| Abstrakt: |
Lactobacillus bacteria are rod-shaped, Gram-positive, facultative anaerobes. Lactobacillus acidophilus, which colonizes the gut and other regions of the body (e.g., female genitals), is an important species of bacteria. A healthy human intestine contains billions of between 500–1,000 species of harmless bacteria that help digest foods, produce vitamins necessary for a healthy metabolism, and use up resources so that harmful bacteria cannot grow. In fact, these bacteria make up about 70 percent of human immunity. When this balance is disrupted, such as when an individual receives certain antibiotics and reduces the number and type of bacteria available in the gut, it leaves the individual more susceptible to developing infections and can lead to poor digestion or digestive issues. One important species of bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which colonizes the gut and other regions of the body (i.e. female genitals). An imbalance of L. acidophilus can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, resulting in an infection. It is important for women, in particular, to make sure they consume foods rich in L. acidophilus cultures to avoid genitourinary problems. |
