Bacillus Subtilis Probiotic Facts and Characteristics

When your digestive tract isn’t functioning at peak performance, a variety of symptoms can ensue.

Before antibiotics became widely available, the probiotic bacillus subtilis (or B. subtilis) was commonly used to treat many GI tract symptoms and disorders, including some diseases which cause diarrhea in infants and young children.

It was only in the mid-1900s, when cheap antibiotics came into favor with members of the medical community that the use of this probiotic declined in the USA. In Europe and other parts of the world, bacillus subtilis is still commonly used to treat a variety of maladies.

It has been shown to be an important gut bacterium which works in concert with other healthy GI bacteria to make up the healthy gut flora observed in healthy and vital individuals.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Bacillus Subtilis Probiotic

There are more than one hundred species of bacillus bacterium, and because some of them can be harmful, it is important to know exactly which species and strains are contained in any probiotic formula you are taking.

Experts at the FDA consider bacillus subtilis safe and have included it on the list of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) food supplements. They found this helpful bacteria is a natural part of a healthy gut environment.

Antibiotics such as Bacitracin, oxydifficidin, difficidin, bacillomyin B and bacilli all make use of the healthy strains of bacillus subtilis in their production.

How Does Bacillus Subtilis Work?

Bacillus subtilis is considered an ideal probiotic because of its ability to safely survive the low pH balance in the early GI tract and to thrive once it reaches the intestines.

Unlike some probiotics which have proven to be somewhat fragile in the extreme environment to which they are introduced (the human body), B. subtilis is considered a tough probiotic because it can form a protective endospore to keep itself alive almost indefinitely.

There are reports of bacillus subtilis surviving for decades, and at least one report claims survival for more than a century.

Bacillus subtilis stimulates the immune system to such an extent, causing it to produce a broad spectrum of antibodies, including those which fight gut and urinary tract diseases, Rotavirus and Shigella.

Benefits of Bacillus Subtilis

The digestive system and the Immune system derive the most benefit with use of bacillus subtilis supplementation. Bacillus subtilis has been used to treat symptoms of general stomach discomfort, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, nausea and irregular bowel patterns.

Fatigue and malaise which often results when gut flora is dominated by pathogenic, or bad, bacteria is also reported to be improved.

Bacillus subtilis can be combined with other probiotics to create an environment of competitive exclusion, wherein pathogenic bacteria cannot find sites along the intestinal lumen. This is because the good bacteria has flourished to such an extent that they occupy a majority of the space on lumen walls.

Also, after taking a course of antibiotics, supplementing with bacillus subtilis can help re-establish a healthy microbiome in the GI tract.

Sources and Dosage

Bacillus subtilis is best purchased from a qualified and reputable source to assure you have the quality and strain desired.

Dosage indications may be present on the bottle or container, but it is best to consult with a medical professional if trying to treat a specific condition or symptom.

Because of its exceptional ability to stand up to extreme conditions, bacillus subtilis can be stored at room temperature without any deleterious effects for at least two years.

It is best taken in acute situations for specific symptoms, or to replenish the healthy flora in the gut after any disruption of bacterial balance.

Is Bacillus Subtilis Safe?

There are more than one hundred strains of bacillus bacteria and some of the strains are known to be pathogenic or toxic to humans and animals.

Because of confusion regarding the strains of bacillus subtilis, three new studies were carried out and published in 2008 on the safety of B. subtilis as a probiotic. Four strains of the bacteria were studied by researchers in Canada, France, Vietnam and the UK.

In all three studies, no pathogenic indications were seen and no antibiotic resistant genes were found. This is important because sometimes bacterium carries genes which are resistant to medications used in humans.

To be certain you are taking only the proper strains of bacillus subtilis, buy supplements from reputable sources who understand the differences, clearly, between the strains. Medical practitioners who follow natural or holistic health practices will often be able to help.

Is Bacillus Subtilis Right For Me?

Bacillus Subtilis is a powerful probiotic used in many parts of the world as a treatment for various GI ailments and urinary tract infections.

It is important to be assured of the strain in the product you select and to take this supplement according to directions from a qualified health professional. It is best used in acute situations to treat specific symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, flatulence, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue and general malaise.

Because of its proven shelf stability, bacillus subtilis powder or capsules will keep at normal room temperature for at least a year, and probably much longer.

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