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What types of lactic acid bacteria are there and what are their effects?

乳酸菌にはどんな種類と効果効能があるの?

Type of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria is a general term for Gram-positive bacteria that produce lactic acid. The types of common lactic acid bacteria and their effects are described below.

① Lactobacillus:

Lactobacillus is the most common lactic acid bacterium, often present in yogurt and fermented foods. Its main action is the conversion of lactose to lactic acid. It also has the effect of improving the balance of good bacteria in the intestines and promoting digestion.

② Bifidobacterium:

Bifidobacteria are primarily found in the gut and are known as probiotics. The main effects are improvement of intestinal environment and improvement of immune function. Bifidobacteria also play a role in maintaining a healthy intestinal balance by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

③ Streptococcus genus:

Streptococcus is a type of lactic acid bacteria and is involved in the fermentation of yogurt and cheese. It is also known that some Streptococcus spp. have immunomodulatory and antibacterial activity.

④Enterococcus genus:

A lactic acid bacterium that exists in the intestine and works to maintain the balance in the digestive tract. It is also said to have immune system activation and antibacterial properties.

These lactic acid bacteria play various roles in the digestive system and are thought to contribute to maintaining a healthy intestinal environment and improving immune function. However, since the action of lactic acid bacteria varies depending on the strain, specific effects and efficacy may depend on individual strains.

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Effects of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria have various effects and efficacy. Some representative examples are introduced below.

Improvement of intestinal environment

Lactic acid bacteria improve the intestinal environment by increasing the number of good bacteria living in the intestine and suppressing the growth of bad bacteria. In addition, by lowering the pH value in the intestine, it keeps the intestinal environment acidic, prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, and prevents obesity, diabetes, colon cancer, arteriosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, aging, etc. Masu.

Improving immunity

Lactic acid bacteria are known to promote the activation of immune cells and improve immunity. In addition, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria is expected to enhance intestinal immunity and reduce the risk of developing cancer, infectious diseases, and allergic diseases.

Digestive improvement

Lactic acid bacteria decompose dietary fiber in the intestines and improve the intestinal environment, which has the effect of improving bowel movements. In addition, it promotes the absorption of nutrients in the intestine and helps improve nutritional deficiencies. When the intestinal environment is in place and bowel movements become smooth, it becomes easier to lose weight naturally.

Improvement of atopic dermatitis

Lactic acid bacteria are said to be effective in improving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. By increasing the number of good bacteria, it is expected to improve the intestinal environment and reduce the risk of developing allergic diseases.

Improved cholesterol levels

Promotes fat and sugar metabolism. Lactic acid bacteria absorb bad cholesterol and eliminate unnecessary lipids and sugars. Therefore, lipid metabolism and obesity are improved, and body fat is less likely to accumulate.

production of melatonin

This is an important substance that induces natural sleep and improves sleep quality. In addition, lactic acid bacteria are said to have the effect of relieving stress and adjusting the autonomic nervous system. By adjusting the body clock, the life rhythm is improved by improving mental stability and sleep quality. Staying up late will help prevent overeating and drinking.

prevention of aging

Some lactic acid bacteria have been suggested to have the potential to prevent aging. For example, there is an experimental result that aging is suppressed by giving specific lactic acid bacteria to "aging accelerated model mice" that have a shorter lifespan than normal mice and develop various diseases related to aging. In experiments, it was found that there was an inhibitory effect even if taken after the onset of aging.

The above are some of the representative effects of lactic acid bacteria. However, since the effects and efficacy of lactic acid bacteria differ depending on the bacterial species, it may differ depending on the individual product. In addition, the effects and potency may differ depending on the constitution and health condition.

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