Lactobacillus gasseri is a bacteria strain that belongs to the Lactobacillus family, which is present in the digestive organs, urinary tract, and human breast milk.
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What Does Lactobacillus Gasseri Do?
Lactobacillus gasseri has become a very popular probiotic in recent years. As with all the other popular “good bacteria”, Lactobacillus gasseri is naturally-occurring in the human body. It’s also present in certain foods.
People often take Lactobacillus gasseri in supplement form because it appears to reduce inflammation and offer several other desirable health benefits.
Lactobacillus gasseri is a bacteria strain that belongs to the Lactobacillus family, which is present in the digestive organs, urinary tract, and human breast milk.
Among other virtues, this popular probiotic aids digestion. It’s also good for suppressing the activity of harmful bacteria strains and boosting immune function.
Additionally, Lactobacillus gasseri also appears to offer some other very desirable benefits including:
- Preventing peptic ulcers
- Protecting against bacterial vaginosis
- Reducing menstrual pain
- Weight management
- Easing the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Although Lactobacillus gasseri is a probiotic that’s capable of working well alone, supplement manufacturers often combine it with other probiotics that can support and enhance its benefits.
A Look at Some Research on Lactobacillus gasseri
Researchers have explored the capabilities of Lactobacillus gasseri in several areas:
Weight Loss
The results of one study, involving the Lactobacillus gasseri strain BNR17, shows supplementation with the probiotic, over a 12-week term, significantly reduced visceral fat levels and waist circumference in obese adults.
The results of several studies, both animal and human-based, suggest the probiotic has value in this area. However, it doesn’t have a 100 percent success rate as far as scientific study goes.
The participants in one study, conducted in 2013 by scientists in Korea, show Lactobacillus gasseri failed to offer significant value over a placebo.
There seems to be a link between probiotics and weight loss.
vagin*l Health
Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria strains support good vagin*l health by controlling harmful bacteria and fungi. Needless to say, some women favor this probiotic for that reason.
However, although many women report excellent results, some research suggests taking probiotics orally may not be the best way to use them to fight vagin*l infections.
According to the results of one study from 2015, when it comes to fighting bacterial vaginosis, Lactobacillus gasseri may work best when taken as a suppository.
That’s not to say oral probiotic supplements have no value in this area. It just appears probiotic suppositories may offer more.
Menstrual Problems
Lactobacillus gasseri also appears to have value as a treatment for menstrual pain aggravated by endometriosis.
The results of one study, conducted in Japan, certainly support using the probiotic in this way. Sixty-six women took part, all of whom had endometriosis. Some of the women were given Lactobacillus gasseri in tablet form. Others got a placebo.
The study ran for 12 weeks and the women given the probiotic reported feeling a reduction in menstrual pain.
Bowel Diseases and Problems
Several Lactobacillus bacteria strains appear to be good for relieving pain and discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
In 2011, Ulcers (Journal) published the results of a clinical review of several studies. After examining the data, the researchers responsible for the review confirm Lactobacillus gasseri’s ability to reduce inflammation of the colon and control the symptoms of IBS and ulcerative colitis.
However, although it has value for controlling the symptoms of bowel infections, Lactobacillus gasseri appears to be less capable of preventing them.
The probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii appear to offer more value in this regard. When used alongside other therapies, they have a greater success rate for reducing the recurrence of IBS and IBD.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Formerly known as Campylobacter pylori, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, microaerophilic, spiral bacterium. H. pylori infection occurs when the bacteria infects the stomach.
Infection usually occurs during childhood. Most people don’t realize they have the infection because it does not cause them to become sick. However, unlucky individuals develop symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Research shows people who receive treatments that combine Lactobacillus gasseri with Lactobacillus acidophilus and other strains of probiotic bacteria can be effective for controlling H. pylori infection when the probiotics are used alongside antibiotics.
However, researchers have yet to determine the true extent of Lactobacillus gasseri’s individual value when it’s used in this way.
Stress and Anxiety
Researchers in Japan carried out an interesting study that evaluated Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305’s ability to control chronic stress.
Sixty Japanese medical students took part. All of them were preparing for the national examination for medical practitioners. Needless to say, this was a stressful time for them.
The study ran for 24 weeks. During that time, the volunteers were given tablets that contained either the probiotic or a placebo.
The data from the study shows some interesting results. As well as improving the mental state of the volunteers, the tablets containing the probiotic also brought about improvements in sleep and overall gut microbiota.
Lactobacillus Gasseri Side Effects
Like other probiotics, L gasseri is safe for most people to use. However, people whose immune systems have been compromised by disease or medical treatments will need to avoid using probiotics unless their doctor says it is safe to do so.
Probiotics may cause minor stomach issues, such as bloating and gas, during the early stages of use. Fortunately, problems of this nature generally disappear after the body has become accustomed to the changes in gut microbiome.
Lactobacillus Gasseri In Summary
Lactobacillus gasseri is a popular probiotic that shows potential in several areas. including supporting weight loss and providing improvements in vagin*l health. It may also offer relief from certain menstrual problems and gut diseases such as IBS and IBD.
In addition to its ability to benefit the body, it may also deliver improvements in sleep and state of mind.
Although there can be no denying there continues to be a need for further study, Lactobacillus gasseri is a versatile probiotic that appears to have a great potential to do good.
