40 Billion Lactic Acid Bacteria: What That Means for Your Gut

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Forty billion. That’s more than the population of Earth five times over. Now imagine all of that packed into a single serving of your morning drink—except instead of people, we’re talking about beneficial bacteria ready to support your digestive system. 

If you’ve been exploring the world of gut health, you’ve probably come across the term “lactic acid bacteria” more than once. These tiny organisms are the unsung heroes of fermentation, and they’ve been keeping human digestive systems happy for thousands of years. 

What Exactly Are Lactic Acid Bacteria? 

Lactic acid bacteria, often called LAB, are a group of beneficial microorganisms that produce lactic acid as they break down carbohydrates. They’re the same bacteria responsible for turning milk into yogurt, cabbage into sauerkraut, and cucumbers into pickles. 

But here’s what makes them special for your gut: these bacteria support your immune system and help maintain a healthy balance, making you feel more confident about your digestive health. 

Why 40 Billion Matters 

When it comes to probiotics, quantity does matter—but not in the way you might think. It’s not about overwhelming your system; it’s about ensuring enough beneficial bacteria survive the journey through your stomach acid, actually, to reach your intestines, where they can do their work. 

Think of it like sending a message in a bottle across the ocean. You’d want to send several bottles to increase the chances that at least one reaches its destination. The same principle applies here. 

The Nagano Connection: Learning from Japan’s Longevity Region 

There’s a reason why traditional fermented foods have been treasured in certain parts of Japan for centuries. In Nagano Prefecture’s Kiso Valley, locals have been making a unique fermented pickle called “sunki” for over 400 years. What makes sunki remarkable is that it’s fermented entirely through lactic acid bacteria—no salt added at all. 

The region is known for its healthy, long-lived residents, and many attribute part of this longevity to their daily consumption of naturally fermented foods rich in plant-based lactic acid bacteria. This traditional wisdom inspired the development of modern probiotic supplements that harness the same beneficial bacteria in concentrated forms. 

Plant-Based vs. Dairy-Based: Does the Source Matter? 

You might be wondering if it matters where your probiotics come from. Plant-based lactic acid bacteria, like those from fermented vegetables, can make you feel more in control of your health choices and confident in their benefits. 

What Can You Expect? 

Everyone’s digestive system is different, but many people notice better regularity and comfort when they consistently include high-count probiotic supplements, helping you feel more hopeful about your gut health journey. 

Making It Part of Your Day 

The beauty of modern probiotic supplements is their convenience, but choosing a high-quality product is key. Look for products that specify the number of live bacteria (like 40 billion lactic acid bacteria), include diverse strains, and are stored properly to ensure potency. Products like the Vegepresso Special Aojiru combine 40 billion lactic acid bacteria with nutritious greens from barley grass, broccoli, komatsuna, and spinach—all sourced from Japan. It’s an easy way to support your gut while getting your daily vegetables in one go. 

Mix one packet with water, milk, or even yogurt, and you’ve got yourself a gut-friendly drink that takes less time to prepare than your morning coffee. 

Your gut does a lot for you. It may be time to return the favour.