Lactobacillus Salivarius

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Lactobacillus salivarius is a form of naturally occurring bacteria that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of most humans. L. salivarius is one of 25 species in the L. salivarius clade (group of organisms with a common ancestor) of the genus Lactobacillus. The name Lactobacillus salivarius comes from the properties of the saliva in … Read more

What Are Probiotics? A Guide to Probiotic Foods, Supplements & Benefits

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Medically reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. What are probiotics? The World Health Organization(WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.[1] Probiotics provide these health benefits in several ways: Probiotics support a healthy immune system They produce vitamins and enzymes They reduce serum cholesterol They … Read more

Probiotics for Digestive Problems

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. In a time when society is burdened by high-stress work environments, low-quality fast food, fatigue, and an obsession with antibiotics, natural gut flora is under attack. Our digestive systems are deprived of their natural, health-promoting microorganisms, and bacteria that causes illness takes over. Probiotics, which have received significant attention … Read more

Notable Probiotic Strains

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Bifidobacterium Breve Bifidobacterium Lactis Complex Lactobacillus Acidophilus Lactobacillus Plantarum Saccharomyces Boulardii

Lactobacillus Plantarum

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. Lactobacillus plantarum is one of the most widely studied bacterial strains in the Lactobacilli genus. It is a Gram-positive, non-spore forming rod bacteria that is found in many strains in lactic acid fermented food products (1,2). Such foods as brined olives, pickles, sauerkraut, feta cheese, African ogi, cassava, and … Read more

Bifidobacterium Lactis Complex

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. What is Bifidobacterium Lactis Complex? Bifidobacteria are a form of naturally occurring bacteria that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts and mouths of mammals, including humans. They are one of the common forms of bacteria found in the intestinal flora of humans and are believed to have many positive health … Read more

Probiotics and Mood Disorders

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. There are a number of physical health conditions that may be successfully treated with probiotics. These include reducing the risk of asthma, lowering LDL cholesterol/normalizing blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and treating irritable bowel syndrome and vaginosis. But as it turns out, probiotics may also be effective in addressing mental and behavioral … Read more

Do Probiotics Help Lower Cholesterol?

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. You may be familiar with the use of probiotics for enhancing gut health. However, what you may not know is that these gut-friendly bacteria may also be beneficial for heart health too. Research has shown that certain strains of probiotics may help to lower cholesterol, and in turn, lower … Read more

Bifidobacterium Breve

Photo of bifidobacterium breve microorganisms which have probiotic qualities for humans

Medically Revied by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. There are various types of bacteria that live within the human intestinal tract, some of which have a mutually beneficial relationship with us, their host. These bacteria that have a positive influence within the gastrointestinal system are called probiotics. One of those probiotics found to have health benefits was … Read more

Probiotics and Antibiotics

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Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. We’ve all been prescribed antibiotics at one point or another. They can provide a seemingly immediate relief from the diseases and illnesses that ail us. The potential side effects, however, are another story. Upset stomach, diarrhea, allergic reactions and vomiting are some of the side effects that people may … Read more