What do the different types of probiotics do? You may have already heard that a good balance of gut bacteria is essential for a healthy body. Microbes, once considered exclusively bad, are now known to be vital to the health of the body’s digestive and immune system. Yet, many of us don’t have enough good bacteria which throws our gut bacteria balance off.
Restoring this balance starts with knowing the different types of probiotics and their benefits. That’s what we’re going to cover today. We’re going to talk about the different types of probiotics and how they affect the body. Let’s first cover the basics.
Table of Contents
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that you can consume. They help restore the gut’s balance of bacteria. This balance is often thrown off by antibiotic medications, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not getting enough exercise, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and simply not eating a wide range of healthy foods.
When not treated, a gut flora imbalance can lead to serious health issues such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory diseases, obesity, and even mental illnesses. Since gut microbes help produce short-chain fatty acids, folate, and vitamin K, an imbalance may also lead to micronutrient deficiencies.
There are two primary ways to restore your body’s gut bacteria balance: consuming fermented foods and using supplements. There are certain types of probiotics in yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and other fermented foods that can help to restore your gut microbe balance. However, most people cannot fit enough of these fermented foods in their diet to make a substantial difference in their gut flora balance.
That’s where probiotic supplements come in. Supplements can offer certain types of probiotics which help restore the gut’s microbe balance. These types of probiotic supplement often come in the form of a capsule.
When choosing a probiotic, it’s important first to understand which types of probiotics help with different ailments. Some types of probiotics may benefit mental health, while other types of probiotics may benefit your immune health. This is what we’re going to talk about next.
The Different Types of Probiotics
While there may be a seemingly never-ending variety of bacteria in the body which have yet to be explored, there are several types of probiotic bacteria that have been subjected to scientific testing. There are four primary families of probiotics: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus.
Lactobacillus
There are four common probiotics that belong to the Lactobacillus family. Let’s talk about these types of probiotics and their benefits.
1. Lactobacillus Plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is an adaptive and robust bacteria with the ability to withstand temperatures between 33°F and 140°F. It seems to benefit the gastrointestinal tract and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. This may help improve immunity and help with inflammatory diseases. One study suggests that it can reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Lactobacillus Casei
Lactobacillus casei is another type of probiotic that has shown to support gastrointestinal (GI) health. One study showed promising results when patients with diarrhea used this probiotic. The study suggests that L. Casei may significantly reduce diarrhea incidents and severity. Other research also suggests that L. Casei can have a tremendous effect on those suffering from anxiety and depression.
3. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a bacteria that colonizes in the intestine. This is possibly the most researched type of bacteria to date. Research shows that there are two types of diarrhea that L. Rhamnosus is especially good at fighting. As you travel, your body is subjected to new types of bacteria which can disrupt the bacteria in your intestines this can cause what’s called “traveler’s diarrhea”. L. Rhamnosus may help prevent these cases of diarrhea. It can also help diarrhea related to antibiotics. Using antibiotics not only helps kill off bad bacteria, but it also causes harm to good bacteria. Certain types of bacteria in probiotics, L. Rhamnosus in particular, can help restore the good bacteria balance in your intestine.
4. Lactobacillus Acidophilus
This type of probiotic also helps with intestinal problems which lead to diarrhea. However, it can also help with constipation. Overall, Lactobacillus acidophilus is a great probiotic for balancing your body’s gut flora and regulating bowel movement consistency. It may also be a solution to lactose intolerance and even help prevent colon cancer. Research suggests that L. Acidophilus can help with acne conditions. In a case series following over 300 patients with acne, 80% had significant improvements when using L. Acidophilus.
Bifidobacterium
There are four common probiotics that belong to the Bifidobacterium family. Let’s talk about these types of probiotics and their benefits.
1. Bifidobacterium Longum
At birth, Bifidobacterium longum is one of the very first kinds of bacteria to colonize in the body. It helps inhibit harmful bacteria growth in the gut. Studies suggest that it can also help relieve constipation in adults.
Another benefit to B. Longum is its ability to have an effect on the mind. Research suggests it can help reduce stress levels and even improve your memory.
2. Bifidobacterium Breve
Bifidobacterium breve has the ability to help regulate stool, prevent constipation, and reduce abdominal pain related to digestion. But that’s not all B. Breve is good for. Research suggests it may be a powerful anti-aging bacteria. It can help reduce the severity of sun damage to the skin which makes for healthier, and younger-looking skin.
3. Bifidobacterium Lactis
Bifidobacterium lactis is possibly one of the most powerful types of probiotics for immune system health. Studies have shown a significant increase in antibodies in patients using B. Lactis. Other research suggests it is also beneficial to the regulation of digestive function and can relieve discomfort related to digestion.
4. Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Bifidobacterium bifidum is another powerful probiotic for immune system health. It seems to fend off pathogens in the gut and prevent them from disrupting your gut’s flora balance. B. Bifidum also helps to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease according to one study.
Saccharomyces
There is only one common probiotic that belongs to the Streptococcus family. Let’s talk about this type of probiotic and its benefits.
1. Saccharomyces Boulardii
Saccharomyces bouldardii is another type of probiotic that helps support the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract. It can help reduce the risk of diarrhea related to travel and antibiotics. Studies suggest it can also reduce IBD symptoms.
Streptococcus
There is only one common probiotic that belongs to the Streptococcus family. Let’s talk about this type of probiotic and its benefits.
1. Streptococcus Thermophilus
When it comes to the gut, Streptococcus thermophilus may help prevent diseases related to harmful microbes building up in the intestine. It also seems to help reduce cases of diarrhea after using antibiotics. When it comes to the skin, S. Thermophilus has a protective effect. It seems to help prevent skin from becoming dry and infected with harmful microbes. It does this by improving the skin’s levels of ceramide—a natural waxy lipid molecule which acts as a protective barrier.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right types of probiotics can help restore your body’s natural balance of bacteria. Balanced gut flora can help with everything from preventing weight gain, to improving memory, to clearing up a stomach bug. Getting the right probiotics could be the key to a happier and healthier life.
At MindZymes, we offer powerful doctor-formulated probiotics which help support your body’s natural balance. These formulas combine the best probiotics into an easy-to-take capsule. You can find our probiotic capsules here.
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.