Life is extremely precious, fast-paced and short-lived for every human on earth. One crucial body function responsible for how you live your life is your immunity. It helps you perform your day to day errands and bounce back from illnesses, viruses and diseases.
But did you know 70% of your immune function is situated in your gut?
It's true! Plus, with the rise of many different foods, drinks and viruses circulating worldwide, paying attention to your gut health is more important than ever. One bacteria you should look into is Bifidobacterium.
Bifidobacterium plays a major beneficial role on your colon if the right amount is ingested. Keep reading to know more about this powerhouse of bacteria for your gut!
What is Bifidobacterium?
You might have heard of the name probiotics across food, supplements and health articles. Well, probiotics are basically a group of Bifidobacteria that inhabit your stomach and intestines. Typically, they secrete acetic acid and lactic acid in your gut, helping your body with its digestive process and fight off harmful bacteria.
Where does Bifidobacterium come from?
Just like we mentioned previously, Bifidobacteria are naturally found in the large intestine of both humans and animals. It's the most dominant bacteria in your colon and your large intestine. In infants, you'll find this bacteria in their GI tract, especially breastfed ones. It's also present in environmental sources like water, soil and plants. Alongside foods, too! You can find Bifidobacterium in the following food sources:
- Fruits, i.e. apples, berries and bananas
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains, i.e. barley, oats, whole wheat
- Onions and garlic
- Legumes, i.e. chickpeas, lentils and beans
9 Benefits of Bifidobacterium
Having sufficient levels of Bifidobacterium in your body can have a lot of benefits, such as the following:
It can limit the likelihood and help treat GI infections
Often, probiotics are prescribed in parallel with antibiotics to reduce the amount of gastrointestinal infections and help keep alive good bacteria. Research shows that Bifidobacterium can help decrease diarrhoea and treat GI infections such as e Clostridioides Difficile.
It may help prevent eczema
There's growing evidence which suggests Bifidobacterium can help infants and children reduce the likelihood of eczema. That's especially true if their mother takes probiotics containing Bifidobacterium strains while they're gestating and lactating. Probiotics with Bifidobacterium can also be given to children; however, it's best to consult your doctor before doing so.
Increased immune function
Much research shows that healthy bacteria like Bifidobacteria can help your gut health from an early age. It's thought that these stains can have a powerful influence on your immune system by increasing white blood cell production to fight off infections and reduce inflammation by using fewer white blood cells. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm this.
It may reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer
Some animal studies show that the risk of recurrent colon cancer can be reduced when Bifidobacterium is taken alongside a prebiotic, such as B. Breve B. animalis and B. longum. However, human studies still need to be done to support this.
Can increase mineral bioavailability
Eating foods high in Bifidobacterium, like yoghurt, sauerkraut, cured meats, fermented foods and more, can help improve the bioavailability of certain minerals, particularly zinc, calcium and iron.
Supports antibiotic treatment
If you take Bifidobacterium alongside antibiotics, it can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Antibiotics can help kill both good and bad bacteria. Whereas Bifidobacterium can help speed up the process by helping restore the health of your gut to normal quickly.
It may influence your mood and mental health
One growing area of scientific research is the gut-brain connection. It's thought that a healthy gut can have a strong influence on your brain. Especially taking Bifidobacterium influences your mood, being a reliever for conditions like anxiety and depression. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm this.
Could help with the management of IBS
It's thought that prebiotics like Bifidobacterium can be helpful if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bifidobacterium is known to help alleviate constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other symptoms associated with IBS.
Better digestive health
Bifidobacterium helps balance the bacteria in your gut, increasing healthy bacteria. They can help you break down dietary fibres, complex carbohydrates, increase nutrient absorption and help you digest foods more efficiently. It'll help you alleviate gas, bloating and irregular bowel movements.
Bottom line
With today's on the go lifestyle, it can often be difficult always to eat enough food to ensure our Bifidobacterium levels are sufficient. One way you can support your production of Bifidobacterium is by taking a supplement.
At Earth's Nurture, our U.K made supplement contains 5 billion Bifidobacterium CPU, comes in 90 and 270 capsules, and is completely vegetarian. It also contains no artificial and Non-GMO ingredients and has a 100% money back guarantee. Try it today and see the benefits for yourself!