When you have a balanced gut bacteria, your body functions as it should. Your immune system is strong, your digestion is good, and your resistance to disease is high. However, when the balance of your gut bacteria is disturbed, things go south pretty quickly. Not only do you start having issues digesting food properly, but you also become more susceptible to certain diseases and conditions. A study published earlier this year in the journal Nature found that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can trigger a chain reaction that leads to obesity and diabetes. People with obesity and type 2 diabetes tend to have lower concentrations of Bifidobacterium — one of the main strains of probiotics that are found in fermented foods and drinks. This article will discuss why this particular strain of probiotic is so important for a healthy gut and how we can improve its levels.
What is Bifidobacterium?
Bifidobacterium is a group of bacteria that colonise the human gut, mouth, and skin. They are a type of probiotic that can be found in fermented foods and drinks such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, and some types of pickled vegetables. Bifidobacteria are thought to be the second most prevalent microorganism in the human gut after Escherichia coli. Studies suggest that a large percentage of adults have high levels of bifidobacteria in their gut — around 50% of people under the age of 2 and around 75% of people between 2 and 50 years old. A healthy gut also has some bifidobacteria species that have been shown to have positive effects on human health — especially the immune system and digestive system.
How Does a Bifidobacterium Imbalance Happen?
An imbalance in the gut bacteria can happen when the gut is not functioning properly or when the diet is not appropriately balanced. This can happen with both the old and the young, but it is more common in older people. For example, many people lose their appetite as they get older, and this can make it harder to eat a well-rounded diet that contains all the nutrients we need for good health. Bacteria in the gut thrive on the nutrients found in food, so when the diet is lacking in certain nutrients, it can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria and a weakened immune system.
Bifidobacterium and the Immune System
The immune system is one of the most important parts of the human body. It is responsible for protecting the body from harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The gut is an important part of the immune system, as this is where the body absorbs nutrients and vitamins from the food we eat. Bifidobacterium helps to keep the gut healthy by preventing bad bacteria from growing there. This can help to prevent certain diseases, such as diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease. Bifidobacterium can also break down certain substances that the body cannot process, such as certain drugs or pesticides. When bifidobacteria break down these substances, they produce a compound called an antibacterial agent that can kill harmful bacteria inside the gut.
Bifidobacterium and Digestion
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients from it, and removing waste from the body. Bifidobacteria produce lactic acid, which helps to break down fibre and make nutrients from food more easily available for the body to absorb. This means that foods that contain bifidobacteria are sometimes recommended for people who have problems absorbing nutrients from their food, for example those with an underactive digestive system. Bifidobacteria are also thought to play a role in regulating the immune system in the gut. This means that they can help to keep the digestive system healthy and prevent digestive diseases such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Bifidobacterium and Disease Resistance
Bifidobacteria are a key part of the intestinal microbiota, which helps us to fight disease and maintain a high-functioning immune system. When the intestinal microbiota is healthy, it can prevent harmful bacteria from growing and make it harder for disease-causing microbes to thrive in the gut. This can make people less susceptible to certain diseases, such as diarrhoea, colitis, allergies, obesity, and even certain types of cancer. However, the intestinal microbiota is vulnerable to outside influences. Factors that can affect it include age, diet, medication, and stress. Bifidobacteria can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt and sauerkraut. Some supplements also contain bifidobacteria, such as probiotic supplements, prebiotics, and synbiotics.Â
Conclusion
Bifidobacterium is a type of probiotic that can be found in fermented foods and drinks such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, and some types of pickled vegetables. Bifidobacteria are thought to be the second most prevalent microorganism in the human gut after Escherichia coli. Bifidobacteria can help to keep the gut healthy by preventing bad bacteria from growing there. This can help to prevent certain diseases, such as diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease. Supplementing with NAD is another fast and efficient way of strengthening your immune system and giving the body what it needs in order to maintain a healthy gut bacteria. Bifidobacteria can also break down certain substances that the body cannot process, such as certain drugs or pesticides. When bifidobacteria break down these substances, they produce a compound called an antibacterial agent that can kill harmful bacteria inside the gut.
