week, of the same type of lactobacillus, for one or two weeks.
However, as indicated in 2016 in a meta-analysis in which a review of all the studies published to date was carried out, regarding the supposed benefits of probiotics for health, it was concluded that “there is no evidence convincing that probiotics have no consistent effect on the fecal gut flora of healthy adults”.
But there are studies that have found that, in the case of certain disorders in the intestinal flora, probiotics can help to recover the flora, reducing or alleviating related problems such as diarrhea or intolerances to certain products. For example, in the case of taking antibiotics for a long period of time or other aggressive medications.
That is, it seems that probiotics have a palliative benefit, rather than a preventive one.
Properties of lactobacilli for the digestive system:
The lactobacilli are known primarily for their properties for the digestive system:
- They facilitate digestion.
- They correct imbalance of the intestinal flora.
- Useful to correct the intestinal flora in the event of excessive consumption of antibiotics or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Suitable for treating intestinal ailments in babies and children.
- They help treat diarrhea problems.
Benefits of lactobacilli for general health:
In addition to the main properties and virtues that lactobacilli contribute to the digestive system, their properties for health in general are also outstanding.
For example, they are useful and recommended when it comes to increasing defenses, thanks to the fact that they are able to stimulate the body’s immune response.
Therefore, consuming products rich in lactobacilli help in a healthy way when it comes to strengthening the immune system.
Where to find lactobacilli?
A good option is to consume products rich in lactobacilli. One of them are yogurts, being ideal to take two or three yogurts a week with lactobacilli. And it also highlights another food such as kefir, a probiotic with many qualities for health.
But to be able to enjoy the properties of lactobacilli without them losing their medicinal virtues, it is best to take yogurt with the same lactobacillus (although different flavors) for one or two weeks, and then change to yogurt with other lactobacilli. And it is not advisable to mix different classes of lactobacilli, since they can compete with each other.
However, the best way to take care of our intestinal flora is to maintain a balanced diet as healthy as possible, regularly consuming fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir or olives. In addition, foods rich in plant fiber are important.
