Lactobacillus Group

Consists of many lactic acid bacteria that produce hydrogen peroxide which inhibits the growth and virulence of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Some lactobacillus species are used as starter cultures in the production of yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and other fermented foods.

Bifidobacteria

Bifidobacterium, along with Lactobacillus, are some of the most well-known probiotics and are an important part of our gut flora. These good bacteria are lactic-acid producing bacteria (LAB), just like Lactobacillus, and they both produce vitamins, bacteriocins (antibacterial chemicals) and antibiotic-like substances. Both have significant health benefits on the digestive and immune systems.

Bifidobacteria are one of the major genera (gram +ve) anaerobic bacteria that are ubiquitous inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract, of mammals, including humans.

The genus Bifidobacterium possesses a unique fructose-6- phosphate phosphoketolase pathway employed to ferment carbohydrates.

Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines. They can be grown outside the body and then taken by mouth as medicine.

Bifidobacteria are used for many conditions affecting the intestines, including preventing diarrhea in infants and children; as well as traveler’s diarrhea in adults. Some people take bifidobacteria to restore “good bacteria” in the gut that have been killed or removed by diarrhea, radiation, chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other causes. Bifidobacteria are also used to treat a bowel disease called ulcerative colitis, as well as a condition called pouchitis, which sometimes develops after surgery for ulcerative colitis. Some people use Bifidobacteria to prevent a particular bowel infection called necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns.

Other uses for Bifidobacteria include treating a skin condition in infants called atopic eczema, yeast infections (candidiasis), cold, flu, reducing flu-like symptoms in children attending day-care centers, breast pain (mastitis), hepatitis, lactose intolerance, mumps, Lyme disease, and cancer. These bacteria are also used to boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.

Bifidobacteria belong to a group of bacteria called lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are found in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese. Bifidobacteria are used in treatment as so-called “probiotics,” the opposite of antibiotics. They are considered “friendly” bacteria and are taken to grow and multiply in areas of the body where they normally would occur. The human body counts on its normal bacteria to perform several jobs, including breaking down foods, helping the body take in nutrients, and preventing the take-over of “bad” bacteria. Probiotics such as bifidobacteria are typically used in cases when a disease occurs or might occur due to a kill-off of normal bacteria. For example, treatment with antibiotics can destroy disease-causing bacteria, but also normal bacteria in the GI (gastrointestinal) and urinary tracts. The theory is that taking Bifidobacterium probiotics during antibiotic treatment can prevent or minimize the death of good bacteria and the take­over by bad bacteria.

Bifidobacterium infantis is a strain we want. 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. Another study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found B. infantis supports stomach health and digestion. But it does more than aid digestion. It also supports our immune system against unwanted bacterial growth in the intestines, and some strains even produce B vitamins.

The Best sources of Probiotics:

With today’s constant exposure to environmental toxins, processed foods, antibiotics, and germs, our probiotic levels are constantly under attack. To compensate, we need to support our gut health by getting probiotics regularly. One way is to eat fermented foods like kefir, tempeh, yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut. To get a specific probiotic, like B. infantis, to address IBS or digestive comfort, you may want a supplement. If you do supplement for Bifidobacterium infantis, make sure it’s a high-quality probiotic with colonies around 5 billion and comes microencapsulated for the best dispersal and maximum effect

Bad / Harmful Bacteria:

Salmonella – Responsible for food poisoning.

Proper cooking (a temperature of 70⁰ C for even just 3 minutes) is enough to kill almost all salmonella bacteria.

Helicobacter pylori – Can cause gastritis, stomach ulcers, cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Antibiotics gets rid of it but a good and steady alternative treatment is sulforaphane contained in broccoli and similar vegetables. (See ‘Glossary and Explanation of Terms’). However, helicobacter also seem to have some beneficial effects on us. It reduces the risk of dying of lung cancer or stroke and protects against childhood asthma and also reduces the incidence of eczema.

E.Coli – Responsible for upset stomachs. Cooking at over 40⁰C is enough to kill almost all E.Coli bacteria.

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