Lactobacilli are a type of good bacteria that normally live in the gastrointestinal, vaginal and urinary systems, maintaining the balance of the local microbiota, without causing diseases, the most common of which are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the Lactobacillus casei.
For this reason, lactobacilli can be found in food supplements, to combat vaginal infections, prevent or treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or viruses, strengthen the immune system or help in the treatment of allergic or inflammatory diseases, for example.
Although the Lactobacillus are part of the body’s normal microbiota, they can also rarely cause infections, such as bacteremia, cholecystitis, empyema, or dental abscesses, in people who have other health problems. Therefore, the use of supplements should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
What are worth for
Lactobacilli in the form of probiotic supplements are usually indicated for:
- Maintain the balance of the gastrointestinal, vaginal and urinary microbiota, preventing infections;
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Treat diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus;
- Improve intestinal discomfort or colic in babies;
- Prevent diarrhea caused by the use of antibiotics or chemotherapy;
- Prevent the development of mucositis in people undergoing cancer treatment;
- Relieve constipation and improve digestion;
- Treat and prevent gastritis, peptic ulcers and stomach cancer;
- Help in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease;
- Decrease the absorption of fat from food, lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol;
- Prevent the development of colon cancer;
- Treat atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis;
- Improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis;
- Help reduce joint pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
These benefits of probiotics containing different species of Lactobacilli occur due to the ability of lactobacilli to adhere to the gastrointestinal mucosa or vaginal epithelium, helping to eliminate microorganisms that cause diseases, maintaining the balance of the local microbiota.
Furthermore, Lactobacilli produce antioxidant substances and help modulate the immune system to improve the anti-inflammatory response against diseases. See other health benefits of probiotics.
Main types of lactobacilli
The main types of lactobacilli are:
1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus
O Lactobacillus rhamnosus, currently called Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, It is present in the intestine, helping to maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota and combat travelers’ diarrhea or candidiasis, for example.
In addition to L. rhamnosusother species of lactobacilli that can be found naturally in the intestine are L. yeast, L. plants e L. casei.
2. Lactobacillus acidophilus
This type of lactobacillus occurs naturally in the gastrointestinal system, mouth and vagina, and helps with nutrient absorption, fighting intestinal infections, bacterial vaginosis, eczema and lung infections.
Other lactobacilli that can be found naturally in the vagina are Lactobacillus curlatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii, L. vaginalis e L. inert.
3. Lactobacillus reuteri
This type of lactobacillus is naturally present in the stomach, mouth and small intestine, in addition to the urinary tract, skin and breast milk, and helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances, such as cytokines, having a preventive effect. against inflammatory diseases.
In the stomach, other species of lactobacilli can also be found, such as L. antri, L. gastricus, L. kalixensis e L. ultunensisfor example.
4. Lactobacillus casei
O Lactobacillus casei is found naturally in the intestines or in probiotic supplements such as Lactobacillus casei Shirotawhich help maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota, regulate intestinal transit and improve the immune system, helping to prevent or combat bacterial diarrhea.
O L. casei It is also used in the food industry for the production of cheese or fermented milks.
Lactobacilli in children
The lactobacilli Lactobacillus acidophilus e Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus may be recommended by the pediatrician to treat acute infectious diarrhea in children, such as gastroenteritis, or to reduce the child’s risk of having diarrhea after using antibiotics, and to improve abdominal pain.
Furthermore, some studies indicate that the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus could help prevent cavities in children with baby teeth.
Although some probiotic supplements are safe for children, it is important that their use is under the supervision of a pediatrician.
Where to find live lactobacilli
Live lactobacilli can be found in food products such as yogurt, fermented milk, Kefir, Kombucha, curd, cheese or pure milk, just extracted from the cow, for example. Check out the complete list of probiotic foods.
Furthermore, lactobacilli can be found in the form of probiotic supplements in capsules, drops, tablets or sachets, purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, and must be used with medical or nutritionist advice.
When to use probiotic supplements
Probiotic supplements can be used to maintain gastrointestinal or vaginal health, helping to treat or prevent diarrhea, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections.
There are several types of probiotics in the form of supplements, containing different types of lactobacilli and other probiotics such as bifidobacteria, some examples being Florastor, Colidis, Probiatop, FloraB, 20bi, Provance or Prolive, for example. See how to take the supplement Lactobacillus acidophilus.
It is important to emphasize that probiotic supplements should be used with the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, especially in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women or people who have a weakened immune system, such as in cases of HIV infection, AIDS, or use of medicines for organ transplant rejection.
Additionally, probiotic supplements should be used with caution in people who have short bowel syndrome or who are going to have or have had digestive surgery or colonoscopy, as it may increase the risk of bacterial infections.
