Lactobacillus salivarius, as the name suggests, is a type of bacteria prevalent in our saliva. It plays essential roles in maintaining oral hygiene, supporting gut health, and potentially even reducing cholesterol levels.

1. Improves Oral Hygiene:

   • As the main bacteria in our mouth, L. salivarius is crucial for maintaining dental hygiene.

   • It produces a type of bacteriocin (an antimicrobial substance) that protects against infection from invasive pathogens in food.

   • Studies in mice show that L. salivarius protects against Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause gum disease.

   • It also helps improve bacterial populations in the mouth, reducing the development of gum plaque.

2. Alleviates Gut Disorders:

   • L. salivarius is present in the small intestine, where it helps ward off gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

   • It produces its own kind of antibiotics targeted at invading pathogens.

   • The lactic acid it produces keeps “bad” bacteria at bay while supporting the health of “good” bacteria.

   • It assists in protein digestion.

3. Potential Cholesterol Reduction:

   • A study involving obese adolescents showed that L. salivarius increased the ratio of beneficial bacteria.

   • After six weeks of taking a supplement form of L. salivarius along with fructooligosaccharide (FOS), the subjects showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, including a reduction in “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.