Bifidobacterium Longum is a highly versatile and robust type of probiotic. It is capable of withstanding especially harsh conditions within the gut. Unlike many other types of probiotic strains, B. Longum doesn’t seem to mind stomach acid, PH fluctuation, bile, and traveling through the GI tract. In fact, it supports the entire gut by clinging to the intestines all the way to the colon.
In this article, we’re going to go over some of the many Bifidobacterium Longum benefits. But first, it helps to understand what probiotics are and how they work.
What is a Probiotic?
There are many different types of bacteria that live in the gut. In fact, scientists estimate that there are 10x more microbial cells in the human body than there are human cells. Some of these bacteria are considered probiotics because they have beneficial properties. In other words, they help improve your health.
These “good” forms of bacteria can help everything from digestion to warding off bad bacteria that make your body sick such as E. Coli. Probiotics can protect the body from disease and even boost your energy levels by breaking down nutrients for proper absorptions.
However, each probiotic can have different benefits for the body. That’s why we’re covering the benefits of many different types of probiotics here on our blog at MindZymes. So let’s take a look at some of the many Bifidobacterium Longum benefits.
Immune Support
Studies show that B. Longum is a powerful immune system booster. It helps protect the body against harmful pathogens such as influenza. It keeps harmful microbes under control in the GI tract as well as helping your body build resistance to many types of bad bacteria.
Though B. Longum effectively supports the immune system in people of all ages, it seems particularly effective at boosting the immune systems of the elderly.
GI Tract
This probiotic is excellent for treating a wide range of gastrointestinal issues—making it a necessity for a healthy gut. B. Longum is great for treating digestive issues including lactose intolerance, because it helps break down lactose and other sugars.
Research shows that B. Longum reduces Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) strains of bacteria in the gut. ETBF strains are believed to be problematic in the gut and contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acute diarrhea, and even colorectal cancer. B. Longum modulates the gut microbiome and may reduce harmful endotoxins according to lab studies on rats.
This probiotic is also powerful for treating symptoms of IBS. Studies show that B. Longum reduces bloating, abdominal pain, difficult bowel movements, and general discomfort related to irritable bowel syndrome.
Inflammation
According to research, B. Longum seems to be incredibly powerful for relieving inflammation throughout the body and especially in the gut. Researchers found fewer proinflammatory markers in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and psoriasis while supplementing B. Longum. Other research shows that this probiotic can help improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis in men and women.
Cholesterol
This may be one of the most powerful probiotics for those with excessive levels of cholesterol in their blood. According to research, Bifidobacterium Longum probiotics can reduce the cholesterol level in adults—especially those with high cholesterol. In lab tests, scientists were able to significantly lower triglycerides and cholesterol in rats that were fed a diet very high in fat and cholesterol.
Celiac Disease
This probiotic may be an effective treatment for Celiac disease symptoms. According to a study on patients with untreated Celiac disease, B. Longum significantly reduces gastrointestinal symptoms. It also helped improve the overall gut microbiota in children that were newly diagnosed with Celiac disease.
Cognitive Function
Could B. Longum help optimize your brain? Though no human trials have tested this yet, lab tests show promising results. According to one study, mice given Bifidobacterium Longum supplements showed significant signs of increased learning abilities and a sharper memory.
Anxiety and Depression
B. Longum may improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to a lab study, rats given this probiotic experienced far less anxiety and depression during maternal separation. Another study shows that depression can be reversed with B. Longum in lab animals.
Skin Health
Researchers found that B. Longum can be used topically to benefit the skin. It helps reduce skin inflammation and increase resistance to harmful chemicals and other physical elements. It also helps lessen skin dryness and improve elasticity. In mice, B. Longum was able to reduce skin damage caused by the sun by offering photoprotective benefits when applied topically.
Cancer
Bifidobacterium Longum probiotics may help fight off cancerous cells. Lab studies on rats show that this probiotic has an inhibiting effect on the liver, small intestine, and colon tumors. However, there hasn’t been any published research on the effects of B. Longum in cancer in humans.
Negative Effects
For healthy men and women, Bifidobacterium Longum may not present any adverse side effects. However, in some cases, B. Longum may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach bloating. In very rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to some strains of probiotics which can cause itching, dizziness, a rash, or trouble breathing.
It’s best for those with a compromised immune system to avoid using B. Longum and other probiotics unless otherwise directed by their doctor. Taking probiotics can cause an overgrowth of certain bacteria which can lead to infections.
Since there isn’t much research on B. Longum and pregnant women, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid taking probiotic supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re not sure if this probiotic is right for you, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
Final Thoughts
The Bifidobacterium Longum probiotic strain is highly beneficial and versatile. With new research on B. Longum surfacing regularly, there’s no doubt we’ll uncover even more benefits of this powerful probiotic. If you’re searching for a probiotic supplement to help boost your health, this may be one of the best probiotics worth trying because of its robust nature and versatility.
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.