Good Bacteria: Best Probiotic Strains for Gut Health

The term bacteria, often confused with something terrible for our health, also holds health-promising potential. Our gut presents a natural habitat to several good bacteria that are key to unlocking a healthier you. 

Probiotic strains are the superheroes of the microbial world, working tirelessly to maintain balance, fight off harmful invaders, and keep our digestive system in top shape.

Despite several studies, people still need to learn about what is good bacteria in the gut.  And what do good bacteria do? 

This article will be a comprehensive guide aiming to clear all the misconceptions about good bacteria, AKA probiotics, in the gut. 

What Is Good Bacteria? 

Good bacteria, also known as beneficial bacteria, is an army of microorganisms quietly working with their magic to resolve gut health issues. 

These friendly microbes fortify our gut defenses, bolster our immune system, and enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring we get the most out of every meal. Certain good microbes also assist the digestive system in smooth digestion. 

They fight off harmful bacteria and maintain a healthy gut flora. Beyond the gut, they also modulate inflammation and contribute to mental well-being. 

It means by nurturing the growth of good bacteria within the gut, we can achieve the quality of health.

Are Good Bacteria called Probiotics

These buzzwords often intertwine, leaving many wondering how probiotics differ from good bacteria. 

Probiotics are the live strains of bacteria that, on ingestion, increase the levels of good bacteria in the gut. Both Probiotics and good bacteria have a synergy in action in a way that they collectively enhance the resilience of our existing microbial community, resulting in improved gut health problems. 

We can achieve the ultimate gut health goal by embracing a holistic approach incorporating probiotic supplements and good bacteria. In addition, nurturing your natural microbial ecosystem with food sources of prebiotic fibers is also crucial. 

Also Read - Probiotic vs Prebiotic supplements

Role of Good Bacteria or Probiotics in Gut Health 

The purpose of good bacteria is clear now. Let's move to its role in adding to overall health. 

• Balance microbial ecosystem

Good bacteria and Probiotics produce substances such as lactic acid and bacteriocins which suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a harmonious balance of natural microbiota. They also affect the attachment sites of harmful microbes in the gut, thus further limiting their ability to colonize and survive. 

• Enhancing Digestive Function:

Both good bacteria and probiotics improve the efficiency of the digestive system by aiding nutrient digestion and absorption. In addition, specific probiotic strains also produce digestive enzymes for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fats. 

• Strengthening the Gut Barrier

Research shows beneficial bacteria, either natural inhabitants or strains, strengthen intestinal berries by producing tight junction proteins. 

• Managing Digestive Disorders:

Certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, can alleviate digestive disorders. Saccharomyces boulardii relieves antibiotic-associated diarrhea by restoring gut balance.  

• Detoxification and Elimination:

In addition, probiotics and good bacteria can also break down harmful toxins in the gut and eliminate thus making the gut environment healthy and clean. 

What are Bacteria Strains in Probiotics

The most common genera of bacteria with health-promising effects are Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. 

Several probiotic strains are known for improving health and boosting immunity. Let’s enlist a few. 

• Lactobacillus acidophilus 

It is a widely researched effective probiotic strain. Lactobacillus acidophilus breaks down the lactose and promotes digestion. It has also been shown to create a well-balanced gut microbial flora. 

• Saccharomyces boulardii:

Other than bacterial strains, yeast strains also have health-promoting potentials. Saccharomyces boulardii alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections, and other gastrointestinal disturbances. It also limits intestinal permeability overall, strengthening the intestinal barrier. 

• Lactobacillus plantarum:

This probiotic strain has a robust ability to withstand the acidic environment of the intestine. Lactobacillus plantarum supports digestion and limits inflammation. 

• Bifidobacterium longum:

B.longum has the potential to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

• Lactobacillus casei:

Lactobacillus casei, a potent probiotic strain, competes with harmful bacteria in nourishment and attachment sites. It also promotes healthy digestion and absorption of complex nutrients. It also improves gut lining integrity, thus regulating permeability. 

How to Increase Good Bacteria in the Gut Naturally

There are several ways to improve your gut health. However, improving gut health naturally is the most preferred one since it comes with no side effects plus enhanced overall health. Out of many, the following are the best ways to improve gut health quickly: 

1. Adding probiotic-rich food is always a good option to get optimal gut health with good bacteria. You can have yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and others. 
2. Add as much prebiotic fiber as possible to enhance the probiotic effect of strains and good bacteria. 
3. Dark coffee and chocolates are rich in polyphenols that boost gut bacteria. 
4. Also, add fermented food to your diet, such as cheese or kimchi, that will source you with the necessary healthy strains. 
5. Get enough sleep, as limiting sleep could also negatively impact the intestinal ecosystem. 

What Food Grows Good Bacteria? 

There are several food sources of good bacteria that you can add to enjoy optimal health. The best food sources are:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Yogurt
• Pickles 
• Olive oil 
• Almonds 

What is the Most Effective Form of Probiotics? 

The best form of probiotic strains is the probiotic supplements with 50 billion CFUs of live strain bacteria, all proposed to improve gut health. These supplements can be added to the dietary sources of beneficial bacteria. 

Probiocan: An Ultimate Gut Support

ProbioCan is a science-backed gut health supplement tailored to seven-bacterial strains. This supplement balances the natural intestinal microbiota and alleviates gastrointestinal irrationality.  It is a Canadian GMP and GMO-compliant product made under experts' supervision. Candian online supplements are generally considered the most effective due to their active choice of live strains added to their probiotics.  

BOTTOM LINE 

In a nutshell, probiotics and naturally beneficial bacteria are the defenders of our gut. They prompt a synergetic effect together with prebiotic fibers to enhance gut functionality.