Bifidobacterium lactis is a good bacterium that has many valuable nutritional components.
Contents
Uses
Used as a probiotic. It helps fight off some of the damage caused by bad bacteria found in the body and also aids in digestion. It is most commonly found in the intestines of humans. Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the most beneficial probiotics that is most commonly added primarily to dairy products such as yogurt.
Benefits
- Diarrhea Prevention: Diarrhea is a condition that is usually caused by an irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. If not taken care of it can be potentially fatal. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors including parasites, medicines or even food poisoning. According to a study performed by the Journal of Nutrition in August 2006, Bifidobacterium lactis was found to reduce the risk of individuals contracting diarrhea from a change in water sources and environmental changes due to traveling. Eating regulated portions of the bacterium in the diet showed dramatic results.
- Constipation Relief: Constipation is an uncomfortable bowel condition that makes the evacuation of feces difficult. It is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three days out of the week. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, dairy products containing Bifidobacterium lactis aids in the relief of constipation. It is especially helpful when consumed by adults. Studied have been conducted to determine if it helps provoke frequent bowel movements. Bifidobacterium may help relief constipation when consumed over a three to six week time frame.
- Decrease in Colon Inflammation: Inflammation of the colon is a painful condition caused by a variety of medical factors. One of the primary causes is high amounts of toxic buildup in the colon. It can cause the colon to swell and become inflamed, a condition also known as colitis. According to American Society for Microbiology, fermented bifidobacterium lactis has beneficial microorganisms that live within the colon to help with the elimination of toxic waste. Some of the most common strains of the bacterium are added to food sources such as milk, cheese and even in infant formula to promote good colon health and decrease the odds of experiencing inflammation of the colon.
Cautions
Bifidobacteria are LIKELY SAFE for adults and children when taken by mouth appropriately. In some people, treatment with bifidobacteria might upset the stomach and intestine, causing bloating and gas.
- Special Precautions & Warnings
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking bifidobacteria if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Weakened immune system: There is some concern that “probiotics” might grow too well in people with a weak immune system and cause infections. Although this has not occurred specifically with bifidobacteria, there have been rare cases involving other probiotic species such as lactobacillus. If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., you have HIV/AIDS or are undergoing cancer treatment), check with your healthcare provider before using bifidobacteria.
Interactions
Please consult your pharmacist.
- Antibiotic drugs interacts with BIFIDOBACTERIA
- Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Antibiotics can also reduce friendly bacteria in the body. Bifidobacteria are a type of friendly bacteria. Taking antibiotics along with bifidobacteria might reduce the effectiveness of bifidobacteria. To avoid this interaction take bifidobacteria products at least two hours before or after antibiotics.
Other names
B. Bifidum, B. Breve, B. Infantis, B. lactis, B. Longum, Bifido, Bifido Bacterium Longum, Bifidobacterias, Bifidobactérie, Bifidobactéries, Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis; Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum; Bifidobacterium breve; Bifidobacterium infantis; Bifidobacterium lactis; Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidum, Bifidus, Bifidus Brevis, Bifidus Infantis, Bifidus Longum, Bifidobacteria Bifidus, Lactobacillus Bifidus, L. Bifidus, Probiotic, Probiotique.
References
Source: GlobalHealingCenter, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/bifidobacterium-lactis-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/