The benefits of probiotics are numerous, but did you know different bacterial strains provide different benefits? While all of them are helpful for digestion, not all probiotics are equal. This fact has led to a lot of confusion. Let’s clear up a few questions and take a closer look at one specific probiotic strain your body depends on: Bifidobacterium breve.
It can be a difficult task to understand there are good bacteria but your gut is home to many of them, and they're called probiotics. The term “pro-” means “for” and "-biotic" stands for "life." These friendly bacteria digest sugars, starches, and carbs into nutrients your body can easily digest, and they also break down fiber. [1] Probiotics are also your first line of defense against invading bacteria like E. coli, C. difficile, and H. pylori. [2] Considering that 80% of your immune cells are in the gut, it makes sense that probiotics protect the immune response. Probiotics line the surface of your intestines, preventing germs from attacking you and making you sick. Probiotics may also support mood, [3] blood sugar stability, [4] bone health, [5] and reduce allergy symptoms. [6]
This powerhouse probiotic bacteria plays a key role in your health. B. breve also protects colon function, alleviates constipation, and reduces gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, it stimulates your immune system, inhibits E. coli, and suppresses the fungus Candida. While there’s always a big focus on the positive effect of probiotics on digestion, B. breve has proven effective in reducing oral candida in the elderly. [7] This helps prevent the spread of candida to other areas of the body, like the gut. Researchers speculate that many cases of Irritable Bowel Disease may be a result of a Candida infestation. [8]
Additional research shows that this bacteria strain could be helpful in reducing intestine irritation and allergic responses in animal models. [9] More research is needed in this area, however, to see how it translates into human subjects. B. breve also shows action against antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common issue for people receiving large doses of antibiotics. The main job of B. breve is to ferment sugars and produce acetic and lactic acid. It can digest plant fibers that are typically thought of as non-digestible, perhaps the main reason why B. breve is so helpful for supporting digestion. If you're the type of person who needs a little assistance in digesting your food, it's probably wise to consider supplementing with this powerful strain.
Kombucha, water kefir, and raw sauerkraut are excellent food sources of probiotics. Supplements are another way to get the probiotics you need. But make sure it’s a high-quality supplement. Consider Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic, which contains a superior blend of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium breve, designed to support your digestive system. Organisms like B. breve use fiber, inulin, and natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables as food, or prebiotics. Prebiotics feed your probiotic bacteria, keeping them hearty and robust. Simply increasing your fiber intake through whole plant foods can be helpful. Supplementation with inulin or gum acacia can also be extremely helpful for supporting B. breve population.
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