Definition of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosis is one of the "good" bacteria needed to stay healthy. Found in natural milk products like organic yogurt and beneficial to overall health, it has become widely available as a nutritional supplement and can be bought over-the-counter at health food stores.

Probiotic

• Lactobacillus rhamnosis is a probiotic, a term used to categorize friendly bacteria. "Pro" is the Greek word for "for" and "bio" is Greek for "life," so the term really means "for life." Probiotics are microorganisms, too small to be seen by the human eye without magnification.

Prokaryote

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a prokaryote, meaning it does not have a nucleus containing its DNA. Instead, this single celled life form has a nuclear body in which its genetic code is found. All types of bacteria are prokaryotes.

Bacteria

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosis is naturally found in the human digestive tract and helps to maintain health by releasing lactic acid. Lactic acid lowers a person's pH, so that harmful bacteria, which thrive in higher acidic environments, are kept under control. Lactobacillus Rhamnosis actually helps destroy harmful bacteria, also helping in the absorption of minerals by aiding in the digestion of lactose.

Benefits

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosis causes the body to manufacture its own natural antibiotic substances to fight disease, increasing a person's resistance to viral infections and preventing diarrhea. In addition, lactobacillus rhamnosis triggers the body to produce lymphocytes, white blood cells which fight infection. In particular, lactobacillus rhamnosis appears to increase the white blood cells' macrophage activity, an important component of the body's ability to heal itself.

Expert Insight

• Research published in the Nutrition Bytes Journal by Nanae Takatori suggests that lactobacillus rhamnosis may be an important nutritional supplement to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD); the bacteria apparently has an anti-inflammatory effect on the bowel itself.