Probiotic Detailed Review

What are the benefits of Lactobacillus Casei?

When you don’t have enough of the good bacteria, adding more L. Casei to your diet can help regulate
your digestive system.

Probiotic supplements containing L. Casei are used to prevent or treat diarrhea. This includes infectious
diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

It may also have some effect on other digestive problems, including:

 colic
 constipation
 Crohn’s disease
 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
 lactose intolerance
 ulcerative colitis
 L. casei may also be useful for:
 acne, hives, and fever blisters
 allergies, eczema, and dermatitis
 cold, flu, and respiratory infection
 ear infection (otitis media)

oral health problems, such as plaque, gingivitis, and canker sores

Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes stomach ulcers

Lyme disease

necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease common in premature infants

rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

urinary tract and vaginal infections

RESEARCH
What the research says

Probiotics such as L. casei are generally considered safe and potentially helpful in regulating the
digestive system. There have been many promising studies involving L. casei.

Researchers in a 2007 trial studied a probiotic drink containing L. casei, L. bulgaricus, and S.
thermophiles. They concluded that it may reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C.
difficile-associated diarrhea. No adverse events were reported.

A 2003 study showed that a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota was a beneficial
adjunctive therapy for people with chronic constipation. A later study looked at people with Parkinson’s
disease. That one revealed that regular intake of milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei Shirota can
improve bowel habits of people with the disease.

Researchers for a 2014 clinical trial found that L. casei supplements can help alleviate symptoms and
improve inflammatory cytokines in women with RA.

There is a growing body of research into L. casei and other probiotics. But to date, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved L. casei or any other probiotic for the treatment of a specific
health problem.
What is lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in
the intestines. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly
bacteria," to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective

aid in treating or preventing diarrhea caused by rotavirus in babies and children.

This product has also been used as a possibly effective aid in treating colic in babies,
and in preventing diarrhea in children that can occur while taking antibiotics.

In adults, lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is possibly effective in preventing diarrhea during

a hospital stay, while you are receiving chemotherapy, or during travel to foreign
countries ("traveler's diarrhea").

Other conditions for which lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is possibly effective include

treating irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or vaginal infections caused by
bacteria. This product may also lower the risk of lung infections in children who attend
daycare centers.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has also been used to treat Crohn's disease, lactose
intolerance, or vaginal yeast infections. However, research has shown that lactobacillus
rhamnosus GG may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating cold sores, urinary tract
infections, high cholesterol, indigestion, cold symptoms, and boosting the immune
system.

It is not certain whether lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is effective in treating any medical

condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG should not be used in place of medication prescribed for
you by your doctor.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no

regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some
marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other
drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to
minimize the risk of contamination.

What is Probiotic S. Thermophilus?

Streptococcus Thermophilus is a powerful probiotic strain that has well researched health benefits.
This probiotic is often found in the colon and has many digestive, immunity & many other researched
health benefits.
S. thermophilus is used for culturing cheese as well as yogurt. This probiotic strain also produces
lactase, which helps people digest milk more efficiently. Lastly, probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus
also produces antibiotic chemicals to prevent infection from infections like pneumonia, C. difficile and
can help prevent ulcers.

Researched Benefits of S. thermophilus:

 improve digestion
o reduce antibiotic associated diarrhea
o decrease ulcerative colitis symptoms
o decrease leaky gut symptoms
o improve lactose digestion
o decrease IBS symptoms
o decrease acute diarrhea
 enhance immunity
o prevent & fight upper respiratory infections (eg. pneumonia)
o prevent ulcers caused by H. pylori
o decrease AIDS symptoms
o fight Clostridium difficile
o increase immunity
 additional health benefits
o improve non-breast-fed infant probiotic flora
o reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis
o decrease chance of kidney stones
o increase HDL (good cholesterol)
o increase anti-tumor activity
o decrease baby coli.

References
Corrêa NB, Péret Filho LA, Penna FJ, Lima FM, Nicoli JR. A randomized formula controlled trial of
Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus for prevention of antibiotic-associated
diarrhea in infants. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005 May-Jun;39(5):385-9.
Di Marzio L, Centi C, Cinque B, Masci S, Giuliani M, Arcieri A, Zicari L, De Simone C, Cifone MG.
Effect of the lactic acid bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus on stratum corneum ceramide levels
and signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis patients. Exp Dermatol. 2003 Oct;12(5):615-20.
Jain PK, McNaught CE, Anderson AD, MacFie J, Mitchell CJ. Influence of synbiotic containing
Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb 12, Streptococcus thermophilus,
Lactobacillus bulgaricus and oligofructose on gut barrier function and sepsis in critically ill patients: a
randomised controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):467-75.
Mater DD, Bretigny L, Firmesse O, Flores MJ, Mogenet A, Bresson JL, Corthier G. Streptococcus
thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus survive gastrointestinal transit of
healthy volunteers consuming yogurt. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2005 Sep 15;250(2):185-7.
Bifidobacterium breve: A Healthy Probiotic
Strain
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFMPublished on July 25, 2015, Last Updated on ‘

The benefits of probiotics are numerous, but did you know different bacterial strains provide different
benefits? While all of them are helpful for digestion, not all probiotics are equal. This fact has led to a
lot of confusion. Let’s clear up a few questions and take a closer look at one specific probiotic strain
your body depends on: Bifidobacterium breve.
Some Background About Probiotics
It can be a difficult task to understand there are good bacteria but your gut is home to many of them,
and they’re called probiotics. The term “pro-” means “for” and “-biotic” stands for “life.” These friendly
bacteria digest sugars, starches, and carbs into nutrients your body can easily digest, and they also
break down fiber. [1] Probiotics are also your first line of defense against invading bacteria like E. coli,
C. difficile, and H. pylori. [2]Considering that 80% of your immune cells are in the gut, it makes sense
that probiotics protect the immune response. Probiotics line the surface of your intestines, preventing
germs from attacking you and making you sick. Probiotics may also support mood, [3]blood sugar
stability, [4] bone health, [5] and reduce allergy symptoms. [6]
Bifidobacterium breve: A Probiotic Strain You Want
This powerhouse probiotic bacteria plays a key role in your health. B. breve also protects colon
function, alleviates constipation, and reduces gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, it stimulates
your immune system, inhibits E. coli, and suppresses the fungus Candida. While there’s always a
big focus on the positive effect of probiotics on digestion, B. breve has proven effective in reducing
oral candida in the elderly. [7] This helps prevent the spread of candida to other areas of the body,
like the gut. Researchers speculate that many cases of Irritable Bowel Disease may be a result of a
Candida infestation. [8]
Additional research shows that this bacteria strain could be helpful in reducing intestine irritation and
allergic responses in animal models. [9] More research is needed in this area, however, to see how it
translates into human subjects. B. breve also shows action against antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a
common issue for people receiving large doses of antibiotics. The main job of B. breve is to ferment
sugars and produce acetic and lactic acid. It can digest plant fibers that are typically thought of as
non-digestible, perhaps the main reason why B. breve is so helpful for supporting digestion. If you’re
the type of person who needs a little assistance in digesting your food, it’s probably wise to consider
supplementing with this powerful strain.

What is lactobacillus acidophilus?

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the
intestines and the vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used as a probiotic, or
"friendly bacteria."

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in
treating diarrhea in children with rotavirus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective

aid (in children or adults) in preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics, travel,
chemotherapy, or hospitalization. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also possibly effective in
treating irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial vaginal infection, colic in babies, lung
infections in children, skin problems in children who are allergic to milk, and other
conditions.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has also been used to treat lactose intolerance, Crohn's
disease, overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, or vaginal yeast infections caused by
antibiotics. However, research has shown that lactobacillus acidophilus may not be
effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating indigestion, urinary tract
infections, intestinal problems in premature babies, high cholesterol, lyme disease, cold
sores, acne, cancer, the common cold, and other conditions.

lactobacillus acidophilus and other probiotics are found in some fermented

foods, such as yogurt, kefir, soy products, and pickles. You can also buy
probiotic supplements in liquid, tablet, or powder form.

Eating yogurt is often recommended for people who are lactose intolerant.
This is because yogurt has less lactose than milk and other dairy
products. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the probiotics in yogurt that’s
responsible for “pre-digesting” the lactose, which makes it easier to digest.

What is Bifidobacterium infantis?

Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis) is a “friendly” strain of bacteria. It’s a type
of lactic acid bacteria found in the same group as Lactobacillus. It’s naturally
found in your oral cavity and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It helps you maintain a
healthy digestive tract.

As you age, the number of bacteria in your body typically declines. This can
result from diet, stress, antibiotic use, health conditions, and other causes.
Taking probiotics may help restore the bacteria in your body. Probiotics are
live bacteria. They’re added to some foods, drugs, dietary supplements, and
other product

Bifidobacterium infantis: A Strain You Want

Your life depends on the health of your gut. When you don’t have enough probiotic bacteria, germs
and toxins attack the lining of the intestine. This damages the cells lining your intestine, and with
enough damage, germs and toxins get into your blood. While you may not see this happening, you
feel the results. Frequent bloating and gas indicate there’s a problem with your digestive system,
and probably indicates your intestines are running low in beneficial bacteria. But you may also
experience frequent headaches, increased allergic response, blood sugar spikes, and chronic
illness. B. infantis thrives most in the intestines of infantis as it helps break down lactic acid in human
breast milk. With this benefit, isn’t it fitting that the bacterial strain is named B. infantis? But don’t let
its name fool you; it’s good for kids and adults, too. This probiotic also feeds on natural fructose (not
the frankenfood ingredient HFCS), glucose, and other all-natural carbs.
Adults who keep their B. infantis levels in balance enjoy better overall health, an active metabolism,
and less discomfort after eating. British researchers reported it only took four weeks for women who
took B. infantis to enjoy a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms. [5] Another study published
in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found B. infantis supports stomach health and
digestion. [6] But it does more than aid digestion. It also supports your immune system against
unwanted bacterial growth in the intestines. And some strains even produce B vitamins.