Gerobiotics: probiotics targeting fundamental aging processes

Here we propose a new term, “gerobiotics”, to define those probiotic strains.

their derived postbiotics and para-probiotics that are able to beneficially attenuate the fundamental mechanisms of aging, reduce physiological aging processes, and thereby expand the health span of the host.

• Lactobacillus species – Of the more than 100 Lactobacillus species, the following are commonly used probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus helveticus
• Bifidobacterial species – Among 30 species, those recognized as probiotics include:
  Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium adolescentis.

Ok so here’s is more than you ever wanted to know about the little guys living in our guts. there are more bacteria in our guts than stars in the sky so be nice 🙂

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus
   Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most important strains of Lactobacillus in the group of lactic acid bacteria. This bacterium lives most often in the small intestine, where it helps maintain a healthy intestinal wall to ensure the necessary absorption of nutrients and function of the overall digestive system.

Acidophilus strain helps relieve indigestion. A controlled double-blind placebo trial showed that those patients who used the probiotic strain of acidophilus experienced significantly fewer symptoms of indigestion than those who received a placebo.

One separate meta-analysis found, that probiotic food supplements containing an acidophilus strain help relieve diarrhea. The third study also found that food supplements containing both L. acidophilus and B. bifidum helped to reduce the harmful effects of antibiotics on the intestinal microflora. Research also shows that acidophilus helps to improve the activity of the immune system and supports the health of women’s vaginal microflora.

Lactobacillus acidophilus benefits:
Supports all digestive function
Enhances absorption of nutrients
Relieves abdominal cramps, gases and diarrhea
Supports the health of the immune system and urinary tract
Improves vaginal microflora in women

2. Lactobacillus fermentum
   This lactic acid bacterial strain found in probiotic foods such as yeast and kimchi produces two powerful superoxides i.e. antioxidants such as dismutase and glutathione, which help neutralize digestive toxins in the gut. It has also been observed, that L. fermentum can secrete foodborne pathogens.

Lactobacillus fermentum benefits:
Supports overall digestion
Boosts immunity
Helps to eliminate toxins
Bacteria on skin protects us

3. Lactobacillus plantarum
   L. plantarum is known for its ability to produce hydrogen peroxide. The body uses hydrogen peroxide as a line of defense against bacteria in food, as well as other microorganisms. Studies have also found that this strain helps effectively support immune function in healthy adults.

Lactobacillus plantarum benefits:
Supports the whole digestive process
Boosts the immune system

4. Lactobacillus rhamnosus
   L. rhamnosus is one of the most studied strains of lactic bacteria in the world, and to date its beneficial properties have been proven in more than 260 clinical trials. The most important feature of this strain is the strengthening of the human immune system, which helps to prevent respiratory diseases (cough, runny nose, asthma, etc.), the risk of dental caries, prevent gastrointestinal infections and promote faster recovery from gastrointestinal infections.

Likewise, L. rhamnosus reduces the risk of developing allergic diseases and promotes faster relief of already severe atopic dermatitis. Above all, this probiotic strain is known for its great ability to survive through the gastrointestinal tract and is considered the best aid in supporting women’s vaginal health among lactobacilli.

Even more, the study concluded that L. rhamnosus also helps to improve vaginal and urinary tract health and reduce vaginal irritability. Rhamnosus is also one of the best bacterial strains to take with you on a vacation. U.S. studies showed that those living in New York who consumed the L. rhamnosus strain when traveling to developing countries had a diarrhea incidence rate of 3.9%, compared with those who did not, and who had a rate of 7.4%.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus benefits:
Affects the human ability to protect against diseases and strengthens the immune system
Prevents respiratory diseases (cough, runny nose, asthma, etc.) and the risk of dental caries
Reduces the risk of allergic diseases
Helps prevent gastrointestinal infections (eg diarrhea when traveling to developing countries)
Reduces the side effects of antibiotic and chemotherapy treatment, and helps with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Improves women’s vaginal health

5. Lactobacillus paracasei
   Lactobacillus paracasei is a strong strain living mainly in the small intestine. This probiotic strain of paracasei has a unique ability to support liver function and lower urine pH.

Lactobacillus paracasei benefits:
Supports liver health
Lowers urine pH
Bristol Stool Scale
Bristol Stool Scale to diagnose diarrhea or constipation.

6. Lactobacillus gasseri
   L gasseri is a relatively new bacterium among probiotic strain species. This lactic acid bacteria is predominantly associated with the vaginal microflora.

Women who experience vaginal discomfort usually have lower levels of L. gasseri bacteria than women with healthy vaginal microflora. L. gasseri also supports gastrointestinal health. Studies show that the dietary supplements with the combination of L. gasseri and B. longum help adults to relieve diarrhea.

Lactobacillus gasseri benefits:
Supports vaginal microflora balance
Relieves diarrhea
Supports gastrointestinal health

7. Lactobacillus reuteri
   L. reuteri bacteria are located in both, in the intestines and the oral cavity. Studies in humans have shown that the bacterium L. reuteri supports the health of the gastrointestinal tract, oral microflora and immune system.

Lactobacillus reuteri benefits:
Supports the health of the gastrointestinal tract
Improves oral microflora
Strengthens immune system

8. Lactobacillus salivarius
   L. salivarius is a somewhat unique bacteria because it is able to grow in poorer conditions than other lactic acid bacteria, including high-salt environments, and with or without oxygen.

L. salivarius is known for 3 characteristics: it improves digestion, strengthens immunity and improves dental health. In all people, Lactobacillus salivarius is found in the large intestine, small intestine, vagina and mouth.

Even more, to keep the human body healthy and functional, L. salivarius itself produces the necessary antibiotics. These antibiotics are specifically directed against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria that can cause dysbiosis and other health conditions.

L. salivarius also produces lactic acid, which creates an environment unsuitable for bad bacteria and an ideal environment for the necessary lactic acid bacteria.

Compared to other strains of probiotics, L. salivarius grows very rapidly. As a result, it quickly displaces bad bacteria. Salivarius has been found to be an excellent aid in protein digestion. It is a very resistant bacteria that is important for the health of all of us.

Lactobacillus salivarius benefits:
Helps to inhibit yeast infections, for example candida
Reduces gingivitis
Prevents strep throat (caused by S. Pyogenes)
Helps to reduce mastitis (inflammation of the breast), ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inhibits pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.
Side effects of Lactobacillus salivarius are usually mild, such as a mild rash or temporary indigestion.

blue blood

9. Lactobacillus helveticus
   In the case of the Lactobacillus helveticus strain, it is a very interesting fact that it can lower blood pressure. This strain is widely used in cheese production in Switzerland.

Lactobacillus helveticus benefits:
Lowers blood pressure
Improves the quality and duration of sleep
Increases the amount of calcium in the blood
Normalizes PTH levels (associated with bone loss)
Balances microflora colonization
Helps ACE inhibitor production
Supports the health of the immune system, intestines, mouth, throat and paranasal sinuses

10. Lactobacillus bulgaricus
    The bacteria L. Bulgaricus was one of the first probiotic strains in history that was studied. Ilya Mechnikov, a Russian Nobel laureate, first isolated the Lactobacillus bulgaricus strain from fermented sour milk in 1882 when he discovered that the longevity of the Balkan people was due to eating fermented foods (fermented sour milk, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.).

L. Bulgaricus is a great help for those who are lactose intolerant and do not have an enzyme in the digestive system that helps break down lactose into easier sugar.

One random double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that consumption of beverages containing a probiotic complex such as L. casei, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus reduced the incidence of Clostridium difficile, which is a diarrhea associated with side effects in antibiotic treatment.

It has been found that using such a combination of probiotics over the age of 50 would help reduce mortality and save on health care costs.

In addition, in the 1960s and 1970s, Russian scientists with Dr. Ivan Bogdanov conducted extensive research in the field of L. bulgaricus. They published a complete list of the benefits of the probiotic strains of L. bulgaricus, which are listed below.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus benefits:
Lowers blood levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol
Boosts immune system and fights viruses
Reduces leaking bowel symptoms, diarrhea and nausea
Improves the digestion of dairy products (lactose)
Reduces inflammation
Improves the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Reduces tooth decay
Manages HIV symptoms
Fights dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia is a persistent or episodic indigestion that originates in the upper gastrointestinal tract and shows no signs of an organic disease (eg, ulcer, tumor).
Healthy_gut_microbiota_good_bacteria_digestion_17 Types of Good Bacteria – The List of Most Beneficial Species of Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria

Types of Good Bacteria (Probiotics) – Bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium) Species
Bifidobacteria are a family of Gram-positive, anaerobic branched rod-shaped bacteria. Billions of bifidobacteria, located mainly in the walls of the colon help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms, including yeast, and their occupation in the intestinal wall.

Bifidobacteria is the largest group of bacteria in the intestines of infants, in adults bifidobacteria are in the 3 or 4 place, and their proportion decreases further with age.

Like lactic bacteria, bifidobacteria also produce lactic acid and acetic acid, which provide up to 70 percent of the energy needed for intestinal wall cells to increase the natural protective barrier in the gut.

Lactic acid in the intestine helps to keep the pH of the colon acidic, thus inhibiting the growth of malignant bacteria and thereby promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Also it`s needed to help minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc to absorb into the blood.

Even more, Bifidobacteria break down lactose, synthesize amino acids and proteins, lower cholesterol, produce K and B complex vitamins, and help prevent food poisoning.

However, studies have shown that with age, stress and malnutrition, the number of bifidobacteria in the body begins to decrease. The most important strains of bifidobacteria are B. lactis, B. bifidum, B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve.

17 Types of Good Bacteria_The List of Most Beneficial Species of Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria_7_Types_of_Bifidobacteria_Bifidobacteria_Types_Bifidobacteria_Species

6. Bifidobacteria Species
7. Bifidobacterium bifidum
   This probiotic strain is among the first to occupy the intestinal walls of infants and continues to do so throughout life as one of the major groups of bacteria in the entire colon microflora and in the small intestine.

By creating a balanced intestinal microflora, B. bifidum also helps to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria, fungi and yeast by attaching to the intestinal mucosa better than strains of pathogenic bacteria. The role of the B. bifidum strain is also to help break down digestible carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

B. bifidum also produces corresponding enzymes that break down larger molecules into smaller particles so that the body can use them more efficiently. A double-blind human study meta-analysis found that B. bifidum is one such probiotic strain that is effective in relieving some types of diarrhea, such as travel related diarrhea.

Bifidobacterium bifidum benefits:
Supports whole digestive function
Helps to absorb nutrients
Helps in case of random diarrhea, for example travel diarrhea.

2. Bifidobacterium longum
   The B. longum strain is one of the most common bifidobacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. Its effect on digestion is the ability to break down carbohydrates and neutralize toxins in the gut.

Preliminary studies have shown that the B. longum strain has antioxidant properties. For example, this bacteria can remove metallic minerals such as copper and corrosive free radicals from the body.

Even more, the studies showed that, after 20 weeks of taking the B. longum, there was an increase in immune parameters in the elderly. Therefore, it also has a supportive effect on the immune system.

Bifidobacterium longum benefits:
Supports whole digestive function
Has antioxidant properties
Helps with detoxification
Boosts immune system
baby

3. Bifidobacterium infantis
   Among other beneficial bacteria, this probiotic strain has the highest colony especially in babies. The amount of B. infantis decreases with age, but still it remains an important bacteria in our microflora. A dietary supplement with a strain of B. infantis has been shown to reduce bloating, constipation and bowel movement difficulties.

Bifidobacterium infantis benefits:
Supports all digestive function
Helps in case bloating
Relieves constipation

4. Bifidobacterium lactis also called Bifidobacterium animalis
   Bifidobacterium lactis, also called B. animalis is a very powerful and one of the most studied bacteria strains. Scientific studies have shown that B. lactis boosts immunity, fights tumors, improves digestion and can lower cholesterol.

B. lactis live in large numbers in the intestine and colon. In general, the function of B. lactis is to break down body residues and help the body absorb various vitamins and minerals. Bifidobacterium lactis is also widely used in the production of cheese, curd and butter.

Bifidobacterium lactis benefits:
Decreases tumor activity
Improves digestion
Reduces intestinal leakage and lactose intolerance
Improves IBS i.e. irritable bowel syndrome
Normalizes bowel movements and reduces constipation
Improves acute diarrhea
Improves oral health
Reduces the number of bacteria that cause cavities
Fights tooth decay
Strengthens the immune system
Prevents and reduces common and serious respiratory diseases
Strengthens the immune response to vaccination
Increases the immunity of the elderly
Inhibits Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach and duodenal ulcers
Increases T cell activity as needed (killer T cells, cytotoxic T cells)
Reduces inflammatory reactions
Treats cold and flu
Reduces allergies and inflammation
Reduces the symptoms and sensitivity of atopic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
Helps in case diabetes, because raises blood glucose control
Improves cholesterol levels
Lowers total cholesterol
Increases HDL Cholesterol (HDL Cholesterol or High Density Lipoprotein), which is a group of lipids (fats) that are responsible for transporting cholesterol back from the tissues to the liver. This is called “good cholesterol” because HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and thereby reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Above all, the higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Bifidobacteria

5. Bifidobacterium breve
   Bifidobacterium breve benefits:
   Reduces chronic periodontitis, a microbial inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth
   Treats oral ulcers
   Reduces urinary oxalate levels (oxalate forms water-insoluble crystals that can form kidney stones, for example from excessive consumption of ascorbic acid)
   Decreases helicobacter pylori colonization
6. Bifidobacterium adolescentis
   Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a natural component of the gut of every healthy person and occupies the gut immediately after birth. Their population remains relatively stable until late adulthood.

Factors such as unhealthy diets, stress and antibiotic use are causing their decrease. The B. adolescentis strain was first isolated from the feces of a breastfed newborn by Tissier in 1899. Even more, Tissier was the first to use bifidobacteria for the treatment of diarrhea in infants by giving them large amounts of bifidobacteria orally.

Since then, the presence of lactic acid bacteria in the gut has been associated with a healthy microflora.

Furthermore, the data show that B. adolescentis prevents and suppresses inflammation, treats liver damage, tissue damage in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, prevents and suppresses the development of colon cancer, improves general health and boosts immunity.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis benefits:
Removes casein from milk
Participates in the production of B vitamins
Stimulates intestinal peristalsis
Moisturizes stool, which is a benefit for constipation sufferers
Develops antibiotic substances which suppress E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysentery, Salmonella, Proteus spp. and Candida albicans growth in the gut
Cures diarrhea
Boosts immune system
Prevents and suppresses inflammation
Treats liver damage, and similarly tissue damage in the gastrointestinal tract
Prevents and suppresses the development of colon cancer
Improves general health
Ecosh_Most_common_types_of_Probiotics_Bifidobacteria_Types_Lactobacillus_Types_Streptococcus

Streptococcus thermophilus
Streptococcus thermophilus is a very powerful strain of lactic acid bacteria that has also been extensively studied. This probiotic strain is located mainly in the colon and has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract, immune system and many other health-improving factors.

S. thermophilus is used in the production of cheese and yoghurt and it also produces lactase, which helps break down milk sugar (lactose). Streptococcus thermophilus also produces body-specific antibiotic chemicals that help prevent intestinal ulcers, pneumonia and antibiotic-induced C. Difficile.

Streptococcus thermophilus benefits:
Improves digestion
Reduces diarrhea after consumption of the antibiotics
Decreases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Reduces leaking bowel symptoms
Breaks down lactose
Reduces the symptoms of IBS
Reduces acute diarrhea
Boosts immunity
Prevents and fights upper respiratory tract infections (eg pneumonia)
Prevents ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori
Reduces the symptoms of AIDS
Fights Clostridium difficile
Improves the probiotic microflora of infants
Reduces atopic dermatitis
Reduces the risk of kidney stones
Increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
Increases the antitumor effect
Reduces childhood colic
17 Types of Good Bacteria_The List of Most Beneficial Species of Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria_Dysbiosis

Probiotics Side Effects and Avoiding Dysbiosis (Microbial Imbalance)
The side effects of probiotics mean that good bacteria have started to work! However, the most common side effects that can sometimes occur can be

Diarrhea
Gas
Bloating
Rash
Skin rash and acne