While most bacterial infections are considered harmful to the human body, streptococcus thermophiles are an exception. This can be commonly found in the digestive system of humans and has a lot of beneficial effects on the human body.
It can even strengthen the immune system of the body and thereby prevent the risks of a lot many other severe infections. It is a probiotic bacterial variant and can be obtained by consuming food items that are rich in probiotics. However, there are also a lot many aspects of Streptococcus Thermophiles that you need to know, to make the maximum out of it. This article will help you understand them with ease and in the most comprehensive manner.
Streptococcus Thermophiles Uses, Side Effects And Benefits
Streptococcus bacteria can be generally termed as a probiotic supplement for human beings. It is consumed in the form of daily nutritional supplements for a range of varied health benefits. Some of the major health benefits of Streptococcus bacteria include strengthening the immune system and the digestive system.
Apart from dietary supplements, you may also consume it in the form of your daily dietary choices. For that, it is important to choose food items that are rich in probiotics content. If you can introduce Streptococcus Thermophiles into your body, it can maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, enhancing your immunity as well as your digestive health.
Sources of Streptococcus Thermophiles
Streptococcus Thermophiles is a beneficial bacteria found in the gut of human beings and it is possible to have this essential bacteria in your body through dietary supplements and diet as well. However, just like any other nutritional element, it is always better to obtain these bacteria through your daily diet apart from dietary supplements.
Some of the best dietary sources through which you can obtain the same have been mentioned below. However, the key is to focus on milk and other dairy products, especially in a fermented form.
- Curd
- Yoghurt
- Fermented milk
- Packaged food items such as ice-creams with mentioned probiotic content
Streptococcus Bacteria Uses
The food industry is one of the most popular domains where we can notice a prime functionality of the Streptococcus Bacteria. Since this particular bacteria is consumed as a daily nutrition, the food industry and various brands make it a point to add these bacteria into their products, which can significantly increase their nutritional value and thereby increase sales.
Apart from that, when Streptococcus Thermophiles are introduced into such food items, it can also increase the texture and consistency of those food products. This particular bacteria is also proven to increase the flavour of most of the dairy products. Many cheese and ice cream packages can be seen with an already-mentioned probiotic content.
Moreover, the presence of this bacteria in packaged food items can also guarantee to aid digestion and immunity of the individual. However, it is also important to note that, it is also possible to have probiotics through direct dairy products, and it is noted that important for you to rely on packaged and processed ones to have them in your gut.
Health Benefits of Streptococcus Thermophiles
1. Improve Digestion
This is one of the most popular health benefits of the bacteria. It helps in keeping a healthy balance in the beneficial bacteria in the gut of the human body and thereby enhances the process of digestion.
2. Helps improve immunity
The immunity system of the individual can also be improved significantly with the introduction of Streptococcus bacteria in your gut. Your body will gradually develop resistance against the infectious bacteria with the help of the beneficial ones.
3. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties
This particular bacteria can also affect your body with a lot of beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. Through this, your body will be able to prevent a lot of inflammation-caused diseases on the go.
4. Cures and prevents Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is another disease that can be effectively prevented and cured with the help of streptococcus bacteria in your dietary choices. Since it has proven potential to improve the digestive system as a whole, digestive health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be resisted and healed.
5. Prevents various allergies and eczema
If you are prone to various allergies and skin infections like eczema, including food items rich in probiotics content can be highly beneficial for you. This can repair your compromised skin barrier, provide the required hydration and thereby improve your overall health.
Side Effects of Streptococcus thermophilus
1. Abdominal Pain
Even if the bacteria is considered generally safe and quite beneficial for human consumption, it is important to note that a minor percentage of the population can be resistant to this particular bacteria. In such people, the body is highly likely to react with signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain.
2. Diarrhoea
If the individual is resistant to the bacteria, their body can also react against the same with symptoms of diarrhoea. If you are experiencing such symptoms, make sure that you quit the consumption of the dietary supplements that may provide you with probiotics.
3. Bloating
Some may also experience symptoms such as bloating and constipation. This can also be due to overdosing yourself with probiotics or any probiotic dietary supplements. Once, you experience such symptoms, you can consult a physician and decide whether to cut down on the dosage of the supplements or to completely quit the usage.
Now you know how to use Streptococcus bacteria to benefit your digestive health and immunity power. You have also understood when to stop consuming the supplement if you are experiencing any kind of side effects or health issues.
Summary
It is also important to seek the opinion of your doctor before starting with the Streptococcus supplement if you are already on any kind of medication. Apart from that, if you are someone with compromised immunity or any kind of immune infection such as HIV infection, it is advised not to use probiotics dietary supplements, since they can further worsen the condition of your immune system.
References
- National Institute Of Health(2020) Streptococcus thermophilus: To Survive, or Not to Survive the Gastrointestinal Tract, That Is the Question! Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468695/
- ScienceDirect(2002) Streptococcus thermophilus Available online at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/streptococcus-thermophilus
