The most common industrial use of Lactobacilli is in the production of Sauerkraut pickles, buttermilk, and yogurt. Study shows Lactobacilli is more tolerant than other bacteria in lactic acid, it aids in the success of fermentation.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus is the most numbered friendly or helpful bacteria existing in the upper intestinal tract and can be viewed under a microscope. A particular Lactobacillus strain is named Acidophilus. If examined closely through microscope, Lactobacillus reduces the amount of harmful bacteria and yeasts and produces lactase, an enzyme that helps in the digestion of milk, in the small intestine. It is also involved in the production of B vitamins (niacin, folic acid, and pyridoxine) during the digestion process.
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were also noted for their anti-cancer activity. They prevent the growth or activity of bacteria that promotes cancer and some strains produces chemicals that inhibit tumor growth as seen through microscope.
Few years ago, another study done by the Annals of Internal Medicine proves that eating yogurt daily can prevent vaginal yeast infections for women. The kind of yogurt, as examined through the help of microscope, contained living Lactobacillus acidophilus. These were given to their subjects. Result shows that these organisms not only took up residence in the intestines, but also colonized the vagina and inhibit yeast infection. Not only Lactobacillus acidophilus and other probiotics are helpful for intestinal function but it also counteract antibiotic damage, and stimulate the immune system to function better. Moreover, when you are sick, significantly they act as a relief of health problems ranging from indigestion and diarrhea to colon and liver cancer.
A microbiologist using a microscope in Oklahoma State University, isolated a strain of bacteria that removes cholesterol from blood serum. Result shows through the laboratory examination with microscope, that the bacteria actually help control serum cholesterol in two ways. First, the bacteria that grow in the intestinal tract consume some of the cholesterol that is present within the intestinal tract. Next, the least part of the cholesterol incorporates into the bacterial cells. Either way, the cholesterol becomes unavailable for absorption of the blood from the intestine. Further result of their research through microscope, shows that L. acidophilus reduces an average of three to four percent cholesterol in persons with high blood serum cholesterol readings. This means a 10 to 12 percent reduction in risk of coronary heart disease, according to the Kentucky University research.
Fermented commercially made foods unreliable as sources of Lactobacilli. Lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide which Lactobacilli naturally produce may become a threat to the existence of natural producers themselves, if their concentration becomes excessive. Thus, the best way to supplement your diet with Lactobacilli is to make your own yogurt or sauerkraut.
Heat, moisture and sunlight are threat to Lactobacilli. It not possible to formulate a tablet for it generates heat that lowers the viability of various organisms if examined with microscope. Therefore, Lactobacilli should be dried frozen in powder or capsule, in opaque moisture-proof container kept in a refrigerator. It must be taken with meal. The daily dose should contain one billion and ten billion viable bacteria as seen through microscope. Excess intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Lactobacilli prevent growth of pathogenic bacteria, which colonize the intestinal tract but grow well in the vagina and the urethra. In many contraceptive creams, the application of vaginal spermicides, like nonoxynol-9, may kill Lactobacilli, and give pathogens open access to the urinary tract. By taking Lactobacilli through mouth or inserting Lactobacillus capsules into the vagina restore genital tract symbiosis and prevent infection.
