Are probiotics really that good for you? Is yogurt the best source of probiotics? I regularly hear these and many other questions about probiotics. Probiotics is a straightforward subject, but confusion persists regarding these beneficial microbes. The fact that there are so many different probiotic species, and their many strains, doesn’t help. Let’s start by discussing Lactobacillus gasseri, one of the beneficial microorganisms that assist with digestive health and against harmful organisms.
There are many benefits of probiotics. For it to function properly, your digestive system depends on these microorganisms.[1] Probiotic bacteria help your body break down nutrients, stimulate your immune system, and protect your intestines from harmful toxins and organisms.[2] The cardiovascular system, bones, blood sugar, and mental health are also connected to probiotic status.[3, 6] These wide-reaching effects stem from your digestive tract’s role as a gateway to the rest of your body. The healthier your gut, the more it can withstand the assault from today’s most common germs and toxins.[4] These include pesticides, herbicides, and the artificial sweeteners found in many processed foods. Some research suggests your microbiota may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mood.[5]
Also known as L. gasseri, the Lactobacillus gasseri species is one you don’t hear about often. It is, however, extremely powerful for weight maintenance and possibly protects against harmful organisms. So far, research suggests the strains of L. gasseri speed up metabolism and encourage weight loss. A 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition reported obese adults who took L. gasseri SBT2055/LG2055 lost more than 8% of their abdominal fat over a 12-week period simply by adding these probiotic strains to their diet. [7]
A 2010 study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found taking this same strain reduced abdominal body fat and waist size.[8] Other studies have reported effects such as lowering cholesterol, reducing allergic response, easing symptoms of asthma in children, and even lessening menstrual pain in women suffering from endometriosis.[9] [10] [11] Other research suggests this species could enhance the effectiveness of modern approaches to addressing H. pylori.[12]
You can get L. gasseri through your diet if you eat fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, lassi, natto, miso, and tempeh. When it comes to yogurt, make sure it’s organic, preferably grass-fed, and contains “live active cultures” on the package. For a powerful probiotic boost, I recommend taking a supplement like Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic that contains L. gasseri and 24 other probiotic strains. This is a high-quality supplement that also contains prebiotics, that nutrients that feed probiotics.
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