Exploring Lactobacillus Helveticus: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Precautions
Feb 15, 2024 - 3 min readLactobacillus Helveticus: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, and Dosing
What is Lactobacillus Helveticus?
Lactobacillus helveticus is a probiotic bacterium that is found in fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir, and cheese. It is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form.
Lactobacillus helveticus is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is non-motile and non-spore-forming. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning that it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. Lactobacillus helveticus is acid-tolerant and can survive in the low pH environment of the stomach.
Uses of Lactobacillus Helveticus
Lactobacillus helveticus has a number of health benefits, including:
- Improved digestion: Lactobacillus helveticus helps to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk, which can make it easier to digest dairy products. It also helps to produce lactic acid, which can help to improve the absorption of nutrients from food.
- Boosted immunity: Lactobacillus helveticus helps to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. It also helps to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Reduced cholesterol: Lactobacillus helveticus helps to reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the intestines and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Improved blood sugar control: Lactobacillus helveticus helps to improve blood sugar control by slowing down the absorption of glucose from food. It also helps to increase the production of insulin, which is the hormone that helps to lower blood sugar levels.
- Reduced inflammation: Lactobacillus helveticus helps to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. It also helps to protect against oxidative stress, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation.
Side Effects of Lactobacillus Helveticus
Lactobacillus helveticus is generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects, such as:
- Gas and bloating: Lactobacillus helveticus can produce gas and bloating, especially when taken in large doses.
- Diarrhea: Lactobacillus helveticus can cause diarrhea, especially in people who are not used to taking probiotics.
- Nausea: Lactobacillus helveticus can cause nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Precautions
Lactobacillus helveticus is generally safe for most people, but there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- People with weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems should talk to their doctor before taking Lactobacillus helveticus. Probiotics can be harmful to people with weakened immune systems.
- People taking antibiotics: People taking antibiotics should talk to their doctor before taking Lactobacillus helveticus. Probiotics can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lactobacillus helveticus is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dosing
The recommended dose of Lactobacillus helveticus is 1-2 billion CFUs per day. However, the optimal dose may vary depending on the individual. It is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as tolerated.
Lactobacillus helveticus can be taken with or without food. It is best to take it at the same time each day to ensure consistency.
Conclusion
Lactobacillus helveticus is a probiotic bacterium that has a number of health benefits. It is available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form. Lactobacillus helveticus is generally safe for most people, but there are some precautions to keep in mind. The recommended dose of Lactobacillus helveticus is 1-2 billion CFUs per day.