Bifidobacterium Bifidum is one of several microbes that are used as probiotics, also known as the “good” bacteria. Bifidobacterium is one of the major strains of bacteria that make up the gut flora, a form of bacteria that makes its home in the colon.
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Uses
- Decreasing allergies
- Preventing certain tumors like colon cancer
- Improves digestion
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Vaginitis
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Yeast infections
Benefits
- Bifidobacteria belong to a group of bacteria called lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are found in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese. Bifidobacteria are used in treatment as so-called “probiotics,” the opposite of antibiotics. They are considered “friendly” bacteria and are taken to grow and multiply in areas of the body where they normally would occur.
- The human body counts on its normal bacteria to perform several jobs, including breaking down foods, helping the body take in nutrients, and preventing the take-over of “bad” bacteria. Probiotics such as bifidobacteria are typically used in cases when a disease occurs or might occur due to a kill-off of normal bacteria. For example, treatment with antibiotics can destroy disease-causing bacteria, but also normal bacteria in the GI (gastrointestinal) and urinary tracts.
- The theory is that taking Bifidobacterium probiotics during antibiotic treatment can prevent or minimize the death of good bacteria and the take-over by bad bacteria.
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
Lewis, Catherine; “Know Your Probiotics: The Benefits of Bifidobacterium Bifidum”, www.insidershealth.com/article/know_your_probiotics_the_benefits_of_bifidobacterium_bifidum/3888