Originally posted on https://mindzymes.com/lactobacillus-gasseri/
Bacteria is typically something people try to steer clear of. However, you may be surprised to know that there are millions, maybe even trillions, of bacteria that inhibit the human body. There’s no getting away from these little guys. But, really you shouldn’t want to.
Not all of these bacteria are bad. Some of it is even essential for a healthy body. Lactobacillus Gasseri, for example, is a type of bacteria that offers all types of health benefits and may even support healthy weight loss.
What is Lactobacillus Gasseri?
Lactobacillus Gasseri is a type of “good” or “friendly” bacteria found in the body. There are many different types of bacteria, also referred to as microbes, that colonize and make up the human microbiome.
Both good and bad types of bacteria live in the little colonies. As long as there is a healthy balance of the two, things run smoothly. However, if the harmful bacteria begin to take over, and there are more of the harmful bacteria than good, problems may start to arise.
The good types of bacteria like Lactobacillus Gasseri helps fight the bad bacteria, which in turn provides many different benefits to the entire body and mind.
This balance is delicate, and there a lot of things that can disturb it—even things out of our control.
A few things that will destroy your healthy bacteria are:
- Sugar
- Processed foods
- Alcohol
- Antibiotics
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
Let’s say you develop an infection, and you have to take antibiotics. These antibiotics will kill all of the bacteria in the body, both good and bad. This is often a necessary step in treating an infection. But, without your good bacteria, it allows the bad bacteria to grow back faster and stronger—maybe even leading to a secondary infection.
That’s where probiotic supplements step in. Probiotic supplements contain live organisms (the healthy bacteria) to help repopulate the healthy bacteria, ward off the harmful bacteria, and maintain the balance. Taking probiotics during or after a round of antibiotics may also help some of the good bacteria survive.
Even if your microbiome has not been thrown off, taking a probiotic supplement can boost your health and help you maintain a healthy balance.
Lactobacillus Gasseri is one of the good guys. It comes from the Lactobacillus family of bacteria and has generated a lot of excitement in the area of weight loss.
Lactobacillus Gasseri Benefits
Probiotics are generally considered beneficially to digestive health, but they provide many other benefits to the entire body as well. You may find Lactobacillus Gasseri as a supplement on its own or combined with other probiotics which may increase its effectiveness.
Taking a Lactobacillus Gasseri probiotic either on its own or in combination with other probiotics is believed to help prevent or manage certain health conditions including:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Peptic ulcers
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Endometrial pain
Lactobacillus Gasseri for Weight Loss
Lactobacillus Gasseri has become increasingly popular in recent years for its effectiveness in supporting healthy weight loss. In fact, Lactobacillus Gasseri seems to be the most promising probiotic concerning weight loss as of right now.
There have been many different studies using rats that have shown that Lactobacillus Gasseri has anti-obesity effects. There was also one study done on adults that showed very promising results.
The study showed that after taking Lactobacillus Gasseri for 12 weeks participants had reduced body fat, fat around the organs, BMI, waist size, and hip circumference. However, after the participants stopped taking Lactobacillus Gasseri, they gained back the weight within a month.
This makes Lactobacillus Gasseri a promising source to those looking for healthy alternative ways to lose weight.
Lactobacillus Gasseri Sources
Lactobacillus Gasseri can be found naturally in most fermented foods. This is because Lactobacillus Gasseri is commonly used in the fermentation process.
Some of these foods are:
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Pickles
- Tempeh
While these foods can be a good source of probiotics, it can also be challenging to get the number of beneficial bacteria that you need through these foods. Sometimes during the production process, the beneficial bacteria are killed, and there is no way of knowing if you are getting enough live bacteria. Many of these foods can also be difficult to find or prepare much less even eat for some picky eaters.
Taking a Lactobacillus Gasseri supplement, or probiotics containing Lactobacillus Gasseri along with other types of bacteria, is really the easiest way to consume them. This way, you know for sure that you will be getting the amount of good live bacteria that you need. Supplements are usually picky eater full proof too.
Lactobacillus Gasseri Side Effects
Probiotics are generally safe for healthy people. The most common side effects are gas, bloating, and diarrhea. But, these side effects will likely go away on their own after your body becomes used to the new bacteria.
While Lactobacillus Gasseri provides incredible benefits with few side effects in most people, there are a few situations where you may need to stay away from any probiotics or at least talk to your doctor before taking them. For example, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should talk to your doctor before using probiotics. Also, be sure to speak with your pediatrician before giving a child any supplements, including probiotics with Lactobacillus Gasseri.
Another situation where you may need to avoid probiotics is if you have a compromised immune system. This may be due to a health condition like HIV, AIDS, cancer, or several other illnesses.
Lactobacillus Gasseri probiotics are safe and well tolerated in most people and provide incredible health benefits to many. But, if you are concerned about taking any Lactobacillus Gasseri products, bring up your concerns to your physician.
Final Thoughts on Lactobacillus Gasseri
Probiotic supplements that contain the unique probiotic Lactobacillus Gasseri are an incredible resource to support a healthy body. Not only that, but they may support healthy weight loss as well. Don’t miss out on the incredible benefits Lactobacillus Gasseri has to offer.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.