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The Amazing Benefits of Bifidobacteria
Everybody Needs Lots of Bifido
Bifidobacterium is a genus of beneficial bacteria that reside primarily in the intestines. Bifidobacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being and keep your immune system strong. I am hearing more and more that many people have diminished bifidobacteria. If you don't have enough bifidobacteria, your immune system struggles, and you can wind up with autoimmune diseases, food allergies, histamine problems, and more.
Here are some of the things that bifidobacteria can do.
Gut Health and Digestion
Bifidobacteria are essential for a healthy digestive system. They help break down dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids which nourish the cells lining the gut. This process aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
As we age, the composition of our gut microbiota changes, often leading to a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful ones. This imbalance can result in gastrointestinal issues and a decline in overall health. Bifidobacteria help restore this balance by enhancing the population of good bacteria in the gut. This restoration supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and a stronger immune response, all of which are critical for healthy aging. [1]
Immune System Support
A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut, and bifidobacteria play a vital role in immune function. These beneficial bacteria help regulate the immune response, enhancing the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses. They stimulate the production of antibodies and other immune cells, providing a robust defense against pathogens. [2]
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to the aging process and age-related diseases. Bifidobacteria have anti-inflammatory properties that help modulate the immune system and reduce systemic inflammation. By lowering inflammation, bifidobacteria can mitigate the risks of conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders, thus promoting a healthier, longer life. [3]
Mental Health and Mood
Bifidobacteria may also have neuroprotective effects. Research suggests that these probiotics can support brain health by influencing the gut-brain axis. For instance, B. longum has been found to upregulate the expression of dopaminergic neurons, potentially offering protective benefits against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. This could help maintain cognitive function and mental clarity as we age.[4]
Weight Management
Bifidobacteria may also aid in weight management. They help regulate metabolism and the absorption of nutrients, contributing to a healthy weight. By improving gut health, bifidobacteria can reduce the risk of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Some studies suggest that these beneficial bacteria can influence the release of hormones that control appetite and fat storage. [5]
Skin Health
A balanced gut microbiome, supported by bifidobacteria, can improve skin health. These bacteria help reduce inflammation and promote the production of healthy skin cells. A healthy gut can lead to clearer skin and may help manage conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. [6,7]
Bone Health Support
Studies have indicated that bifidobacteria can improve bone health by enhancing calcium absorption and reducing bone loss. This is particularly beneficial for older adults who are at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. By supporting bone density and strength, bifidobacteria contribute to overall physical health and mobility, which are crucial for a longer, active life. [8]
How to get More Bifidobacteria
HMO's
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are specific carbohydrates and essentially super prebiotics occurring naturally in mother's milk. Consuming HMOs is one of the best ways to make more bifidobacteria. And no, you're not drinking human milk, but rather a prebiotic (specifically made by a process of fermentation) that creates more bifidobacteria.
HMOs help improve the immune system by stimulating innate immune system responses, inhibiting pathogens like E. coli, and reducing inflammation. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) also boosts the production of proteins that close gaps between gut cells to keep microbes out of the bloodstream and increase anti-inflammatory molecules that boost the immune system. To achieve those beneficial results, B. infantis has to feed on HMOs. [9,10,11]
Yogurt Plus with Bifidobacteria
I love this product, and lately I have been making it and using it in everything from salad recipes to dips and more. It only takes a little bit to make this yogurt, and wow is it good. You can make Yogurt Plus in all kinds of ways with different kinds of milk and even make cultured cream which is to die for! I have lots of ways to make this wonderful yogurt and I have more recipes coming!
Kefir Soda
We have a wonderful product that we made with Cutting Edge Cultures. It contains some of my very favorite good bacteria and yeasts, and bifidobacteria are included!
This kefir soda contains beneficial bacteria strains and good yeasts to help you make a fun, bubbly, and healthy replacement for soda! Each package can make you dozens of liters of kefir soda if you make it often.
The strains and yeasts metabolize the natural sugar found in fruit juice or coconut water, resulting in an effervescent drink that is loaded with probiotics, and it's super fun to make.
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Bifidobacteria are a group of beneficial bacteria that reside primarily in the intestines. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being and keep your immune system strong. I am hearing more and more that many people have diminished Bifidobacteria. If you don't have enough Bifidobacteria, your immune system struggles, and you can wind up with autoimmune diseases, food allergies, histamine problems, and more. Here are some of the things that bifidobacteria can do.
References:
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00841/full
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10730214/#:
- https://bestlifeonline.com/anti-aging-probiotics/
- https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1969602/v1
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-60991-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9523416/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995#d1e399
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13786
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082288/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5722804/
- https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1921223117
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