It’s time to stop hiding from bacteria every chance we get. Some of these little guys are actually really good for you. So, put down the anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and get to know Lactobacillus brevis. This type of bacteria is different than those you have come in contact with in the past.

It has incredible benefits, and it’s here to help.

What is Lactobacillus Brevis?

Some researchers believe that the number of bacteria in our bodies outnumber our cells 10-1. The human body is home to trillions of bacteria. While some of these microorganisms are bad and contribute to several diseases, some of them are really good and may even help protect or fight against certain diseases.

Often this good bacteria is referred to as probiotics. There are many different strains and types of probiotics, and they all have unique benefits. Lactobacillus brevis is a type of lactic acid bacteria. You may also see it called L. brevis.

Bacteria, good and bad, colonize on the skin, in the digestive tract, in the urogenital tract, and in saliva. When there is balance in these little communities, there is peace and things seem to run smoothly. However, when the harmful bacteria begin to outnumber the beneficial bacteria, problems will start to arise.

If too many of the good bacteria are killed off, it can cause various problems for the entire body. A few of these health conditions might include:

• Malabsorption
• Acid Reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Brain Fog
• Acne
• Autoimmune Disease
• Candida Overgrowth

Many different factors can go into the disruption of this delicate balance. Some of these things include:

• Antibiotics
• Anything Anti-bacterial
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Sugar
• Processed Foods
• Lack of Sleep
• Stress

The good bacteria do many things. They help promote healthy digestion as well as increase the absorption of nutrients. They regulate serotonin which can support a healthy mood, and they fight off harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

But, say you need to go on a round of antibiotics. Antibiotics are very useful and in many cases very necessary. But, they will wipe out not only the harmful bacteria but, the good bacteria as well. This opens the door for the harmful bacteria to grow back faster and stronger which can lead to a secondary infection or other health condition.

Taking a probiotic like L. brevis in combination with other probiotics while on antibiotics or right after, may help maintain the good bacteria and decrease the risk of other complications. It also may even boost the effectiveness of the antibiotics.

Lactobacillus Brevis Benefits

The Lactobacillus brevis probiotic has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for a good reason. But, there is still much to be learned about this unique type of bacteria.

Many people believe L. brevis plays a crucial role in preventing harmful bacteria from spreading in the digestive tract and also in promoting a healthy immune system.

If it seems like your child is always catching something, they may benefit from probiotics. L. brevis may even help treat diarrhea in children. Lactobacillus brevis also appears to support NK (natural killer) cells in adults. While this may sound bad, it’s actually a good thing. NK cells are a certain type of pathogen-killing cells that help fight infections and may even stop the growth of cancer cells.

Consuming these friendly and helpful bacteria may improve and support gastrointestinal health as well as battle infections. The Lactobacillus brevis probiotic in combination with other probiotics has also been linked to heart health and gum health.

Where to Find Lactobacillus Brevis

Lactobacillus brevis naturally occurs in the body, but it can be found outside of the body as well. Certain foods naturally contain Lactobacillus brevis, and you can also find it in probiotic supplements.

When looking for foods that contain Lactobacillus brevis, keep your eye out for the words “live and active cultures.” Also, be sure to check the expiration date. When consuming Lactobacillus brevis through foods, there is really no way of knowing how many healthy bacteria you are getting or if they are even alive.

In many cases, the bacteria will die in the production process of the food. Looking for this statement will help you find foods that are more likely to have live and effective healthy bacteria.

Some foods that contain L. brevis are:

• Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Sourdough bread
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Kefir

Another option is to take a probiotic supplement. This is often the easiest and most convenient way to consume probiotics.

A Lactobacillus brevis supplement is especially helpful if you are a picky eater or if you’re lactose intolerant. With a Lactobacillus brevis supplement, you can also be sure you are getting the number of beneficial bacteria you need.

How to Take Lactobacillus Brevis

If you chose a Lactobacillus brevis supplement, or a combination probiotic supplement, you need to specifically look for the amount of colony-forming units (CFU) it contains. A healthy adult should look for probiotic supplements that have between 10 and 50 colony-forming units. Anything less would be too little.

Children need to take less. Probiotic supplements specifically designed for kids that contain between 5 and 10 billion CFU should work nicely.

Be sure to follow the directions on the label of the probiotic you choose, and take it with plenty of water. Typically the best time to take probiotics is 30 minutes before a meal or during meals.

Side Effects of Lactobacillus Brevis

Lactobacillus brevis is considered generally safe for healthy people. In some cases, after taking probiotics, you may experience diarrhea, gas, or bloating. This is normal and should go away as your body adjusts to the new bacteria. However, you should consult your physician if your symptoms worsen or persist.

You should also talk to your pediatrician before giving a child any type of supplement including probiotics. Other cases where you should speak with your doctor before taking probiotics are if you are nursing, pregnant, or if you have a weakened immune system.

Final Thoughts

Lactobacillus brevis is a unique probiotic and is potentially an effective tool to keep you healthy and happy. When looking for a probiotic supplement, be sure to look for reviews and in-depth product descriptions.

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.