Lactobacillus plantarum: A Healthy Probiotic Strain

red-sauerkraut-in-glass-jar

To continue our series on probiotics, I’m going to introduce you to another important strain – Lactobacillus plantarum. As with other probiotics, this strain supports the digestive system and encourages healthy immune function. This strain, when combined with other beneficial strains of bacteria, may support overall health and wellbeing. [1] To get a better handle on the benefits of this powerful probiotic, let’s get into the research.

Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum

L. plantarum works to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria and does so while helping out with digestion and optimizing levels of vitamins and minerals. In fact, L. plantarum can actually synthesize some nutrients, like L-lysine. [2] Animal models show Lactobacillus plantarum may be helpful in reducing bacterial translocation, a benefit dependent on bacterial adhesion to the intestinal wall. [3]

Antibiotics are becoming an increasingly common contributor to hospital-acquired infections, and research shows Lactobacillus plantarum may be of help. Because antibiotics deplete natural gut flora, it opens the way for spore-forming bacteria to infect and proliferate. One study has shown supplementation with L. plantarum may reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in hospitalized patients following antibiotic administration. [4] In addition to this benefit, L. plantarum may also reduce gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with antibiotics. [5] Still, others note many of the same benefits as with Lactobacillus probiotics: decreased colorectal cancer risk is a big one. [6]

Supplementing Lactobacillus plantarum

One of the best way to receive Lactobacillus plantarum regularly is to choose a supplement that includes the strain in combination with many others. But whether you get your probiotics through diet or a top-quality supplement, don’t forget the prebiotics. These are essentially the food sources for probiotics and could also go a long way in boosting health. Many prebiotics can be found in garlic, chicory root, and pure inulin. A probiotic supplement that contains prebiotics as well as probiotics, like Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic, could be a helpful addition to your life.

References (6)
  1. Bravo, J. et al. Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 108 (38).
  2. Cahyanto MN, Kawasaki H, Nagashio M, Fujiyama K, Seki T. Construction of Lactobacillus plantarum strain with enhanced L-lysine yield. J Appl Microbiol. 2007 Mar;102(3):674-9.
  3. Mangell P, Lennernas P, Wang M, et al. Adhesive capability of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is important for preventing bacterial translocation in endotoxemic rats. APMIS. 2006 Sep;114(9):611-8.
  4. Klarin B, Wullt M, Palmquist I, et al. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v reduces colonisation of Clostridium difficile in critically ill patients treated with antibiotics. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2008 Sep;52(8):1096-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2008.01758.
  5. Lonnermark E, Friman V, Lappas G, et al. Intake of Lactobacillus plantarum reduces certain gastrointestinal symptoms during treatment with antibiotics. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2010 Feb;44(2):106-12. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181b2683f.
  6. Mark S. Geier, Ross N. Butler, Gordon S. Howarth. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: A role in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer? Cancer Biology & Therapy. 2006;10(5):1265-1269. doi: 10.4161/cbt.5.10.3296.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
Your Body Is the Medicine: An Overview of Self-Healing
This post is an introduction to Your Body Is the Medicine – a Global Healing series that dives into eight self-healing systems, how they work, and what you can do...
Inflammation: Why It Happens and How to Turn It Into Healing Power
Inflammation is your body's natural way of defending and healing itself. When you get a cut, twist an ankle, or fight off an infection, your immune system responds with inflammation...
How Your Digestive System Affects Whole-Body Health
Every day, your digestive system works tirelessly to break down your food, absorb essential nutrients, and eliminate waste. But its role goes far beyond that – it's intricately connected to...
The Overactive Immune System: Strategies for Restoring Natural Function
Have you ever felt like your body is working against you? Maybe it's recurring colds, lingering fatigue, or persistent signs of inflammation. These frustrating symptoms aren't random – they're your...
Neuroplasticity: Wire Your Mind for Healing
Every second, billions of neurons, or nerve cells, communicate so you can think, breathe, move, see, smell, taste, feel... Your nervous system essentially shapes your existence – the way you...
What Is In the Air You Breathe? Understanding Toxins & Respiratory Health
For most of us, air quality isn't something we worry about when we're indoors. When you think of "air pollution," you probably visualize thick, black smoke rising out of industrial...
Back to blog