Streptococcus Thermophilus

Food source: Sourdough breads, fermented foods like miso, kimchi and sauerkraut. Often added to yoghurts and other dairy products, especially swiss cheese. 

Benefits of Streptococcus Thermophilus

• Gut health
• Relieves constipation
• Weight management
• Mental performance.

What is Streptococcus Thermophilus?

Streptococcus thermophilus is a very common probiotic (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), a type of ‘good’ bacteria that live in our gut ‘microbiome’ and has a range of healthy functions in our body. S.thermophilus is the second most-used bacterium in the dairy industry due to its role in ripening cheese and is consumed by millions of people every day. 

The main impact probiotics like S.thermophilus have is in maintaining the health of our digestive system. They break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid, contributing to a smooth digestion process and the regulation of bowel movements. Studies have shown that S.thermophilus can be used to treat conditions such as IBS and can help to relieve symptoms like diarrhoea and constipation.

In our latest research on gut health, we found 46% of people regularly suffer from symptoms of poor gut health and digestion. You may be interested in learning the difference between IBD and IBS. Discover the ‘Common & unusual symptoms of IBS’ and the ‘Best probiotics for IBS’.

S.thermophilus’ role in healthy digestion also means that it, like other probiotics, can be used for weight management. They may contribute to the control of body fat mass and improve body weight, BMI and fasting glucose. These powerful bacteria can also contribute to weight management in ways beyond helping us digest our food, as they also play a significant role in controlling our mental sensations such as hunger, cravings and stress through the ‘gut-brain axis’. Bacteria like S.thermophilus’ produce short-chain fatty acids which alter the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, low levels of which have been associated with anxiety, low mood and insomnia. 

Probiotics like S.thermophilus require fibrous prebiotics as their food, so it’s important that we consume these in our diet for them to generate these health benefits. One of the most important of these is Inulin, which can be found in a range of fruit and vegetables. 

You may enjoy reading the ‘Latest gut health research: IBS causes & symptoms revealed’.