We’ve all heard of the term probiotics, but did you know that these are essential to keep our gut health at its peak? Some of these “good bacteria” have been friends from the very beginning as they reside in our bodies, helping us every inch of the way.Bifidobacterium bifidum is one such type of probiotic, or “good” bacteria. Since it naturally resides in the human gut, it has long been helping us maintain a healthy digestive system.
Gut Health Benefits
- bifidum is particularly helpful when it comes to breaking down complex carbohydrates and fibers in our guts. This helps improve nutrient absorption and digestion. Since the microorganism produces lactic and acetic acid, an acidic environment is created. As a result, there is an inhibited growth of harmful bacteria.
- bifidum has also been observed to modulate the immune system. This leads to reduced inflammation in our bodies, leading to the vital protection we all need against infectious diseases.
Therapeutic Applications
The fact that it has beneficial effects means that B. bifidum is commonly used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions. Some clinical studies have even
suggested that it is effective at managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The syndrome is a chronic disorder with symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. B. bifidum has also been used to alleviate eczema, constipation, and diarrhea. However, evidence for the effectiveness of these applications remains inconclusive. While it may be effective at battling several other viruses, there is no concrete proof to suggest that it may be effective at treating COVID-19.
Infant Gut Colonization
Remember when the medics encourage you to breastfeed your infant? There is good reason for that as B. bifidum is particularly abundant in those babies that are breastfed. Once in their bodies, it plays a crucial role in developing those little immune systems and boosting gut health. This is mainly because the probiotic strain is able to break down and use complex carbohydrates found in human breast milk.
Probiotic Supplementation
- bifidum can be most commonly found in probiotic supplements. These supplements also contain other beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. When it comes to adults, B. bifidum is typically taken in doses of 1-6 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day. This can be taken on its own or with other probiotics for up to 6 months.
However, do keep in mind that B. bifidum should not be confused with other probiotic strains or fermented food products. They are not the same and have different effects.
Conclusion
The one thing that Bifidobacterium bifidum can be praised for is its versatility. The probiotic strain offers several wide-ranging benefits for gut health, along with overall well-being. It has the ability to break down complex carbohydrates, while also modulating the immune system. Finally, one of the biggest advantages is that it keeps a check on harmful bacteria which has a tendency to be born into our bodies. However, medics have reiterated that further research is required to understand the full therapeutic potential of the probiotic.
