Enterococcus is a genus of bacteria that can be found in the human gut, as well as in various environments such as soil, water, and food – and some species of Enterococcus are safely used as probiotics.
Enterococcus is a bit of an odd probiotic bacteria – the same species of it can be found in a healthy human gut, but sometimes that same species can lead to an infection. I’ll explain when it’s helpful and when or how it can be harmful in this article.
Because this Enterococcus can be both helpful and get you sick, you should talk to your primary care physician about it before you start taking it as a probiotic. Many, many people safely use it as a probiotic, but it is one of those bacteria that has a lot of different places it can live in the human body – not just in a healthy gut – so talking to your doctor is the recommended course of action.
Enterococcus bacteria have several potential health benefits, particularly for gut health. They produce lactic acid during the fermentation of carbohydrates, which helps to create an acidic environment in the gut that is inhospitable to harmful bacteria. This can help to prevent infections and maintain overall gut health.
What are the health benefits of Enterococcus?
Some potential benefits of Enterococcus include:
Some research indicates that certain species of Enterococcus may help to improve gut and digestive health by lessening inflammation and diarrhea caused by different types of bacteria.
Some research implies that various species of Enterococcus may help to promote the immune system, leading to possible reduction in the incidence of infection.
Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis are two species of Enterococcus that are commonly used as probiotics. They are added to various fermented foods, such as yogurt and cheese, and are also available as dietary supplements. Probiotic Enterococcus has been shown to have a positive impact on gut health, including improving bowel regularity, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
What is Enterococcus?
Enterococcus is a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are spherical or oval in shape. They are facultative anaerobes, meaning that they can survive in environments with or without oxygen. Enterococcus bacteria are able to withstand harsh conditions and are resistant to many antibiotics, which makes them particularly difficult to treat.
Commonly found in the gut
Enterococcus bacteria can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and food. They are also a common resident of the human gut microbiome, where they play a role in maintaining gut health and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
What are the health risks of Enterococcus?
This is an interesting probiotic, because some species can cause infections. Enterococcus infections can occur in various parts of the body, including the urinary tract (it is a really common cause of UTIs), bloodstream, and wounds. Symptoms of Enterococcus infection can include fever, chills, pain, and swelling.
Enterococcus is used in a lot of foods!
Enterococcus bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, which can make them difficult to treat. In some cases, Enterococcus infections can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis or endocarditis.
Just to make it even more confusing, Enterococcus is used in the production of a lot of different, quite delicious, foods. Enterococcus is commonly used in food production as starter cultures in fermented food production, like cheese, sausages and pickles. Yup – sausages! Some really dry sausages are fermented to reach low pH (that means it’s acidic) levels by fermenting it, then are smoked or cooked. The low pH and lack of water means it can have a long shelf life!
Enterococcus is a genus of bacteria that can be found in the human gut, as well as in various environments such as soil, water, and food. While some species of Enterococcus are considered beneficial for gut health, others can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of Enterococcus infections, it is important to practice good hygiene and food safety, and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of infection. And talk to your doctor before starting to use it as a probiotic. When used correctly and in proper balance Enterococcus can be beneficial for some people as a probiotic.
Conclusion – a helpful probiotic, with some issues
Enterococcus is a genus of bacteria that can be found in the human gut, as well as in various environments such as soil, water, and food. While some species of Enterococcus are considered beneficial for gut health, others can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of Enterococcus infections, it is important to practice good hygiene and food safety, and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of infection. And talk to your doctor before starting to use it as a probiotic. When used correctly and in proper balance Enterococcus can be beneficial for some people as a probiotic.
