Lactobacillus ferment refined sugars and create lactic acid, while bifidobacteria mainly produce short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs, although they create lactic acid too. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. One reason for this is that methods for processing and analyzing probiotics data are not consistent around the world. Looking for companies that follow best practices, such as third-party testing, can help you find high quality supplements. As you face the large selection of probiotics now available, you may feel overwhelmed.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They help keep your gut healthy and balanced. With so many probiotic supplements on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. However, there are two probiotics that stand out as the most important for overall gut health.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Through all of these mechanisms, probiotics might have wide-ranging impacts on human health and disease. In conclusion, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most important probiotics due to their extensive research, proven health benefits, and widespread use. Incorporating these beneficial bacteria into your diet can help support a healthy gut, boost your immune system, and potentially improve various aspects of your well-being. Whether you choose to consume probiotic-rich foods or take supplements, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of beneficial bacteria that naturally occurs in the human body, particularly in the intestines. It helps maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients. This probiotic is commonly found in yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
And if you haven’t already added a probiotics supplement, with at least 10+ strains of probiotics and a minimum of 25 billion CFUs to your daily routine, it’s definitely time to do so. In simple terms, probiotics are live bacteria that live along your digestive tract, supporting your body’s ability to absorb nutrition and fight off infection. While they are naturally occurring in your body, your probiotic levels can easily become unbalanced, leaving you with an insufficient amount. Unlike “bad” bacteria that do their best to make you sick, probiotics are “good” or “helpful” bacteria committed to keeping you healthy. The probiotic industry is booming, but the benefits of probiotic products and the quantity of viable bacteria they contain can vary. So, instead of adding bacteria from an outside source, you might be better off consuming prebiotics, like fermentable fiber, which support your own beneficial bacteria.
The bacteria either occur naturally in these foods or have been added during preparation. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements in capsule, tablet or powder-form. Your bowels host an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms from more than 500 different species, according to Harvard Medical School. Sometimes, illness or stress can change the bacterial balance and create digestive and other problems. Some companies, though, add extra bacteria into the product, so check the labeling and choose products with bacteria added above the starter cultures.
Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus:
- Improves digestion
- Boosts immune system
- Prevents diarrhea
- Reduces inflammation
Lal recommends anyone currently on antibiotics separate the timing between their antibiotic regimen and their probiotics. Antibiotics work to kill bacteria to treat certain infections, and you won’t want to counter this effect with the healthy bacteria that the probiotics are adding to your gut. Lal recommends taking the antibiotic first and then waiting at least two hours before taking your probiotic supplement. “Of the multiple strains found in probiotics, the two most prevalent are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
This is believed to be the main cause of deteriorating health and even death (63). In the past decade, research has shown that the gut and brain are connected in a system called the gut-brain axis. This axis links the body’s central and enteric nervous systems, the latter of which governs digestion (47).
Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Bifidobacterium bifidum is another essential probiotic that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut flora. This beneficial bacteria helps break down complex carbohydrates and fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the colon. It also helps prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines.
Benefits of Bifidobacterium Bifidum:
- Supports digestion
- Reduces bloating and gas
- Strengthens intestinal barrier
- May alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for products that contain a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These two probiotics work synergistically to promote overall gut health and support your immune system. Incorporating these beneficial bacteria into your daily routine can help improve your digestion, boost your immunity, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
