What Is Lactobacillus Paracasei?
Lactobacillus paracasei is a strain of healthy bacteria. This bacterium is also called flora or probiotic. There are many different strains of healthy bacteria that help to improve digestive health by fighting bad bacteria that enters the body. These little critters are basically digestive helpers. When a person consumes antibiotics, all the good and the bad bacteria are killed, which can cause problems such as yeast overgrowth within the body. Good bacteria help the body by maintaining healthy digestive juices as well as improving immune function.
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Where is Lactobacillus Paracasei Found Naturally?
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Lactobacillus paracasei is found naturally in fermented products, yogurt and natural diary products like raw milk. You won't find this friendly flora in pasteurized milk, because the manufacturing process actually kills all good and bad bacteria in addition to other nutrients. Raw milk contains enzymes, while blood cells, flora and other beneficial nutrients. It is perfectly safe and good for your health when it is purchased from a clean local organic dairy.
To What Products is Lactobacillus Paracasei Added?
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Lactobacillus paracasei can also be taken as a supplement. It is added to some super green juice blends, health bars, oatmeal and other health products. You will also find that Lactobacillus is combined with other strains of healthy bacteria in a refrigerated supplement at your local health food store. The healthy bacteria strains are more effective when combined with sister strains of bacteria. They work together to fend off the bad bugs.
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How Is It Made?
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Lactobacillus paracasei is made just like other strains of healthy bacteria. It is created through a fermentation process and then the bacterium is freeze-dried to maintain its lifespan. Most labs combine the flora with rice starch or another binding material. The culture also goes through a testing process to maintain purity and ensure that no harmful bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella are contained within the same culture. The goal is to only manufacture proven good forms of bacteria. To increase product shelf life, refrigeration is often necessary.
Dosage
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The dosage needed varies from person to person. The minimum dosage for children is 3 to 5 billion strains. Probiotics meant for children are typically sold in a powder form that can be added to milk or other healthy beverages, like raw apple juice. Adults should take 10 to 20 billion strains to achieve the highest level of health benefits.
Other Health Benefits of Lactobacillus Paracasei
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We already know that Lactobacillus parcasei improves digestion and immune function by fighting off bad bacteria. These healthy bacteria can also help the body in many other ways. For instance, this strain of flora helps to calm digestive upsets, assists other strains of bacterium, as well as improves the absorption of nutrients and lipids in the gut.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Flickr-Photograher-Wildneress gal- Raw milk
