The live lactobacilli (lactobacillus) are bacteria that help form the intestinal flora and the microbiota that make up the human body.
They can be used as an adjunct treatment (adjuvant) for various bacterial infections, aiding recovery and preventing some side effects of medications.
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What is Lactobacillus and what is it used for?
The lactobacillus or live lactobacilli are a class of bacteria belonging to the Gram-positive group, found in humans and many other animals.
Lactobacillus or Lactobacillus (English and Spanish names respectively) is a type of probiotic considered very beneficial for health. It is part of the flora in the gastrointestinal, vaginal, oral tracts, etc., a group of bacteria that make up the human microbiota.
Their presence is common in invertebrates, humans, and many animal species, helping to break down plant matter from food and aiding digestion. Also, Lactobacillus helps protect against infections from pathogenic bacteria.
Lactobacilli are considered a type of lactic acid bacteria as they produce lactic acid while living. By producing this acid, they acidify their environment, preventing the proliferation of other harmful bacteria.
It is very common to use Lactobacillus species to produce yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.
Currently, there are many health-beneficial lactobacilli cataloged. Below is a list of them for you to learn their virtues and understand all their properties.
Lactobacillus spp (names of Lactobacilli)
These symbiotic bacteria within the body have various properties that we will explain below. However, depending on the type of live lactobacillus selected, they can provide better benefits for the gastrointestinal system, respiratory tract, or genitourinary system.
Do they work as treatment?
Considered probiotics, they serve as a treatment for various bacterial infections, as an immune system booster, and to eliminate some medication side effects.
Lactobacillus treatment can be administered through capsules or tablets taken orally. They can also be used as vaginal suppositories (ovules), indicated as such.
Although not considered medications (probiotics with lactobacillus are not medications), they can help in many cases.
They are commonly used as an adjuvant (complementary therapy) to reduce illness duration and alleviate symptoms.
In some cases, they are recommended along with antibiotic or antifungal medications. In others, using Lactobacillus alone is sufficient. An example is the treatment of diarrhea or intestinal gas.
Lactobacillus Suppositories
Lactobacillus suppositories are a type of treatment for vaginal infections. They should be applied for a short period to allow the bacteria they contain to be released and colonize the genitourinary cavities.
Live lactobacilli are a complementary treatment to antibiotics and antifungals, and can be used in cases where there is the presence of Candida albicans, Gardnerella, and other pathogens that commonly cause infections in women.
Although the probiotic suppository can only be used by women, its contents can be prepared in other commercial forms for use by men, the elderly, and children.
Sachets
This commercial presentation makes it very easy to take Lactobacillus probiotics. Simply open the package, mix it with a bit of water, shake, and drink.
Currently, there are different formats, namely: pediatric Lactobacillus sachets, sachets for adults, and special ones for children.
Capsules and Tablets
This format is more suitable for adults. Since tablets need to be swallowed, young children have more difficulty with them.
Lactobacillus in tablets or capsules is available with different species of lactobacilli. Each brand creates a special mix, indicated for treating respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal problems, or to eliminate constipation and diarrhea.
Always choose the format that is most comfortable for you to use. The benefits will be the same regardless of the form of use, except for lactobacillus suppositories which, logically, have their function in the female urinary cavities.
Lactobacilli and Probiotics
In many cases, both names are mentioned, although there are basic differences that are important to know.
Lactobacilli are live bacteria that interact with the food we ingest and produce lactic acid to inhibit the growth of other bacteria harmful to health. Lactobacillus is a type of probiotic composed of different strains or subgroups.
For a microorganism to be considered a probiotic, it must meet a series of requirements:
- Withstand pH variations.
- Possess properties and benefits for humans.
In general, we can consider lactobacilli as probiotics since they protect and strengthen the immune system of the individual who uses them orally or through other routes. They protect the host by providing greater resistance against bacterial infections and those caused by fungi and yeasts.
Probiotics, in turn, are also composed of various species of bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, etc.
When we refer to Lactobacillus, we mention a species of lactic acid bacteria. However, when we want to refer to the medicinal product, we indicate probiotic. This will have been made in the form of tablets, sachets, or suppositories, in which case, we can read on the product label "probiotic".
What does Lactobacillus spp mean?
Sometimes it is mentioned as "spp", "sp", or "s.p".
When Lactobacillus sp is mentioned, it refers to a species.
When Lactobacillus spp is mentioned, it refers to all species of lactobacilli. It is the plural of all bacteria of that species. The term spp can also be included for other types of microorganisms, in which case, the name would be followed by this nomenclature.
Below, we provide an example to make its meaning easier to understand.
We can refer to Lactobacillus rhamnosus as we know its name, or if there is a species of bacteria whose name we do not yet know, refer to it as Lactobacillus sp. That is, if it is a lactobacillus, we could call it lactobacillus followed by sp. This way, we identify the bacteria as belonging to the Lactobacillus genus, pending its final identification which, for various reasons, is still unknown.
In the case of including spp, it could be used to try to establish the name of a group of bacteria that have been found but whose exact names are unknown. Only their species is known.
For example, we have detected that the gastrointestinal infection is caused by three types of Escherichia spp. This way, we show that we know the type of bacteria, but by including "spp", we still do not know the exact type.
Now, we know what a Lactobacillus is, how it is named, and what type of bacteria it is, so we will now explain its benefits and properties for health.
Properties and Benefits of Lactobacillus
- Regulate intestinal flora.
- Inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Improve digestion.
- Prevent constipation and diarrhea.
- Enhance resistance to bacterial infections.
The benefits of Lactobacillus are numerous. As part of the human microbiota, they participate in digestive processes, facilitating the breakdown of food and preventing it from rotting in the intestines.
It should be noted that by preventing food from fermenting for too long when it reaches the stomach, Lactobacillus has properties to prevent the appearance of intestinal gas.
At the same time, lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which acidifies the environment and prevents other bacteria from duplicating and causing infections, such as E. Coli, Candida albicans, etc.
Lactobacilli colonize the intestinal mucosa and respiratory tract mucosa. Being present in the fluids and tissues of the human body, they provide greater resistance to diseases, improving the immune response.
Another important benefit of Lactobacillus is that it regulates bowel movements. By improving intestinal transit, there are fewer episodes of constipation and they also facilitate recovery in cases of diarrhea.
For Children and Babies
They help control diarrhea and prevent respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu. Lactobacillus for children is sold in pediatric sachets and drops to facilitate administration. Often L. rhamnosus GG, L. brevis CD2, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, etc. are used.
The benefits for children are:
- Control of rotavirus diarrhea.
- Elimination of constipation.
- Increase of intestinal flora.
- Relief of gas.
- Suppression of antibiotic side effects.
- Help in cases of childhood gastroenteritis.
Being in powder form, it can be easily mixed with water, yogurt, or any other liquid. It can even be added to a bottle or mixed with food. You just need to avoid mixing it with very acidic food to prevent loss of its properties. It is also possible to buy drinkable lactobacilli, making it even easier for the child to take them.
Adults
For adults and the elderly, the use of probiotics with lactobacilli is equally or even more beneficial than for infants and children. They help prevent infections and reduce recovery time.
Lactobacillus for adults can be used in various formats (tablets, sachets, etc.), always ensuring they are alive.
To function well and for you to perceive their medicinal properties, it is essential that the packaging is properly protected and not damaged. If otherwise, you should discard it and use a new one.
What is the difference?
The dose of Lactobacillus included in the probiotic. The younger and lighter the person, the fewer live lactobacilli should be administered. This is why it is necessary to obtain a specific product for children, considering whether it is Lactobacillus for babies or for young children.
How to take them?
- Tablets: 1 or 2 tablets a day.
- Sachets: 1 sachet a day.
- Suppositories: apply one single suppository, never ingest. There may be differences between brands. Some suppositories last several days, while others need to be used daily.
All people are potential users of probiotics and Lactobacillus. Although most commonly used by adults, they are often indicated for regulating the microbiota of children and babies.
It is common to use probiotics to treat infant colic and to prevent or reduce the duration of infections in children. Depending on the person's age, the dose will need to be adjusted, always considering the lab's instructions.
But don't worry because it is very simple.
The way to take Lactobacillus is practically the same as with a glass of water or a bit of yogurt if you mix it. The exact dose for the product you have purchased will be indicated on the packaging.
It is very important to open the protective packaging of the lactobacilli and take them immediately to prevent deterioration. Remember that they are live bacteria, so in an unhealthy environment, they will die.
If you want to take Lactobacillus, follow these steps:
- Open the sachet and mix it with a bit of water, yogurt, or another type of liquid. If it is a tablet, remove the protective wrapper. In the case of drops, add the indicated amount (5 or 10) to a liquid.
- Then, drink or swallow it. If it is a tablet, swallow it whole without chewing.
You have now taken Lactobacillus. See how easy it was? Although it seems complicated because it is often something we are unfamiliar with, probiotics are made in a way that anyone can use them.
Now, besides taking purchased lactobacilli, you can also obtain them from foods. Many of them are very tasty and nutritious. So, to let you know all of them, we will discuss them.
Lactobacillus in Foods
Many dairy products are considered natural probiotics or providers of them. Yogurt, kefir, and cheese are the most common types of food that incorporate millions of beneficial microorganisms for health. But in addition to these, other foods with Lactobacillus are:
- Sauerkraut or fermented cabbage.
- Jocoque.
- Kefir.
- Kimchi.
- Kombucha.
- Miso.
- Pickles (olives, pickles, onions, etc.).
- Cheese.
- Tempeh.
- Yogurt.
This list of probiotic foods is one of the best options if you want to take care of your intestinal flora and improve digestive processes. Some yogurts also include additional amounts of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, such as the well-known drinkable yogurt with L. casei immunitas to increase its effectiveness.
