Lactobacillus rhamnosus, referred to as LGG, belongs to the genus Lactobacillus and is one of the normal flora of our human body. It generally exists in the mouth and intestines but is mainly distributed in the human intestine. Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an anaerobic, acid-resistant, non-spore-forming probiotic. Its Gram stain is purple, so it is also a Gram-positive bacterium. The main effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus include enhancing the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, regulating the body's immunity, antagonizing pathogenic bacteria, aiding digestion, lowering blood lipids, and protecting the liver.
1. Enhance the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier: Under normal circumstances, the microbial flora in the human body is quite stable. After Lactobacillus rhamnosus colonizes and reproduces in the intestine, it only attaches to the intestinal epithelial cells, and can form a biological barrier for the intestinal mucosa, thereby enhancing the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier function of the human body;
2. Regulate the body's immunity: Lactobacillus rhamnosus can activate macrophages, and increase the activity of natural killer cells and the level of immunoglobulins, thereby enhancing nonspecific immune responses and specific immune responses. In addition, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and its cell wall components can promote the secretion of α-tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, thereby enhancing the body's immunity;
3. Antagonizing pathogenic bacteria: Lactobacillus rhamnosus can produce lactic acid in the intestine, which can reduce the activity of microorganisms such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus in the intestine and the activity of harmful bacterial enzymes, thereby inhibiting the reproduction of these bacteria. The protein secreted by Lactobacillus rhamnosus can also promote the dynamic balance of intestinal epithelial cells and has a preventive effect on gastrointestinal diseases caused by cytokines;
4. Aid digestion: Because Lactobacillus rhamnosus can secrete lactic acid, it promotes gastric acid secretion, allowing food to be better absorbed and digested;
5. Lowering blood lipids: Lactobacillus rhamnosus can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol, so it can play a role in lowering blood lipids;
6. Protecting the liver: Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a protective effect on alcoholic liver damage, and relieves alcoholic liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and restoring intestinal flora. In addition, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a good degradation effect on aflatoxin B1.