If anyone asks us what the most important dietary supplement is, the answer is probably probiotics.
Probiotics contain healthy gut bacteria
Healthy gut bacteria play a major role in overall health.
Not only for digestion but also for regulating the immune system, vaginal health, hormone balance, stabilizing metabolism, preventing allergies, detoxification, and even emotional health.
Probiotics can also help with weight loss, acne problems, and make hair and skin healthier.
Why is it important to get probiotics?
In an ideal world, we would probably get by just eating right.
But that would be a world where food does not contain preservatives and artificial additives. It would be a world free from toxins in the air and water.
And perhaps most importantly, it would be a world where we were not exposed to various medications and other less pleasant things that can cause chaos for our gut bacteria.
Good bacteria
Probiotics help support the daily function of the trillions of bacteria living in the stomach.
Our bacterial friends have a well-defined role in digestion, allowing us to break down and absorb important nutrients such as magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
Probiotics also play an important role in maintaining vaginal health. They do this by helping to maintain a slightly acidic environment, which helps reduce the overgrowth of bacteria that could otherwise be harmful.
This is especially important because there are many common events that can negatively affect the vaginal environment, including the use of antibiotics and contraceptives.
Finally, it is important to recognize that healthy gut bacteria help regulate hormones.
The 5 most important probiotic strains to consume according to Dr. Perlmutter
Different strains of gut bacteria and probiotics provide different health benefits.
David Perlmutter, M.D is an American expert on brain health and human microbes. He is also a certified neurologist and a New York Times bestselling author.
After extensive research, he created these powerful probiotic products in collaboration with Garden of Life.
According to Dr. Perlmutter, these five probiotic strains are some of the most important:
1. Lactobacillus plantarum
Found in kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented vegetables, it is one of the most beneficial bacteria in your body.
It survives in the stomach for a long time and performs many functions that help regulate the immune system and control inflammation in the gut.
It also helps strengthen the intestinal wall and fend off potential invaders that could compromise the intestinal lining and sneak into the bloodstream.
In fact, L. plantarum’s positive impact on the gut is perhaps its most important feature, as it reduces intestinal permeability and thereby lowers the risks of leaky gut.
Additionally, L. plantarum can quickly digest protein, which ultimately helps prevent food allergies and even treat such allergies when they occur.
Finally, L. plantarum has an incredible ability to absorb and retain important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
All these benefits make L. plantarum suitable for fighting infections.
2. Lactobacillus acidophilus
L. acidophilus is a key player in fermented dairy products, including yogurt.
It maintains the balance between good and bad bacteria and thus supports your immune system.
In women, it helps combat the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause yeast infections.
L. acidophilus has also been praised for its ability to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
In the small intestine, L. acidophilus also produces many beneficial substances that fight pathogenic microbes, including acidophilin, acidolin, bacteriocin, and lactocidin.
3. Lactobacillus brevis
This is found in sauerkraut and pickles and improves immune function through increased cellular immunity.
It also effectively combats bacterial vaginosis, a common bacterial infection in the genital area.
L. brevis also works to inhibit the effects of certain gut pathogens.
4. Bifidobacterium lactis (B. animalis)
Fermented dairy products like yogurt contain this gem, which is well documented for its powerful effect in preventing digestive problems and boosting the immune system.
It is also known for eliminating foodborne pathogens such as salmonella, which causes diarrhea.
5. Bifidobacterium longum
One of the 32 species belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, this is one of the first bacteria to colonize our bodies at birth.
It has been associated with improved lactose tolerance and prevents food allergies and the spread of pathogens.
Bifidobacterium longum is also known for its antioxidant properties and therefore its ability to clean up free radicals.
In laboratory mice, B. longum has been shown to reduce anxiety. Like L. acidophilus, B. longum also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Here you can read more about how to optimize your microflora leading to better gut health!
Click here to discover our selected products for gut health!
