Why Is Streptococcus Thermophilus Considered A Healthy Bacterium For Humans?
Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the healthy bacteria found in most probiotics. Unlike some other bacteria and viruses that are known to cause infections and serious diseases, probiotics like Streptococcus thermophilus are revered for their ability to support the functions of the immune system.
These bacteria can also help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and minimize oxidative stress caused due to free radicals.
Here is a brief discussion about the role of Streptococcus thermophilus in the management of diseases linked to the digestive and immune systems and the reasons these are considered healthy bacteria for humans.
What are the Health Benefits of Streptococcus thermophilus?
1. Improves Gut Health
Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the most effective strains of probiotic organisms found naturally in the intestine of humans. These are healthy bacteria that reside and replicate in the digestive, and urinary systems without causing any symptoms or diseases.
Streptococcus thermophilus is commonly used in the production of probiotic supplements or fermented dairy foods like yogurt.
These bacteria belong to the group of organisms known as lactic acid bacteria and are included in probiotics supplements for their ability to produce an action opposite to that of antibiotics. These friendly bacteria can promote the growth of healthy strains of microorganisms, which, in turn, can support the breakdown of foods, and absorption of nutrients.
Streptococcus thermophilus has the ability to survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and intestines without being destroyed by gastric acid and bile. Hence, it is expected to work as an excellent probiotic for supporting the growth of healthy and diverse strains of bacteria in the gut.
Studies have revealed that Streptococcus thermophilus could help to relieve the signs of digestive troubles like diarrhea, and constipation. The use of supplements containing these healthy bacteria may also help to improve hormonal balance in the body thereby enabling diabetes control.
they could also improve the symptoms of common gastrointestinal disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and inflammatory bowel diseases. Streptococcus thermophilus may also provide relief from the symptoms of food allergies and lactose intolerance. Patients who suffer from the issues linked to the reduced secretion of lactase, an enzyme needed for the breakdown of milk sugars, would be able to derive significant relief by supplementing with Streptococcus thermophilus. This strain would facilitate the digestion of milk sugars by using its own lactic acid, thus reducing the symptoms of intolerance.
Prevents Infections
Though the name of this species ‘streptococcus’ is similar to the common pathogenic bacteria known to cause a sore throat, S. thermophilus is one of the healthy strains of organisms that have been clinically proven to be ‘pro-life’ in nature.
The other strains of the genus Streptococcus are linked to serious infective conditions like throat infections caused due to Streptococcus pyogenes and pneumonia caused due to Streptococcus pneumonia. However, Streptococcus thermophilus has been found to protect people against infections.
Studies have shown that Streptococcus thermophilus lacks the genes or surface proteins that pathogenic streptococci need to adhere to mucosal surfaces to evade the defense mechanisms triggered by the host. Hence, Streptococcus thermophilus is widely accepted as the safe probiotic for the prevention of infections. This also suggests that the regular use of probiotics containing Streptococcus thermophilus would modify the body’s defense mechanisms and help to reduce the risk of infections.
Improves Immunity
Patients with a weak immune system could benefit significantly from the use of supplements containing Streptococcus thermophilus. Studies have shown that this healthy strain can fight fungi, viruses, and parasites invading the gastrointestinal and urinary systems.
S. thermophilus would help to reduce gut inflammation, reduce pathogen activity, minimize free radical damage, and improve overall health. Research studies have also shown that infants treated with Streptococcus thermophilus have a lower risk of developing rotavirus diarrhea. This indicates the immunity-boosting potential of Streptococcus thermophilus.
Several studies have strongly suggested that strains of healthy bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus could provide a wide range of health benefits. These benefits can be improved further by including immunity-boosting supplements like BioPro-Plus in your routine. BioPro-Plus has been formulated keeping in mind the need to support and regulate the activities of immune cells to optimize bodily functions.
The combined use of Streptococcus thermophilus and BioPro-Plus could strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, support digestion, and enhance the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and other disease-causing agents.
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