Lactobacillus Reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri is a helpful probiotic, but some may react to it due to histamine, gut imbalance, or immune sensitivity.
🦠 What is Lactobacillus Reuteri?
Lactobacillus reuteri is a natural probiotic that supports digestion, immunity, and inflammation, though some may experience sensitivity.
🤔 Why Do I Have a Deficiency in Lactobacillus Reuteri?
A deficiency in L. reuteri may arise from several factors:
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Low probiotic intake – Most diets lack foods or supplements containing L. reuteri.
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Antibiotic use – Antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria, including L. reuteri.
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Gut imbalance – An unhealthy gut environment may not support its growth.
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Age or stress – Levels of L. reuteri naturally decline with age or chronic stress.
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Formula feeding – L. reuteri is found in breast milk, so early lack of exposure may impact colonization.
🛠️ What Can I Do About It?
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💊 Take a probiotic that lists Lactobacillus reuteri on the label
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🥑 Eat more prebiotic foods like garlic, oats, bananas, and leeks
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🥛 Choose fermented foods that say they contain L. reuteri
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🚫 Avoid too much sugar and processed foods to maintain gut balance
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💧 Focus on daily habits that support digestion, like regular meals and staying hydrated
💊 Which Supplements Can Help with L. Reuteri Deficiencies?
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Probiotic capsules or powders – Look for those containing L. reuteri strains like DSM 17938 or ATCC PTA 6475
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Fermented foods supplements – These can be in the form of powders or liquids that provide probiotics, including L. reuteri
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Prebiotic supplements – Fiber-rich supplements like inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) support the growth of L. reuteri
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Multi-strain probiotics – Many multi-strain probiotics contain L. reuteri alongside other beneficial bacteria for gut health
🌟 Why Might I be Deficient in Lactobacillus Reuteri but Not Other Probiotics?
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Different bacterial needs – Your gut might naturally support other strains better than L. reuteri.
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Limited dietary sources – L. reuteri is not as common in foods as other probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium.
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Gut imbalances – An imbalance in your microbiome may prevent L. reuteri from thriving.
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Different probiotic strains – Some probiotics may be more resilient and colonize your gut more easily than L. reuteri.
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Reduced exposure – If you haven't been exposed to L. reuteri-rich foods or supplements, your levels might be lower.
🍽️ Foods to Avoid with a Lactobacillus Reuteri Deficiency
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High-sugar foods – Excess sugar can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
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Processed foods – Often lack beneficial probiotics and may promote gut imbalance.
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Fried or greasy foods – These can irritate the digestive system and hinder gut health.
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Dairy with additives – Some dairy products with artificial additives may not support healthy bacteria.
🍽️ Foods that Support a Lactobacillus Reuteri Deficiency
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Fermented foods – Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut may help support your gut flora.
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Prebiotic-rich foods – Garlic, onions, bananas, and oats help feed beneficial bacteria.
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Bone broth – Supports gut healing and overall digestive health.
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High-fiber vegetables – Leafy greens, broccoli, and artichokes nourish your microbiome.
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Polyphenol-rich foods – Berries, dark chocolate, and green tea support gut health and probiotics.