Bifidobacterium
Type: Probiotic
What are Probiotics?
The “A-listers” of dietary supplements, probiotics are good bacteria that support a healthy gut by replenishing good bacteria levels, keeping the growth of bad bacteria at bay and enhancing gut barrier function, thereby boosting immunity! One of the most important types of probiotics is Bifidobacterium, a special y-shaped bacteria that is most commonly found in your stomach and intestines.
What are the benefits of Bifidobacterium?
1. Boost immunity
Studies show that bifidobacterium can help to stimulate your immune system by producing short chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. From as early as infancy, bifidobacterium can help to prevent these health-related conditions and risk factors later in life.
In fact, bifidobacterium is one of the first types of bacteria to grow in babies’ intestines after they’re born!
2. Ease stomach discomfort and infections (IBS, IBD)
Often taken in conjunction with antibiotics, probiotics help to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections and prevent the death of good bacteria when you fall sick. Bifidobacterium can help to treat manage stomach infection symptoms such as discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gassiness cause by antibiotics as well as infections such as IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease).
As bifidobacterium is a family of probiotics, each strain has their own abilities and purposes. The most powerful and common bifidobacterium strains you should look out for are:
1. Bifidobacterium Breve - Relieve cough and flu symptoms, Fight off bad bacteria
2. Bifidobacterium Longum and Bifidobacterium Lactis - Boost immunity, Relieve constipation
3. Bifidobacterium Bifidum - Reduce food intolerance, Boost immunity
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