L Reuteri Yoghurt
What is L. Reuteri?
Lactobacillus reuteri, or L. reuteri, is a probiotic bacterium naturally residing in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Renowned for its health-promoting properties, L. reuteri plays a vital role in supporting digestive balance, enhancing immune function, and contributing to overall gut health.
One of the most remarkable traits of this probiotic is its ability to produce reuterin, which is a powerful, broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound.
Reuterin selectively inhibits the growth of harmful pathogens while preserving and promoting the beneficial bacteria essential for a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.
Once present in the gut, L. reuteri is believed to play a role in supporting a balanced microbial environment, which may be influenced by factors like stress, diet, or antibiotics.
5 Benefits of L. Reuteri Yoghurt
1. Supports digestive health
L. reuteri has been found to support digestive health by helping maintain a balanced gut microbiome and promoting a stable intestinal environment.
This is confirmed by a study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, which revealed that L. reuteri may improve intestinal disorders by “protecting the gut barrier, suppressing inflammation and the immune response, regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolism, and inhibiting oxidative stress.”
Additionally, L. reuteri may help regulate bowel movements, potentially reducing the occurrence of constipation and diarrhea .
2. May improve mental health
A diverse gut microbiome has long been linked to stable mood regulation and better mental health.
Research published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine suggests that maintaining microbial diversity, particularly through the consumption of probiotic-rich foods, may positively influence the gut-brain axis, a communication network that connects the gastrointestinal system with the brain.2
While more research is needed, incorporating probiotics like L. reuteri into the diet may play a supportive role in managing occasional stress and promoting emotional balance
3. Potential anti-cancer properties
Certain probiotic strains, including L. reuteri, may play a supportive role in fighting blood-related cancers.
According to a study published in Cancers, L. reuteri may enhance the process of programmed cell death in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells by increasing their sensitivity to proteins that help the body target and eliminate damaged or abnormal cells.3
4. Promotes skin health
L. reuteri may support healthier skin by promoting balanced inflammatory responses and enhancing the body’s defenses against microbial infections.
“L. reuteri may help soothe skin irritation caused by UV exposure, improve skin hydration, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, thereby contributing to a healthier, more resilient complexion,” explains Dr. Berg.
Moreover, it may protect against the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and promote a balanced pH level, which is essential for maintaining clear skin.
5. Helps strengthen immune system functions
In addition to its skin benefits, L. reuteri has been shown to strengthen and balance immune system functions.
It’s believed that L. reuteri can stimulate the production of various cytokines, which are messenger compounds essential for regulating immune and inflammatory responses.
How to make L. reuteri yogurt
Making yogurt with L. reuteri at home differs from traditional yogurt due to its prolonged fermentation process.
Compared to conventional yogurt, L. reuteri yogurt typically ferments for 36 to 48 hours, allowing this health-promoting probiotic to multiply and fully deliver its potential health benefits.
Using a yogurt maker is ideal for this method, as it maintains the stable, low temperature of around 100°F (38°C), required for L. reuteri to thrive.
Many people use whole milk, raw milk, or organic milk for a nutrient-dense option. For a smoother consistency, you can incorporate full cream milk, organic half and half, or a blend of half cream and half whole milk.
Coconut milk can also be used as a dairy-free alternative, though it may require slight adjustments to properly support fermentation.
No matter which base you choose, adding a small amount of prebiotic fiber, such as inulin powder or acacia fiber, helps nourish the beneficial bacteria while also enhancing the yogurt’s final texture and consistency.
Once your first batch is complete, you can use a few tablespoons from the previous batch as a starter culture for subsequent batches, similar to traditional methods of home fermenting.