You may have already heard about the incredible benefits probiotics provide for the body. But, did you know there are tons of different strains of probiotics each with unique effects and benefits for the body? Knowing more about what individual probiotics are may even help you find a supplement that will better fit your specific needs.

In this article, we will cover the Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic as well as the top ten benefits of Bifidobacterium bifidum.

What is Bifidobacterium Bifidum?

The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, and there is no escaping these little guys with a bottle of germ-x. But, you actually don’t need to protect yourself from many of these bacteria. In fact, they are the ones protecting you.

There are both good and bad bacteria that colonize in the body. As long as there is a balance of both good and bad bacteria in their little communities, things run smoothly. However, this peace and balance can be easily disturbed allowing the harmful bacteria to take over and wreak havoc.

For example, sometimes it is necessary for a person to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are the opposite of probiotics. The purpose of antibiotics is to kill bacteria. When you get sick and take antibiotics,  they try to wipe out all bacteria both good and bad. Bifidobacterium bifidum is especially susceptible to pharmaceuticals.

Now, the bad bacteria have a chance to grow back faster and stronger causing a secondary infection. One way to avoid this may be to take a probiotic supplement while you are on antibiotics or after your round of antibiotics.

Probiotics are the “good” “friendly” or “helpful” bacteria that help your body stay healthy and fight off disease. When you take a probiotic supplement like Bifidobacterium bifidum, it will help these healthy bacteria grow and multiply where they belong. This, in turn, provides multiple incredible benefits for the entire body.

 Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotics are naturally found in the body’s digestive tract and the urogenital tract. Bifidobacterium bifidum is actually one of the most prominent species of probiotics.

10 Bifidobacterium Bifidum Benefits

GI disorders

In one study, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation were significantly improved in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders after having Bifidobacterium bifidum.

IBS

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been found to significantly alleviate and improve symptoms of IBS such as pain, bloating, and urgency in IBS patients while also improving quality of life.

IBD

Bifidobacterium bifidum has decreased the symptoms of IBD in mice. It has also shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in mice. This suggests it may be helpful to human patients who suffer from IBD.

Immunity

Several studies suggest probiotics like Bifidobacterium bifidum may boost immunity. Bifidobacterium bifidum may even help prevent or decrease the duration of cold and flu symptoms in children.

Eczema

 Bifidobacterium bifidum has shown positive effects on the prevention and treatment of eczema in infants. However, you should always consult with your physician before taking Bifidobacterium bifidum supplements when you are pregnant or before giving them to an infant or child.

High Cholesterol

Bifidobacterium bifidum has decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides in laboratory experiments and in diabetic rats.

Diabetes

Bifidobacterium bifidum decreases and stabilizes fasting blood glucose and increases HDL and insulin in diabetic rats.

Allergies

Bifidobacterium bifidum has shown to significantly help with symptoms of allergic reactions such as sneezing and nasal obstruction in guinea pigs. It has also proven to be effective in helping suppress Japanese cedar pollen-induced allergy symptoms in guinea pigs.

Psychological Distress

Studies have suggested that Bifidobacterium bifidum in combination with other probiotics can help reduce psychological distress and negative thoughts in healthy people. Another recent study also suggested that a Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic could help lower depression.

Cancer

Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation has shown to prevent CD4+lymphocyte over-activation, and may potentially help in restoring the Treg/Th17 Th1 imbalance present in SLE. Extracts of Bifidobacterium bifidum have also inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells in the lab.

Negative Effects

Generally, Bifidobacterium bifidum is safe and beneficial for healthy adults and children. Interestingly, some of the side effects of probiotics many people experience actually mean they are working!

It can take some time for your body to get used to the new bacteria, and in the meantime, you may experience diarrhea, gas, and bloating. These may simply be the result of the probiotic improving the gut environment.

These minor side effects should go away after your body acclimates. However, if your symptoms are painful or worsen, you should see your doctor.

Here are three ways to help reduce these side effects if you do experience them.

1.) Decrease the dosage

2.) Stay hydrated

3.) Give your body time to adjust

You should also speak to your physician before using probiotics if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or before giving them to a child.

Where to Find Bifidobacterium Bifidum

So, now that you know what this helpful probiotic is and how beneficial it is—how can you start taking advantage of it?

The Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic can be found outside of the body in foods like:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Sourdough bread

However, counting on your food to provide you with the probiotics you need can sometimes be unreliable—especially if you are a picky eater.

Many people find taking probiotic supplements to be an easier and more convenient way to be sure they are getting the number of live Bifidobacterium bifidum they need.

If you think Bifidobacterium bifidum may be right for you, try one of our effective probiotic supplements.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.