Core Species of Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, most of which are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy person. Many different strains of probiotic microorganisms have distinct-but-overlapping benefits. To promote health, these microbes work through several interrelated mechanisms. These microbes protect the human intestine from the potentially dangerous microorganisms that are also present in the gut, and they reduce the risk of toxin-specific diseases or infections. Probiotics regulate immune responses, which improve positive reactions to dangerous infectious organisms, and they also reduce excessive inflammation. Probiotics promote the function of the inner lining of the intestine, boosting its ability to act as a barrier to potentially dangerous chemicals and organisms.

Probiotic products and core species of probiotics

Probiotic supplements are intimidating because they have the power to heal and protect your brain and overall health. Today, a countless number of probiotic supplements and products are available, and it can feel overwhelming to pick the best probiotics for your health. The human microbiome is comprised of about a thousand various species of bacteria — how we can know which species we require and which we ones we don’t?

Well, from these thousands of bacterial species, science has determined which play more significant and aggressive roles in animals and plants. To buy and purchase a good probiotic supplement, you need to consider these two core probiotic species of bacteria: lactobacillus strains and bifidobacterium strains

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

It is one of the longest studied and proven strains. Arguably the most widely recognized and used species in probiotics, Lactobacillus Acidophilus is used in milk to support digestive health. This species helps the human body in absorbing nutrients and digesting dairy foods. It also supports the body’s immune system and plays a vital role in supporting immune and vaginal health.
Benefits:
- Supports lactose digestion
- Supports the immune system
- Helps in balancing the microbiome and reduces gastrointestinal problems
- Aids in alleviating mild or occasional constipation

Lactobacillus Reuteri

This naturally existing probiotic strain is resistant to the acid and bile in your intestinal tract, allowing it to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. This strain helps in improving oral health, and it is also beneficial for heart health. Yes, the heart! These strains are beneficial for heart health by naturally maintaining healthy cholesterol levels that are already in the normal range. It typically supports total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels, making it a highly preferred heart health probiotic by cardiologists.
Benefits
- Maintains healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range
- Maintains healthy vitamin D levels in the blood
- Regulates the healthy levels of the biomarker’s fibrinogen and hs-CRP
- Supports overall immune and digestive functioning

Lactobacillus Plantarum

This unique strain of the lactobacillus probiotic strain can produce antibodies that can attack harmful bacteria inside the gut. This strain grows best near body temperature, and it is helpful in surviving the harsh environment of the human GI tract. L. Plantarum is excellent for the body’s microbiome.
Benefits
- Supports digestion
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Provides relief in occasional bloating and intestinal discomfort
- Shows positive results in supporting weight management
Some other Lactobacillus strains that support digestive and immune health are L. Brevis, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, and L. Salivarius.

Bifidobacterium longum:

It is well known for protecting the walls of the human intestine from harmful bacteria. It colonizes in our body at the time of birth and helps the human body to break down proteins and carbohydrates into lactose. These probiotic strains collectively help in digestion, improve the immune system, relieve constipation, and generate a healthy response to occasional stress. It can even destroy foodborne pathogens like Salmonella.

Bifidobacterium infantis:

As its name suggests, this strain is highly beneficial for the health of an infant’s microbiome.
Benefits
- Minimizes gastrointestinal distress by correcting the microbiome composition
- Aids in the digestion of breast milk
- Colonizes the infant microbiome with healthy bacteria
- Utilizes the individual sugars contained in breast milk

Bifidobacterium longum:

It is so beneficial to improve lactose tolerance, as well as the prevention of food allergies, diarrhea and the proliferation of pathogens. Bifidobacterium longum shows antioxidant properties and has the ability to scavenge free radicals. Bifidobacterium longum also maintains healthy cholesterol levels, and it can help reduce the incidence of cancer by suppressing cancerous growths in the colon.

Core Species of Probiotics