Low Histamine Probiotic: Why Bifidobacteria Is One of The Best Probiotics
Low Histamine Probiotic: Why Bifidobacteria Is One of The Best Probiotics
When it comes to gut health, there has been considerable research and studies done on probiotics. One of the major genus of bacteria studied is known as Bifidobacteria.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Bifidobacteria — what it is, what it does for the body, and how we can benefit from it.
What is Bifidobacteria?
There are trillions of bacteria living in and on the human body. Studies have found that Bifidobacterium is one of the first microbes to colonize our gastrointestinal tract as infants. This happens soon after birth and is passed on to the baby by the mother.
As humans are exposed to different environments, foods, etc, their gut microbiomes become more diverse.
For Bifidobacterium alone, there are 24 different strains, including:
- Bifidobacterium Longum
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Lactis
- Bifidobacterium Breve
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidobacterium Animalis
Bifidobacteria is a special type of probiotic that is low in histamine, or also referred to as ‘non-histamine producing.’ Compared to Lactobacillus, which is an often histamine-producing type of bacteria.
Importance of Bifidobacteria and Prebiotics for Gut Health
An unhealthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut has been linked to gastrointestinal issues.
Since the gut is extremely inter-connected to different body parts, an imbalance in the gut has also been linked with numerous other health issues.
How Does Bifidobacteria Work?
The health benefits conferred by probiotics are largely attributed to their modulation of the immune system. There is still a lot we don’t know when it comes to the exact mechanisms of probiotics.
However, both animal and clinical studies have helped us understand how Bifidobacteria can positively influence the body.
Aids In Digestion
Probiotics help digest dietary fibers, which lead to the production of vitamins, nutrients, and important chemicals that our body needs.
One study found that gut bacteria aid in the digestion of complex arabinoxylans (found in grains). This leads to the release of ferulic acid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that can support our body, naturally.
Enhances Barrier Function
Some gut issues have been linked to issues with permeability.
Probiotics release gut-protective metabolites that help increase the survival of intestinal epithelial cells. This makes the intestinal barrier less permeable, warding off toxins from escaping and naturally supporting our health.
Benefits of Probiotics with Bifidobacteria
Based on a meta-analysis of existing literature, here are some of the benefits of taking probiotics with Bifidobacterium:
B. Bifidum
Participants who took a probiotic with B. Bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus for three weeks had double the number of peripheral white blood compared to their baseline. White blood cells are essential in protecting our body against issues.
B. Lactis
Infants who were given formula with B. Lactis for 17 months, only 7% developed diarrhea compared to the 31% who only received standard formula milk.
B. Longum
Adults who consumed B. Longum yogurts while taking erythromycin had lower stool frequency and abdominal pain than the placebo group. Those who received B. Longum yogurts also experienced a significant decrease in Clostridia spore count.
Patients with mild to moderate mood disorders who supplemented with B. Longum and L. Helveticus had significant improvements. This suggests that probiotics can have a positive effect on mental health.
B. Animalis
College students who took B. Animalis with L. Rhamnosus for 12 weeks had lower duration and severity of respiratory issues than the placebo group. This suggests that probiotics can strengthen immunity which then helps increase our resistance to many issues.
B. Breve
Adult women who took B. Breve with prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) had lower phenol production, resulting in better skin condition.
Meanwhile, elderly participants who were given B. Breve for 24 weeks had significant improvements in their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Given the gut-brain connection, this suggests that probiotics can enhance cognitive function, which increases the quality of life for older people.
B. Infantis
B. Infantis was found to support numerous symptoms of gastrointestinal issues. It was also found to support other issues of digestive distress.
How to Increase Bifidobacteria in the Body
As you can see, many studies illustrate the positive health benefits of Bifidobacterium and other probiotics. This has increased interest in supplementing the body with probiotics to restore and maintain a healthy gut.
To increase Bifidobacterium in the body, you can consume foods such as:
- yogurt
- kimchi
- sauerkraut
- kefir milk
- pickles
- onions
- oats
- barley
- bananas
- garlic
You can also choose to take probiotic supplements with Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics and a healthy diet and lifestyle can improve your overall health. It’s not just physical, too. Probiotics are also a great way to enhance your mood naturally.
Probiotics are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But if you have certain medical conditions, we still recommend checking with your doctor before taking the supplements.
BOOST OVERALL HEALTH WITH BIFIDOBACTERIUM
Bifidobacterium may be tiny, microscopic organisms in your gut, but they can significantly impact your health. Studies have shown that Bifidobacterium strains not only improve gut health but also affect other parts of the body.
Probiotics also boost our immune system and can also enhance our mood, contributing to a better quality of life.
The best thing is that it’s not difficult to increase your Bifidobacterium naturally. You can eat probiotic foods, take probiotic supplements, or even both!