The Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics offer numerous benefits for your health. These beneficial microorganisms are essential for your digestive system to function properly. They help break down nutrients, stimulate your immune system, and protect your intestines from harmful toxins and organisms. Probiotics also have a positive impact on your cardiovascular system, bones, blood sugar levels, and mental health. This is because your digestive tract acts as a gateway to the rest of your body. A healthy gut can better withstand the onslaught of common germs and toxins, including pesticides, herbicides, and artificial sweeteners found in many processed foods. Some research even suggests that your microbiota may play a role in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mood regulation.
Lactobacillus gasseri: A Strain You Want
Lactobacillus gasseri, or L. gasseri, is a powerful probiotic strain that you might not hear about often. It is particularly effective for weight maintenance and may protect against harmful organisms. Research indicates that L. gasseri strains can speed up metabolism and promote weight loss. For instance, a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that 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.
Another study from 2010, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking this same strain reduced abdominal body fat and waist size. Additional studies have shown that L. gasseri can lower cholesterol, reduce allergic responses, ease asthma symptoms in children, and even lessen menstrual pain in women with endometriosis. There is also evidence suggesting that this species could enhance the effectiveness of modern treatments for H. pylori.
Sources of Lactobacillus gasseri
You can incorporate L. gasseri into your diet by consuming fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, lassi, natto, miso, and tempeh. When choosing yogurt, opt for organic, grass-fed options that contain “live active cultures” as indicated on the packaging. For a more potent probiotic boost, consider taking a supplement like Global Healing’s Ultimate Probiotic, which includes L. gasseri along with 24 other probiotic strains. This high-quality supplement also contains prebiotics, which are nutrients that feed probiotics.
