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Bifidobacterium infantis: The Health Benefits of Probiotics

Published August 13, 2015

With all the talk about probiotics, you've probably–at one point or another–considered supplementing. The idea of consuming bacteria, however, may seem a bit alien to most people, simply because they've been brainwashed to believe all bacteria is bad. The praising of antibiotics and antibacterials in mainstream culture has simply perpetuated this myth. Probiotics, on the other hand, are symbiotic organisms that help you digest food, stimulate your immune system (thus helping fight infections!), and even produces some of the vitamins you need for life.

Beyond Digestion: The Health Benefits of Probiotics

Your gut is where digestion happens and where most of your immune response occurs. A lot of the nutrients you get come from friendly bacteria which help digest the food you eat. Probiotics also produce essential nutrients like vitamin B3 and folate. ^[1] Bad bacteria, like E. coli and C. difficile, produce toxins that poison, cause illness, and speed the aging process.

When friendly probiotics like Bifidobacterium infantis line your intestines, germs like E. coli get swept away and do no harm. They also break down fiber and sugars that lead to bloating, gas, and aggravate conditions like IBS. ^[2] And studies have shown that men and women with balanced levels of probiotic bacteria can focus and concentrate better and enjoy stronger bones, normal blood sugar, fewer allergies, and better cardiovascular health. ^[3] ^[4]

The Importance of a Healthy Gut

Your life depends on the health of your gut. When you don't have enough probiotic bacteria, germs and toxins attack the lining of the intestine. This damages the cells lining your intestine, and with enough damage, germs and toxins get into your blood. While you may not see this happening, you feel the results.

Frequent bloating and gas indicate there's a problem with your digestive system, and probably indicates your intestines are running low in beneficial bacteria. But you may also experience frequent headaches, increased allergic response, blood sugar spikes, and chronic illness.

And on top of all this, a sick gut reduces your ability to digest nutrients. This disrupts how your hormones work, starves your mitochondria (energy source of the cell), and slows metabolism. Think of it this way: your probiotic bacteria are the gatekeepers of your gut. Keep them strong, and they'll keep the bad guys out and keep your gut working efficiently.

Not All Probiotic Strains Are the Same

Mainstream food producers want you to believe one probiotic is as good as the next. Not quite. Probiotic strains aren't even the same within the same species. It turns out different strains give you different benefits. To help alleviate confusion, scientists have added codes to identify one strain from another. So, when shopping, don't be surprised if you see strains like B. infantis labeled as B. infantis 35624.

Bifidobacterium infantis: A Strain You Want

B. infantis thrives most in the intestines of infantis as it helps break down lactic acid in human breast milk. With this benefit, isn't it fitting that the bacterial strain is named B. infantis? But don't let its name fool you; it's good for kids and adults, too. This probiotic also feeds on natural fructose (not the frankenfood ingredient HFCS), glucose, and other all-natural carbs.

Adults who keep their B. infantis levels in balance enjoy better overall health, an active metabolism, and less discomfort after eating. British researchers reported it only took four weeks for women who took B. infantis to enjoy a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms. ^[5] Another study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found B. infantis supports stomach health and digestion. ^[6] But it does more than aid digestion. It also supports your immune system against unwanted bacterial growth in the intestines. And some strains even produce B vitamins.

Nourish Probiotics with Prebiotics!

To keep probiotic bacteria robust and in balance, you need to feed them. Friendly bacteria, like B. infantis, require the natural carbs and sugars you find in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Processed sugars, like those found in most packaged foods, are toxic and will kill them off.

The Best Sources of Probiotics

With today's constant exposure to environmental toxins, processed foods, antibiotics, and germs, your probiotic levels are constantly under attack. To compensate, you need to support your gut health by getting probiotics regularly. One way is to eat foods like kefir, tempeh, yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut. If you're trying to get a specific probiotic, like B. infantis, to address IBS or digestive comfort, you may want a supplement. If you do supplement for Bifidobacterium infantis, make sure it's a high-quality probiotic with colonies around .5 billion and comes microencapsulated for the best dispersal and maximum effect.

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