More than 50 species of non-pathogenic bacteria comprise the probiotic genus Lactobacillus. Additionally, scientists find that the gastrointestinal systems of humans and animals are where Lactobacillus live. Moreover, these are in use both as probiotics and for the fermentation of feed and food. Lactobacillus Amylovorus derives from pig intestines and exhibits several probiotic properties. This brings us to the question, what are probiotics and why are they important?

What are Probiotics?

There are different types of bacteria associated with our human existence – they are the good, neutral, and bad. First, the bad bacteria cause illnesses in your digestive system such as diarrhea, poor immunity, and stomach cramps. Conversely, good bacteria enhance and improves your health. Here enters the topic of probiotics which are the good bacteria that our bodies need. Fortunately, there are many probiotics available in supplemental form in our modern world.

The need for supplementation results from illnesses and conditions that decrease the amount of natural good bacteria in our systems thereby causing an unhealthy imbalance. Some of those illnesses or conditions might include the following:

1. Poor Diet. Eating a low energy diet that includes excessive fats, carbohydrates, and sugar feeds into the proliferation of bad bacteria.
2. Medication. You might be taking medication that kills off good bacteria. One such medication is antibiotics. While the antibiotics kill the bad bacteria, unfortunately, it also kills off the good bacteria. Therefore, most experience diarrhea when taking antibiotics.
3. Substances. Beware of the overuse of substances such as cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. These will create an imbalance in your digestive system that can lead to dire circumstances. Of course, you always want to check with your medical professional about medicine you are taking and its compatibility with the probiotic of your choice.

Deriving Your Probiotics from Food

Everybody deserves a well-balanced diet and part of a good diet is the inclusion of probiotic foods. I still remember my mom’s two huge ceramic crocks in the corner of the kitchen. One contained fermenting cabbage, more commonly known as sauerkraut. The other contained cucumbers right out of our garden that were in the process of being “pickled”.

However, at that time, I had no idea the part probiotics played in our digestive health. I mean, who listens to their parents when the say, “it’s good for your digestion”? Never-the-less, sauerkraut and some types of pickles are full of probiotics. Good and effective probiotic foods include the following:

• Buttermilk
• Fermented and unfermented milk
• Kefir
• Kim chi
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Some varieties of soft cheeses
• Soy drinks

Probiotic Supplements & How to Take Them

Again, to maintain a healthy balance, it’s the good bacteria that needs restoration and you can do this by taking supplements. Probiotic supplements are encapsulated living microbes that you might consider taking for the benefit of your entire digestive system.

As for the best time of day to take probiotic supplements, one study establishes a criteria to follow. In this study, a fake digestive track was developed by researchers that was inclusive of a stomach and intestinal system. Along with the fake digestive tract, they added real human acid, bile, digestive enzymes, and saliva. From putting all this in place, they were then able to determine a minute by minute tracking of the action of probiotics in several different settings. The differing scenarios with probiotics are as follows:

1. After a meal
2. Before a meal
3. Before consuming beverage
4. Empty stomach
5. With a meal

The results show the assessments of the survival rates of the probiotics in each scenario and helps to determine the effectiveness of each timeframe. From this it is determined that there are two best times for taking probiotics.

One scenario is to take them no more than 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This same scenario also determines that it’s best to consume at least a small amount of fat at the same time. The second scenario is to take them when you are actively eating or drinking, and again, take them with at least a small amount of fat.

What we derive from this is that the best time to take probiotics is around mealtime – either slightly before or during the time you are eating food or drinking beverages.

History & Background of Lactobacillus Amylovorus (L. Amylovorus)

Now that we’ve gone over what a probiotic is, let’s delve back into the interesting facts about the probiotic L. amylovorus. This probiotic currently comprises of over 50 non-pathogenic bacteria. They are valuable to humans in ways that include excellent probiotic effects in addition to assisting in food and feed fermentation. Additionally, these bacteria are in a rod shape and are non-spore-forming.

Interestingly, with the use of this probiotic, biofilms forms in the vaginal area which allows this bacteria to flourish under harsh conditions and therefore effectively maintains a large self-sustaining population.

L. Amylovorus Studies

The most significant study is the “Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus amylovorus GRL 1112”. In this study it recognizes the strain GRL 1118, Lactobacillus amylovorus as a rod shape gram-positive bacteria. It goes on to state that L. amylovorus is in abundance in piglets’ intestines.

Another article published in the “Encyclopedia of Food and Health, 2016, Probiotics” shows the Lactobacillus to be acid-tolerant and fermentative. This makes it useful in the starter cultures of fermentation of foods among many other helpful benefits.

Probiotic Side Effects

Anyone can get too much of a good thing and probiotics are no different. Read the manufacturer’s labels carefully and follow dosage instructions. Over-consumption of probiotics will result in unpleasant gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, check with your medical professional to determine compatibility with any current medicines you might be taking.

In Summary

Probiotics are an essential part of a routine of supplemental maintenance. In fact, the human body is an amazing ecosystem that is worth maintaining in the best ways possible. One of the best ways is to find balance with the use of probiotic supplementation. Moreover, L. Amylovorus is one to consider when you are looking for a good probiotic.

Article Resources:

The Best Time to Take Probiotics | MindZymes

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.