Streptococcus Thermophilus is considered to be one of the most powerful probiotics strains available and it has very well researched and proven health benefits. It is classified in the lactic acid bacterium section and is usually found in the colon. Some people confuse it with strep throat but these are two very different things. Streptococcus Thermophilus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium are both found in the same genus but that tends to be the only similarity they have. The latter is well known to cause a very dreadful disease while the former has numerous health benefits, some of which include digestion and immunity.
Streptococcus Thermophilus is used to culture cheese and yogurt and it produces lactase, which helps lactose intolerant people digest milk more effectively. In addition to that, it produces antibiotic chemicals that prevent infections like pneumonia. Some of the health benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus include:
An improvement in lactose digestion
There are quite many people who tend to be lactose intolerant, which means that their digestive system is not able to process lactose. This leads to gas, bloating and other similar problems. Streptococcus Thermophilus helps the body in breaking down lactose converting it to lactic acid.
The reduction of acute diarrhea
According to the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology that published a study that had been carried out, Streptococcus Thermophilus was proven to reduce acute diarrhea and more so in babies.
Improves skin health
One of the major health benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus is its ability to increase the level of ceramide found in the skin. Ceramide are waxy lipid molecules that are composed of sphingosine and fatty acids. It is ceramide that protects the skin from UV rays and keeps it hydrated.
Enhancement of kidney treatment
One of the many health benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus is its help in breaking down urea. People who have kidney problems are always unable to eliminate this toxin but Streptococcus Thermophilus helps to break it down making it easier to eliminate it from the body. With this, enteric dialysis, an experimental treatment for kidney disease a lot cheaper compared to the conventional dialysis, is improved efficiently.
Improvement in digestion
Probiotics improve the overall health of the gut and aid the digestive process. Streptococcus Thermophilus helps to fight the harmful microbes that usually cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, indigestion and other similar digestive problems.
Reduces baby colic
When a baby cries a lot more than the usual expected to be normal, they are considered colicky. When a baby cries too much for too long then that is considered abnormal. Still, what causes colic? This is something study that doctors lack a clear answer about yet, but they think that it is associated with gastrointestinal stress.
When a colicky baby is given Streptococcus Thermophilus combines with other probiotics strains, good bacteria is increased in the gut and this reduces the colic episodes due to the improved health.
Reduction in leak gut symptoms
Leaky gut is a very serious condition where the intestinal waste finds its way into the bloodstream. This happens through weak intestinal walls also known as intestinal permeability. This condition is a contributing factor to Crohn’s disease as well as the Celiac disease but Streptococcus Thermophilus reduces the leaky gut symptoms, strengthening the walls and reducing permeability.
Strengthened immune system
Streptococcus Thermophilus helps fight infections because this bacterium actually boosts the immune system.
Reduction of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease symptoms
These two conditions are some of the most frustrating and deliberating that you do not want to be suffering from them. A digestive study that was carried out on mice indicated that inflammations that were caused by these conditions can be significantly reduced by Streptococcus Thermophilus lowering the chances of Clostridium Difficile growth.
Lowered bad cholesterol levels
LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol is a leading cause of atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries. Streptococcus Thermophilus together with other probiotics helps to bind LDL molecules and prevents them from going into the bloodstream.
Fighting Clostridium Difficile
This is a pathogenic bacterium that causes waves in the antibiotic field, given the fact that it is a superbug resistant to antibiotics. This bacterium has been known to appear in hospitals and nursing homes causing life-threatening colon inflammation and diarrhea. However, Streptococcus Thermophilus lowers the chances of its growth.
Streptococcus Thermophilus side effects
Aside from all the health benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus, there are a few minor side effects it comes with. These include cramps, diarrhea, rashes, gas, and etcetera. Of course, these are minor and should not be alarming. On the contrary, they are an indication that the bacterium is working effectively. If the need arises, you can reduce the intensity of these side effects by drinking a lot of water and reducing the number of pills you take.
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