Answer: Yes.
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Is Lactobacillus Vegan?
Are you looking for a diet option that contains a lot of nutrients but is also free of dairy? Lactobacillus is one such product that provides your body with millions of good bacteria. When we consume it, we invite these bacteria to boost our immunity.
Lactobacillus does not contain any dairy products. In some cases, milk can be used to produce it in some amount. However, this depends on the kind of Lactobacillus you want to make. If any milk is used in its production, it is mentioned on the pack.
Now that you know that Lactobacillus is a go-to food for vegans, you should also know the various other facts related to this product. There are multiple benefits that it can add to your diet. Want to learn Lactobacillus is vegan and what it has in store for your vegan diet? Read below to know more.
What Is Lactobacillus?
Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria that is generated in lactic acid. The ‘Lacto’ in its name might suggest something to do with milk. On the contrary, it gets its name from the lactic acid in which the bacteria is produced.
Lactic acid has a sour taste and is an integral product of the many natural processes in our bodies. Many good bacteria in our bodies prevent diseases and make our bodies healthy. A significant chunk of these bacteria is Lactobacillus.
These bacteria and human beings are co-dependent on each other. We get many pathogens from them that help us fight diseases, and they get nourishment by feeding on the leftovers in the digestive system.
Food products containing probiotics are often considered to have been generated from dairy products such as yogurt or kefir. However, there are many sources of vegan food that we generally don’t consider. Some of these sources are kimchi, water kefir, miso, sauerkraut, etc. If you have any confusion regarding your probiotic supplements, you can always look at the pack and know their actual ingredients.
Why Do People Use Probiotic Bacteria?
Only a few people know the importance of good bacteria entering our bodies. There are so many benefits associated with consuming probiotics. These bacteria help you build up immunity by building a healthier digestive tract. As 70% of your immunity resides within the digestive system, these bacteria work great in making you healthier.
Moreover, various studies are being done across the globe that explain how well probiotics can keep you away from different chronic health conditions. Sometimes, doctors even use probiotics to treat these conditions.
If you are suffering from a disturbed sleep cycle or even mental problems, taking a controlled and prescribed dose of probiotic products can help you improve a lot. As these bacteria make a good connection with the gut and the brain, they make the connection stronger and relax the muscles.
Lactobacillus Flavor
Since Lactobacillus is one of the bacteria that produce lactic acid, they bring in tartness in the taste of any food product in which it is added. This tartness or flavor can be found in buttermilk, yogurt, and many sour beers.
Some beer-servicing places keep a separate chunk of Lactobacillus to increase the amount of tartness that a customer might ask for. With these beers, you can get a unique taste that is difficult to find from any other kind of bacteria.
Benefits
Lactobacillus, when consumed in the right amounts, can provide several health benefits. Some of the most common ones are mentioned below.
Cholesterol Reduction
Since an increase in cholesterol levels can put you at high risk, it is always best to start taking precautions from the early stages. There have been studies that suggest the effectiveness of probiotics on high bad cholesterol levels.
Preventing Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common disease that people usually pick from bacterial infections. Though it seems harmless at first, diarrhea may create considerable complications in your body if left untreated. If the problem persists for a long time, it is always good to see a doctor.
As children are more likely to suffer from this disease, you need a safe preventive measure that boosts immunity; Lactobacillus is one such product that would work great in these situations.
Treating Vaginal Infections
The vagina is a very sensitive part of the female reproductive system, and it is very susceptible to infections. To treat such infections, you can go for Lactobacillus, which will naturally soothe the irritable region.
Assisting Weight Loss
As Lactobacillus works on our digestive tract, the food we consume gets evenly distributed throughout the body, leaving fewer fat collection chances. Due to this bacteria, the body’s metabolism picks up, and you start to reduce weight healthily.
Relieving Constipation
If you take a combination of Lactobacillus with other probiotics, you will get much relief from constipation. You must have noticed various medicines that are used to treat your digestive system contain Lactobacillus.
Although many people try consuming yogurt containing the same bacteria and several others, no relief is found. As the effects of this family of bacteria remain somewhat unknown, taking medicines without a prescription should be avoided.
Safety Concerns
Despite being perfect for adults’ and children’s health, Lactobacillus can have various side effects and health concerns if not consumed carefully. As it is very actively used as a probiotic, you should consult a physician or dietician before consuming Lactobacillus.
There are several precautions while consuming this product safely. Some of these side effects are mentioned below.
Pregnant or Nursing Women
One of the major concerns by Lactobacillus can arise if the woman is pregnant or in the breastfeeding phase. Although not many cases of side effects have come out till now and Lactobacillus is still considered safe.
However, various types of Lactobacillus could be a concern in such cases. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and paracasei can be used without any danger even if the woman is breastfeeding.
However, other types of Lactobacillus could be dangerous and should not be consumed without visiting the doctor. Most of these bacteria have not been tested on pregnant women and should not be trusted either.
Weak Immune System
As per the pattern of growth noticed in Lactobacillus, the bacteria need a suitable environment to thrive. People who have a weak immune system, like patients who have HIV, etc., may promote an unhealthy growth of these bacteria, which could eventually be very dangerous.
The possibility of this happening is low, but consulting a doctor who knows your body’s exact situation and immunity can give you a better direction.
Surgery
Lactobacillus is primarily targeted at your digestive tract. If you have recently had surgery around your digestive system or maybe a colonoscopy, you should be very careful when consuming products rich in this bacteria.
By consuming such bacteria, you would be increasing the chances of a bacterial infection in your whole system. Even before you go for surgery, products with probiotics should be avoided.
Small Children
If you are providing Lactobacillus doses to small children under the age of three, you should make sure to provide them the dose through their mouth only.
Weak Heart Valves
The exact working of bacteria such as Lactobacillus is unknown, so their effect on the human body is difficult to decipher. However, as this bacteria’s influence increases, it starts to cause various damages, and the weakening of heart valves is one of them.
If the bacterial growth gets way too out of control, the valves in your heart will weaken and even collapse. Even though the possibility of this happening is quite rare, you should be on your toes if you have already suffered from a heart issue previously.
You are less likely to develop it from the beginning just by consuming Lactobacillus. However, consulting a doctor should always be the first step.
Final Words
Lactobacillus comes with various advantages and disadvantages. As there is so much to learn about this bacteria, you should be quite careful.
The majority of probiotics containing this bacteria are vegan-friendly but always check the ingredients first.