Different Uses for Lactobacillus

Lactobacilli are good bacteria used as biotherapeutic agents and probiotics. Live cultures of these microorganisms are found in dietary supplements and fermented milk products such as yogurt. Lactobacillus lives inside our digestive, urinary and genital systems, aiding in the break down of food and absorption of nutrients. They also help to fight off bad bacteria that lead to breakdowns in immune function.

Digestive Problems

• Children experiencing rotaviral diarrhea will get over their symptoms sooner when taking large doses of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus can also help the body combat viruses and parasites that cause diarrhea in people traveling in certain countries. These probiotics also reduce the chance of developing diarrhea when taking antibiotics. When taking antibiotics, lactobacillus can restore the buildup of good bacteria in the gut, which are depleted by medications. Lactobacillus can also reduce the pain and bloating that comes with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, lactobacilli are used in the treatment of ulcers, colon inflammation and Crohn's disease.

Skin Problems

• Lactobacillus is used in the treatment of skin problems and disorders. It is used for people suffering from fever blisters, canker sores, acne and dermatitis caused by allergic reactions. However, these uses have not provided sufficient evidence showing that Lactobacillus is effective every time. On the other hand, Lactobacillus has shown sufficient evidence in the treatment of eczema. "Freeze-dried lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus reuteri reduce eczema symptoms in children ages one to 13 years," according to WedbMD.com.

Common Cold and Respiratory Infections

• Lactobacillus is used to dispel bacteria that cause infections, such as the common cold. By adding probiotics to your diet, you increase the buildup of good bacteria, which can enhance immune system function. It is also used to prevent respiratory infections in children. Children attending daycare who drink milk infused with lactobacillus experience less respiratory infections. Lactobacillus may also be an effective treatment for serious respiratory infections that occur in people using ventilators.

Uses for Women and Babies

• Women use lactobacillus in combination with acidophilus, another good bacteria, to treat and prevent vaginal yeast infections, as well as urinary tract infections. Lactobacillus replenishes good bacteria, without which the body becomes more susceptible to candida overgrowth, also known as a yeast infection. It is also effective for colic in babies. Babies with colic that are given 100 million colony forming units (CFUs) of probiotic drops containing lactobacillus once a day experience less crying. It is also used to help babies with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious digestive problem that occurs in premature babies.