Are you facing consistent digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ?Are you are falling ill due to weakened immune function, having increased inflammation?Are you facing potentially mood swings issues and heightened stress levels? You may be deficient in this Bacteria: Lactobacillus Reuteri.
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a probiotic bacterium naturally found in the human digestive tract and has earned a reputation for its impressive health benefits. While it’s most commonly associated with improving digestive health, recent research suggests that L. reuteri offers much more. From boosting immune function to supporting bone health and even contributing to youthful skin, this powerful bacterium is quickly becoming recognized as a “super probiotic.”
What is Lactobacillus reuteri?
Lactobacillus reuteri is a type of probiotic that belongs to the Lactobacillus family. It’s primarily found in the human digestive tract, but it’s also present in areas such as the mouth, skin, and even the scalp. This strain has been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiome by fostering a balance between good and bad bacteria. When balanced, the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in overall health, influencing immune function, mental health, and even bone density.
While commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, L. reuteri can also be taken in probiotic supplements, which provide a convenient way to boost its levels in the body.
The Many Benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri
- Gut Health and Digestive Support:
- L. reuteri is widely known for its digestive benefits, including supporting gut health and gut flora balance. It has been shown to relieve issues like stomach pain, colic, constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Research suggests that it can help regulate bowel frequency, reduce the severity of hard stools, and improve the overall digestion process, especially in infants and adults alike.
- Boosts Immune Function:
- This probiotic is a key player in enhancing immune response. It helps modulate the body’s immune system, making it more efficient at defending against harmful pathogens while reducing inflammation. By maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, L. reuteri supports immune function in the gut, where a large portion of the immune system resides.
- Mental Health and Mood Enhancement:
- Fascinating research has linked the health of the gut microbiome to mental well-being—a phenomenon known as the gut-brain axis. L. reuteri has been shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of stress, and possibly alleviate symptoms of depression. By producing important neurotransmitters like serotonin (which plays a key role in regulating mood and stress), it helps create a positive impact on mental health.
- Promoting Youthful Skin:
- L. reuteri also appears to have a significant role in skin health. Studies suggest that it helps promote a healthy skin microbiome, reduce inflammation, and may even support conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
- The bacterium also has a collagen-boosting effect, which could help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and slow the appearance of aging, making it a natural ally in anti-aging skincare.
- Bone Health:
- Emerging studies are revealing that L. reuteri may also play a role in bone health. Probiotics, in general, are believed to have an influence on the absorption of minerals such as calcium, which is critical for bone density.
- L. reuteri helps in the enhancement of bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in individuals with osteopenia (low bone mass) or those at risk for osteoporosis. Probiotic supplementation has shown positive results in increasing bone formation markers and preventing bone loss in both animals and humans.
- Oral Health:
- The benefits of L. reuteri extend to oral health as well. It has been found to contribute to healthier gums and reduce the likelihood of gum disease (gingivitis). By maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the oral microbiome, L. reuteri can prevent harmful bacteria from taking over and causing issues like plaque buildup, bad breath, or cavities.
- Some studies suggest that it may also help in the management of dental caries (cavities) and could be particularly helpful in children.
Side Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri
While Lactobacillus reuteri offers a wide range of health benefits, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, particularly when first introduced to the system. Common side effects include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Mild abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (in some cases)
These symptoms are typically temporary and subside as the gut flora stabilizes. It is always advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase to allow your body to adjust.
Uses of Lactobacillus reuteri
- For Digestive Health:
- L. reuteri has been used to support digestive issues such as colic in infants, alleviate constipation, and improve bowel regularity in both adults and children. It also helps with reducing the number of hard stools in patients with gastrointestinal issues.
- Immune Support:
- It can help enhance the body’s immune response, making it a useful supplement during cold or flu season or for individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Oral and Skin Health:
- As a part of maintaining overall health, L. reuteri can help support oral hygiene (reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease) and contribute to healthier skin by supporting the skin’s microbial balance and fighting inflammatory conditions like eczema.
- Antimicrobial Activity:
- L. reuteri also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens in the gastrointestinal system, aiding in the overall reduction of infections.
Supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri
If you’re looking to reap the benefits of L. reuteri, supplementation is an effective way to boost its presence in the gut. These supplements often combine L. reuteri with other beneficial probiotics like L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus, as well as prebiotic fibers like NutraFlora scFOS. These combinations work synergistically to promote gut health, boost immunity, and improve overall well-being.
When choosing a supplement, look for one that provides a high-quality, viable dose of L. reuteri to ensure it reaches the lower gastrointestinal tract, where it can provide maximum benefit. Many supplements are specially formulated to protect probiotics from the degrading effects of stomach acids.
Sources of Lactobacillus reuteri
- Fermented Foods: L. reuteri can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Choose products labeled with live and active cultures to ensure they contain viable strains of probiotics.
- Probiotic Supplements: For a more concentrated dose, consider taking probiotic supplements that contain L. reuteri. These are widely available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids.
- Breast Milk: In infants, L. reuteri is naturally present in breast milk, providing essential probiotics for gut health and immune support.
Maintaining a Healthy Balance of Lactobacillus reuteri
To keep your gut microbiome balanced and support the many health benefits of L. reuteri, consider the following tips:
- Consume Fermented Foods Regularly: Including fermented foods in your diet is an easy and natural way to support gut health.
- Take Probiotic Supplements: Consider adding a probiotic supplement containing L. reuteri to your daily routine, especially if you have digestive issues or want to improve your overall health.
- Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, so use them only when necessary and as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fiber, prebiotics (found in foods like onions, garlic, and bananas), and antioxidants helps nourish your beneficial gut bacteria, including L. reuteri.
Conclusion
“Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a multi-benefit probiotic that supports not only gut health but also immune function, skin health, bone density, and even oral hygiene. By incorporating this super-friendly bacterium into your routine through probiotic-rich foods, supplements, or fermented products, you can help optimize your overall health and well-being.”
