HEALTH BENEFITS OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM

For those seeking better gut health and a stronger immune system, Lactobacillus plantarum is often a natural remedy of choice. Lactobacillus plantarum is a live microorganism naturally present in the gut. It is a probiotic strain available as a dietary supplement and found in fermented foods such as pickles and sauerkraut.

Mechanism of Action

Lactobacillus plantarum possesses unique properties that make it particularly effective as a health enhancer.

• For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum has a strong ability to bind to the intestinal mucosa (the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract), thereby increasing the population of beneficial gut bacteria.
• It is also believed to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against health issues related to inflammation.

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Health Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum

Often referred to as “friendly bacteria,” probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum stimulate digestion, fight pathogenic bacteria, and assist the body in producing vitamins. Many people use probiotics to treat or prevent specific health problems, such as seasonal allergies and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Like many probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum is regarded as a natural method to manage digestive issues and restore the immune system. It may help treat or prevent the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)

Additionally, Lactobacillus plantarum may enhance memory, improve athletic performance, and promote weight loss.

Key Health Benefits:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
   Some clinical trials suggest that this probiotic may alleviate certain IBS symptoms. However, further research is needed before recommending Lactobacillus plantarum as a treatment for IBS.

2. Eczema:
   Lactobacillus plantarum may benefit children with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. A small clinical trial published in the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology journal in 2012 involved 83 children (ages 12 months to 13 years) with atopic dermatitis, showing promising results.

3. Cardiovascular Health:
   According to a small study published in Nutrition in 2014, Lactobacillus plantarum may support cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
   After 90 days, participants treated with Lactobacillus plantarum showed greater improvements in certain cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., high blood sugar levels) compared to those consuming non-fermented milk.

While some studies indicate that Lactobacillus plantarum offers several benefits, larger-scale clinical trials are required to confirm these effects.

To increase your intake of Lactobacillus plantarum through food, consider fermented options like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and brined olives. If you are considering taking Lactobacillus plantarum as a dietary supplement, consult your doctor beforehand.

References:

1. Verywell Health