Meet the Lactobacillus Genus

title

Meet the Lactobacillus Genus

Lactobacillus acidophilus, used to make yoghurt and fermented foods is one of many beneficial bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillus genus.

This group contains Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria. As lactic acid bacteria, a key feature is their ability to ferment carbohydrates in the gut and produce lactic acid as a metabolic end-product of digestion. Lactobacilli are one of the most important bacterial types for human nutrition, used to ferment foods and as probiotics.¹

There is increasing evidence that consuming probiotics confers a range of benefits, supporting general health and wellbeing, as well as gastrointestinal and immune system health.

Probiotics containing Lactobacilli will commonly include other bacterial types including Bifidobacteria. Research with individuals taking a probiotic combination of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 (3 billion CFU/day for 3 weeks) has indicated the possible improvement with stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.²

Discuss with your practitioner if probiotics may be of benefit to you.

Click here to Find a Practitioner.

References

1 - Salvetti E, Torriani S, Felis GE. The genus Lactobacillus: a taxonomic update. Probiotics & Antimicro. Prot. 2012;4:217–226.
2 - Diop L, Guillou S, Durand H. Probiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Nutr Res. 2008 Jan;28(1):1-5.

Posts from Integria

Posts from Integria

Explore all blog posts

Patient Education Series - Understanding the Fight or Flight Stress Response

Join Emma Van Den Driest as she unpacks the biology of the fight or flight stress response, and explains the vital balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems – understand better how chronic stress can contribute to long-term health challenges such as anxiety, fatigue, hormone imbalances, and more. Learn how your body reacts to perceived threats through the Sympathetic Nervous System, and why the ancient survival mechanism, and the misidentification of threats in our modern world, may be leading to nervous system dysregulation and is no longer functioning to protect us. This learning module encourages a better understanding of stress and how it can effect everything from digestion to immune function. Take charge of your nervous system, reduce the complications of chronic stress response activation, move back into parasympathetic dominance and find your calm.

Patient Education Series - Eating Well - Part 2: Meal Prepping

In this episode of the Patient Education Series, Nutritionist and Naturopath Emma Van Den Driest explores the key principles of meal prepping - an essential practice for maximising time efficiency to achieve realistic nutrition-related goals, by aligning meal prepping strategies with personal health objectives. Whether you're running an entire family, working long hours, or simply aiming towards eating more balanced meals, Emma guides you through the process of creating actionable and achievable goals. Emma also discusses how to establish sustainable habits around meal prepping, ensuring that you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. With expert advice on kitchen essentials, you can build a well-stocked kitchen that supports healthy eating without going over budget. From pantry staples to fresh ingredients, learn what to keep on hand for effortless meal planning and prepping. With practical and delicious meal examples, learn how to craft a meal prep routine that is both effective and flexible. Create a clear plan to streamline your cooking routine, enhance your nutrition, and stay on track with your health goals - all while saving valuable time during the week for maximum convenience and nutritional benefit.

Patient Education Series - Eating Well - Part 1: Meal Planning

In this episode of the Patient Education Series, Nutritionist and Naturopath Emma Van Den Driest takes us through the fundamentals of effective meal planning. Learn how to organise your week and avoid falling into the habit of skipped meals, last-minute cooking and emergency take-away dinners, with time-efficient and budget-friendly strategies. Learn how to create a balanced plate and meet nutritional needs with specific macronutrients and food groups. With these strategies and meal plan examples, you will be better equipped to take control of your meals, and make informed, health-conscious decisions to foster a more consistent approach to nutrition and meal planning. Feel empowered to make healthier, more intentional food choices every day, reduce food waste, and maintain a more balanced, sustainable approach to eating well.