Meet the Bifidobacterium Team

Lactos and Bifidos are a bit like football’s
offensive and defensive lines and positions — different, but united in accomplishing
the same goal. In Part 2 of this series we were introduced to the
Lactobacillus side of our microbiome, “Team
Symbion.” Now let’s meet the
Bifidobacteria
lineup. (See Part 1.)

Bifidobacteria, in general, are found in the
digestive tract, particularly the large intestine, the vagina and the mouth. They
make up about 90% of our total microbiome.
Bifidos
support immunity, metabolism and even mood. They are helpful for such diverse
conditions as diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and pouchitis (inflammation
of a surgically-created rectum in colectomy patients); colds, flu and yeast infections;
hepatitis, mumps and Lyme disease and they can help repopulate the gut after
antibiotic use. Like the
Lactos, the Bifidos aid digestion, enhance nutrient
absorption and help keep detrimental microbes in check. By producing lactic acid,
they make their home (our bodies) inhospitable to harmful pathogens.

The Starting Lineup

Bifidobacterium bifidum resides mainly in the colon and
vagina. This hard-fighting warrior is effective against a wide range of
detrimental organisms including rotavirus,
E.
coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, H. pylori, Salmonella, C. difficile,
Staphylococcus aureus
and more. It is useful for diarrhea, flatulence and
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms as well as allergic conditions and can
reduce the risk of eczema in infants whose mothers use it while pregnant. In
addition,
B. bifidum helps to lower markers
for inflammation and increases lymphocyte production. Since the
Bifido population declines as we age (increasing
risk of infection) older folks, in particular, may want to supplement
B. bifidum.

Bifidobacterium longum
inhabits the digestive tract where it can help with lactose intolerance, diarrhea
associated with antibiotic use, constipation, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis. It also helps to lower LDL cholesterol and inhibits ACE (angiotensin
converting enzyme), boosts immunity by increasing IgA antibody production and can
minimize cold and flu symptoms. Our buddy
B.
longum
has an inhibitory effect on detrimental species of Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas,
as well as
Candida albicans, Clostridium
perfringens, E. coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, C. difficile
and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, it
can protect us from the dangers of toxins produced by
Salmonella typhimurium and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) as
well as mutagenic substances in browned/charred food. A smart addition to your
tailgate barbeque!

In spite of its name, Bifidobacterium infantis can be
found in the intestines of both children and adults. It is useful for indigestion
and reflux.
B. infantis is effective against E. coli and C. albicans, but
its forte is the relief of IBS symptoms, namely cramping, gas, bloating,
constipation, diarrhea and bowel urgency. Research on subjects with ulcerative
colitis, psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome has shown that
B.
infantis
“reduce[s] systemic pro-inflammatory biomarkers in both
gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal conditions” and “that the
immunomodulatory effects of the microbiota in humans are not limited to the
mucosal immune system but extend to the systemic immune system.”

The Second String

• Bifidobacteria lactis aids immunity by enhancing antibody production and removal of cellular
  debris. It is useful against
  C. albicans and H. pylori and may be helpful for atopic
  eczema.
• Bifidobacterium breve is found in the colon and vagina where it
  inhibits
  E. coli and C. albicans. It is also effective for
  allergies, antibiotic-related diarrhea and IBS.

We hope you have enjoyed meeting your symbiotic teammates. If you would
like to get up close and personal with these remarkable microbes, please stop
by the store and we will be happy to help you choose a probiotic that’s right
for you.

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