Probiotics Primer: What Do They All Do?

I often give out info on Probiotics to my friends and clients ... but there are so many strains it's impossible for most people to know what they are all for.... so I'm comprising a list of the different Probiotic strains here for reference: (this is a work in progress so keep checking back)

Lactobacillus acidophilus - a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the intestines and the vagina. Acidophilus helps maintain an acidic environment in the body, which can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Bifidobacterium bifidum - maintains the micro flora balance within the intestines, controls the increase of detrimental bacteria, bolsters the immune system, and aids in the digestive process. May also have a positive influence in controlling allergies.

 Lactobacillus bulgaricus -  A particularly rugged strain of microbial flora which has been shown to withstand the low pH levels within the stomach during its digestive journey which helps it to help other microflora become established.

Lactobacillus salivarius - Found in the mouth and upper digestive tract, this bacteria has been seen to be effective against the bacteria that causes plaque as well as helping to reduce the effects of colitis, septic shock, and E coli infections.

Lactobacillus brevis - provides anti-inflammatory benefits to the human digestive system and thus is very helpful for people with IBS, constipation, and possibly colon cancer.

bBifidobacterium lactis - helps to ferment a wide variety of carbohydrates, including lactose and the sugars in cruciferous vegetables, dried beans and some cereal grains that humans cannot digest. It also has enzymes to digest proteins so that they don’t putrefy in the colon.

Lactobacillus paracasei - helps protect the human body from disease and illness by restricting the growth of various types of harmful bacteria that cause infection and be detrimental to an individual's health. Some strains of the bacteria help control diarrhea, while other strains have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut. Other advantageous effects include reducing lactose intolerance, alleviating constipation, and even modulation of the immune system

Lactobacillus plantarum - has been shown to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and colitis. It has the ability to destroy pathogens and to preserve critical nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. It has also shown the rare ability to produce L. lysine, a beneficial amino acid. One of the most exciting uses for Lactobacillus plantarum involves using it to deliver therapeutic compounds and proteins to the body.

lactobacillus casei - helps protect the human body from disease and illness by restricting the growth of various types of harmful bacteria that cause infection and be detrimental to an individual's health. Some strains of the bacteria help control diarrhea, while other strains have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut. Other advantageous effects include reducing lactose intolerance, alleviating constipation, and even modulation of the immune system

bividobacterium longus - helps to ferment a wide variety of carbohydrates, including lactose and the sugars in cruciferous vegetables, dried beans and some cereal grains that humans cannot digest. It also has enzymes to digest proteins so that they don’t putrefy in the colon.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus -  Aids with strengthening the immune system, particularly in combating intestinal and urinary tract pathogens, Aids in dairy product digestion among the lactose-intolerant and decreases the duration of diarrhea

bacillus subtilis - Survives passage through the GI tract (many cultures don't make it past the stomach) and is believed to increase immune reaction of intestinal cells which is helpful against pathogens

L Fermentum
L infantus
L Reuteri
S Boulardii
L Helveticus
S Cerivissiae
S Thermopilus