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Bifidobacterium bifidum: The Health Benefits of Probiotics

Published July 29, 2015

There's a lot of confusion out there about what makes a good probiotic, so let's take a closer look at one of the most important around: Bifidobacterium bifidum. This bacterial strain is one of the most popular, commonly added to commercial yogurts and probiotic supplements. Its effectiveness for supporting digestive health could explain its popularity. Let's discuss more about this powerful, beneficial bacteria.

Bifidobacterium bifidum: Health Benefits of Probiotics

After years of bacteria-bashing by the mainstream medical establishment and the push toward excessive use of antibiotics, it can be challenging to understand how bacteria can actually provide benefit. ^[1] You've probably heard how probiotics aid digestion, and it's true, they do. But, they also do a whole lot more. High levels of good probiotic bacteria in your gut breakdown fiber, coat the inner lining of your intestines, and even stimulate your immune system. ^[2] Bad bacteria, like C. difficile or E. coli, suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

70%-80% of your immune response occurs in your gut, because that's where antibiotics attack most germs and it's where the majority of your immune cells go to fight off germs when you're sick. ^[3] Probiotic bacteria actually attach to cells of the intestine and protect the physical lining of your intestine against damage from toxins or germs. This keeps toxins and germs out of your blood and prevents them from making you sick or disrupting cellular function. On top of all this, probiotics like B. bifidum also produce important vitamins like B12, biotin, and K2. ^[4]

Why You Need a Healthy Gut

Unfortunately, today it's tough to keep probiotic levels in your gut stable. Antibiotics, illness, artificial sugar, and pesticides can kill off those friendly gut bacteria and let killer germs like C. diff. take up residence, leading to a common illness called 'antibiotic-associated diarrhea' (AAD). ^[5] When that happens, you've got trouble. Increasing levels of probiotic bacteria, like through a probiotic supplement, is essential in this case.

Bifidobacterium bifidum: A Strain You Want

When you were born, the B. bifidum strain was already present in your intestines, protecting you from germs. In fact, it made up nearly 95% of your intestinal bacteria! B. bifidum attaches to your intestinal lining and helps digest sugar. It also keeps germs and toxins away from your blood while it stimulates your immune system. Recent research even shows that Bifidobacterium bifidum reduces the incidence of cold and flu. ^[6]

Antibiotic use drastically decreases B. bifidum population, as does everyday environmental factors. But with so many environmental toxins like pesticides and foods loaded with artificial sugars, adults and children alike need a supplement to maintain the best possible health.

Keep Them Fed, Eat Prebiotics Too

To keep your probiotic levels up, you need to feed them! Microorganisms like B. bifidum feed on fiber, gum arabic, inulin, and other natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables. These are natural prebiotics, and you absolutely need them if you are going to take a probiotic supplement. With FloraTrex™, our newest probiotic supplement containing 18 different beneficial strains of bacteria, we include inulin and gum arabic, two powerful, natural prebiotics.

Here's the Best Probiotic Sources

Without balanced levels of probiotics like B. bifidum, sickness and disease follow. To keep your levels up, eat yogurt, cheese, and other fermented foods regularly. Or, take a high-quality supplement with colonies around 3 billion for B. bifidum and one that uses micro-encapsulation. This process ensures that the probiotics absorb through your stomach and into the intestines for the best result.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM