Bifidobacterium breve: A Healthy Probiotic Strain
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.
Some Background About Probiotics
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]
Bifidobacterium breve: A Probiotic Strain You Want
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.
How to Support Bifidobacterium Breve Population
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.
References (9)
- Balakrishnan M, Floch MH. Prebiotics, probiotics and digestive health. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Nov;15(6):580-5. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328359684f.
- Mondel M, Schroeder BO, Zimmermann K, et al. Probiotic E. coli treatment mediates antimicrobial human beta-defensin synthesis and fecal excretion in humans. Mucosal Immunol. 2009 Mar;2(2):166-72. doi: 10.1038/mi.2008.77.
- Mohammadi AA, Jazayeri S, Khosravi-Darani K, et al. The effects of probiotics on mental health and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in petrochemical workers. Nutr Neurosci. 2015 Apr 16.
- Al-Salami H, Butt G, Fawcett JP, et al. Probiotic treatment reduces blood glucose levels and increases systemic absorption of gliclazide in diabetic rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2008 Apr-Jun;33(2):101-6.
- Kolsoom Parvaneh, Rosita Jamaluddin, Golgis Karimi, and Reza Erfani. Effect of Probiotics Supplementation on Bone Mineral Content and Bone Mass Density. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014; 2014: 595962. doi: 10.1155/2014/595962.
- Gui Yang, Zhi-Qiang Liu, and Ping-Chang Yang. Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis with Probiotics: An Alternative Approach. N Am J Med Sci. 2013 Aug; 5(8): 465-468. doi: 10.4103/1947-2714.117299.
- Mendonca FH, Santos SS, Faria Ida S, et al. Effects of probiotic bacteria on Candida presence and IgA anti-Candida in the oral cavity of elderly. Braz Dent J. 2012;23(5):534-8.
- Mukherjee PK, Sendid B, Hoarau G, et al. Mycobiota in gastrointestinal diseases. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 Feb;12(2):77-87. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2014.188.
- Yoshikazu Ohtsuka, Takako Ikegami, Hirohisa Izumi, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium breve on inflammatory gene expression in neonatal and weaning rat intestine. Pediatric Research (2012) 71, 46-53. doi: 10.1038/pr.2011.11.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
