What does Bifidus Yogurt with Probiotics Do?

How effective is probiotic yogurt that is enriched with Bifidus bacteria?

Bifidus is the name most commonly used to refer to a genus of bacteria called Bifidobacterium. These helpful bacteria are found living in the GI tract, vagina and mouth of mammals, including humans.

There are over 30 species of bacteria in this grouping, but only a few of them are considered significant for their probiotic properties. Some of the purported benefits of consuming yogurt enriched with Bifidobacterium include improved digestive function, immune regulation and potential weight loss.

Bifidus yogurt is a dairy product which has been enriched with one or more of these probiotic species. One of the most popular brands is Dannon’s Activia yogurt which is fortified with Bifidus Regularis bacteria.

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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Why Use Bifidus Yogurt?

At any given time, normal human adults have between 3-3.5 pounds of microorganisms living within our gastrointestinal system.

Collectively, they are called the gut microflora. This flora is composed of both helpful and harmful bacteria and fungi, all of which are fighting for dominance within the GI tract.

Helpful health-boosting microbes are considered probiotic, while harmful organisms are considered pathogenic. In order for a gut microorganism to be considered probiotic, it must, when present in adequate quantity, confer a beneficial effect on its living host (humans and other mammals).

Bifidus yogurt is one method of supplementation of some of the probiotic bacterial agents. Besides yogurt or yogurt drinks, other supplement methods include capsules, chewable tablets, pills and liquid.

Effects of Bifidus-Enriched Yogurt

Yogurt is a milk product which uses bacterial starters to convert curdled dairy sources into an edible product with a thicker consistency.

It does this through a unique fermentation process by which it converts oligosaccharides (carbohydrates) into chemical compounds useful for combating pathogenic bacteria.

The digestive tract of infants is dominated by bifidus bacteria which have evolved to specifically break down milk. Adult humans have much fewer bifidobacteria inhabiting their digestive tracts, but those found there have a preference for breaking down carbohydrates from plants.

Because of this, some adults experience lactose intolerance which is often mediated, in part or in whole, through daily supplementation with bifidus yogurt.

Bifidus Boosts Digestive Function

Bifidobacterium are also somewhat unique because they are able to survive the extreme environment of the early gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to reach the large intestine and colon where they quickly colonize and break down foods not able to be digested in the early GI tract.

Supplementation with bifidus yogurt usually requires three or more servings throughout the day to provide adequate numbers of the probiotic bacteria in order for them to gain dominance over harmful microorganisms which may be present there.

When ample numbers of bifidus bacteria are added on a regular basis, many people report a reduction or elimination in episodes of diarrhea or loose stools.

The same process also contributes to helping those who experience constipation to become more regular and often results in softer stools which are more easily eliminated.

Dannon Company participated in a study in which their strain of Bifidus Regularis was used to treat women diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The results showed a significant number of the women in the group given yogurt with Bifidus Regularis on a daily basis experienced a decrease in both bloating and abdominal distention when compared to a group of women given a placebo.

Best Sources of Bifidus Probiotics

Many people eat bifidus yogurt regularly as a means of maintaining healthy flora in the gut.

A well known line of yogurt products which have been enriched with bifidobacteria is Dannon’s Activia line.

Other yogurts also contain active live bifidus bacteria, too, even though the Dannon brand products tout Dannon’s own proprietary bacterial species called Bifidus Regularis which will not be found in other products.

This doesn’t mean other yogurt brands don’t provide similar probiotic bacteria in their dairy products, but only that they are not marketing their yogurts using the same methods, nor have they trademarked their own species of bacteria.

Bifidus yogurt may also contribute to the promotion of proper immune function, lower cholesterol and the prevention of vaginal or urogenital infections. Usually, the numbers of live bacteria contained in yogurt enriched products do not provide adequate doses to influence immune function or cholesterol levels.

Supplementing with higher doses which can be found in pill or capsule form may be necessary. Most health food stores, and some grocers, offer bifidus yogurt products in the dairy section.

Bifidus Yogurt in Review

Supplementing with bifidus yogurt as part of a daily health regimen can contribute to a decrease in diarrhea, constipation and bowel frequency.

In addition, individuals with IBS often experience some relief from bloating and distention. Results like these are based on eating at least three servings of bifidus yogurt each day.

Many individuals consume bifidus yogurt while also taking a daily supplement in capsule or pill form.

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