Why You Should Take Rhamnosus

Your body contains anywhere from 10-100 trillion bacteria. While these bacteria are everywhere inside and on you, most of them live within your gut. They’re known as the microbiota and they play an important role in maintaining optimal health. [1]

A healthy balance of gut bacteria comes with many health benefits, while an imbalance has been linked to numerous diseases. [23]

One of the most well-studied friendly bacteria is Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus). Because of its well-understood range of health benefits, L. rhamnosus is available as a supplement and often added to dairy products for an extra boost. 

Here at Purality Health, we have L. rhamnosus that’s protected by our micelle liposomal delivery method, allowing the bacteria to make it to your gut fully intact and ready to serve your health!

But what kind of benefits can you expect with an increase in L. rhamnosus? 

Just keep reading to find out!

What is Lactobacillus rhamnosus?

Before we dive into the benefits, we thought it’d benefit you to learn a little bit more about L. rhamnosus. 

Below, we have a list of quick facts so you can get to know this bacteria better!

  • ● L. rhamnosus is a type of bacteria that’s found in your intestines.
  • ● It belongs to the genus Lactobacillus, a type of bacteria that produces the enzyme lactate.
  • ● Bacteria from this genus, such as L. rhamnosus, are considered probiotic.
  • ● Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits when consumed. [4]
  • ● Hundreds of studies support the benefits of L. rhamnosus.
  • ● It’s uniquely adapted to survive in acidic and basic conditions within the body.
  • ● This bacterium can also adhere to and colonize on your intestinal walls.
  • ● These characteristics give L. rhamnosus a great chance of survival, meaning it can offer long-term benefits. [56]
  • ● There are different strains of L. rhamnosus, each with different characteristics. [7]
  • ● L. rhamnosus is often added to cheese to help ripen it and enhance flavor. [89]

Health benefits of L. rhamnosus

L. rhamnosus has been found to benefit not just your digestive system, but many other areas of your health. 

Let’s take a look!

1. May prevent and treat diarrhea 

It’s not uncommon to get a bacterial infection which leads to diarrhea. Most of the time, diarrhea is harmless and will pass on its own. However, if it persists, diarrhea can cause fluid loss, which may lead to dehydration. 

Thankfully, research has found L. rhamnosus to help prevent and even treat certain types of diarrhea. 

For example, antibiotics – which can be crucial to fight off infections – can often result in digestive issues like diarrhea. But the presence of L. rhamnosus may be able to protect against this side effect. [1011]

A review of 12 studies in nearly 1,500 people found that supplementing with L. rhamnosus reduced the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea by up to 22.4%. [12]

Since antibiotics can harm both good and bad bacteria in the gut, taking a probiotic like L. rhamnosus during and after antibiotic use can restore healthy gut bacteria. 

On top of that, L. rhamnosus may also be able to protect against various other types of diarrhea, such as traveler’s diarrhea, acute watery diarrhea, and acute gastroenteritis-related diarrhea. [131415]

2. May relieve IBS symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition that affects 9-23% of adults worldwide. It causes uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and unusual bowel movements. Despite its prevalence, its cause is unfortunately unknown. [16]

However, researchers have found a link between IBS and the bacteria living in the gut. 

For example, it’s been found that people with IBS have fewer beneficial bacteria in their microbiota and higher levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. [1718]

Numerous studies have found that foods and supplements with good bacteria such as L. rhamnosus can relieve common IBS symptoms in adults. [192021]

What’s more, animal studies have found that L. rhamnosus can strengthen gut barriers, helping to reduce symptoms of IBS. [22]

3. Aids gut health

Just like any other probiotic, L. rhamnosus is great for your digestive health. 

One reason why L. rhamnosus in particular is beneficial for digestion is that it produces lactic acid. This is a substance which prevents the survival of harmful bacteria in your gut. For example, L. rhamnosus can prevent Candida albicans, a type of harmful bacteria, from colonizing your intestinal walls. [23]

But it gets even better…

L. rhamnosus doesn’t just prevent bad bacteria from growing and spreading, it promotes the growth of more beneficial bacteria! [24]

And if that wasn’t enough, it also increases the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. [25]

SCFAs are a source of nourishment for the cells lining your colon, creating an even healthier digestive tract. On top of that, SCFAs can protect against colon cancer, promote weight loss, and lower blood sugar levels. [26272829]

4. Can protect against cavities 

Dental cavities affect many people, especially children. They’re created by harmful bacteria existing within the mouth. These bacteria create acids that break down the outer layer of your teeth, the enamel. [3031]

Thankfully, due to its antimicrobial properties, L. rhamnosus can help fight these types of harmful bacteria. [32]

One study involving almost 600 children found that drinking milk containing L. rhamnosus instead of just regular milk led to fewer cavities and less harmful bacteria overall. [33]

Another study showed that regularly taking a lozenge which contained L. rhamnosus significantly reduced bacterial growth and gum inflammation, compared to a placebo. [34]

5. Can help prevent UTIs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur anywhere along your urinary tract, such as your kidneys, bladder, or urethra. It’s more common in women and typically caused by the bacteria E. coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus. [3536]

Research has found that L. rhamnosus may be able to prevent UTIs, kill the harmful bacteria, and restore good bacteria following infection.  

One analysis of 5 studies in nearly 300 women found that L. rhamnosus – along with other Lactobacillus bacteria – were safe and effective at preventing UTIs. [37]

Other studies found L. rhamnosus to be particularly effective at killing bad bacteria in the digestive tract. [3839]

6. May promote weight loss

The bacteria living in your gut can alter your appetite and food cravings by messing with your hormones. Thankfully, being a good bacteria, L. rhamnosus can affect your eating habits in a positive manner. 

Research has found that L. rhamnosus can suppress appetite and food cravings, especially in women. [4041]

7. May increase insulin sensitivity 

When your body builds up a resistance to insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, and your risk of heart issues and diabetes greatly increase. 

Thankfully, research has found that L. rhamnosus may be able to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.  [42434445]

8. Can reduce blood cholesterol

High cholesterol – especially LDL (bad) cholesterol – increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. 

However, one study found that L. rhamnosus lowered blood cholesterol levels just as well as a class of drugs meant to help treat high cholesterol. [46

9. May fight allergies

Whether it’s the changing of seasons, pets, or something else elusive, allergies can be a real pain in the butt. 

But, by promoting the growth of friendly gut bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria, research shows that L. rhamnosus can relieve and even prevent allergy symptoms. [474849]

10. Can help treat acne

Getting acne as a teenager – that wasn’t fun for anyone. But getting it as an adult? It’s incredibly annoying. Those days are supposed to be over. However, nearly 50 million American adults still get acne. [50]

Thankfully, research has found that, due to its antimicrobial properties, L. rhamnosus supplements can reduce the appearance and occurrence of acne. [51

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