What is the probiotic Bacillus coagulans?
It's a type of good bacteria, called a probiotic, that can have health benefits. It produces lactic acid and is capable of generating spores during its reproductive life cycle. This is not the case with Lactobacillus and many other probiotics. This ability allows it to become dormant in harsh conditions that could kill other probiotics. This makes this bacterial strain particularly robust, as it can withstand extreme environments, such as high stomach acid levels. This can make it particularly effective at relieving upset stomach and other ailments.
In what forms does it appear?
Either through natural food sources, such as fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or in supplement form.
What are its benefits and uses?
B. coagulans has been analyzed in both animal and human studies. Some small studies suggest compelling benefits, but B. coagulans needs further study. Here are some possible benefits attributed to it:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A small study of people with irritable bowel syndrome examined the effects of B. coagulans on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation). In participants who received a synbiotic containing B. coagulans compared to a placebo, all three symptoms were significantly improved. 1
Rheumatoid arthritis
One study analyzed the anti-inflammatory abilities of B. coagulans in a group of 45 men and women with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants received the probiotic in addition to their standard drug treatment for two months. 2
Compared with participants in the placebo group, less disability was reported in those taking B. coagulans . They also improved their ability to participate in daily activities, such as long walks, and participants also noticed a decrease in C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation).
Constipation
One study involved a group of 100 subjects with functional constipation who were given one capsule of B. coagulans Unique IS2 (2 billion CFU) or placebo once daily for 4 weeks. Individuals were assessed on treatment success (such as three or more spontaneous bowel movements per week), stool consistency, difficulty defecating, defecation, and abdominal pain. 3
A statistically significant increase in the number of bowel movements was observed at the end of the fourth week in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Ninety-eight percent of patients in the probiotic group had normal bowel movements, compared to 74% in the placebo group. In addition, the probiotic-treated group showed fewer symptoms of incomplete evacuation, painful defecation, and abdominal pain associated with constipation than the placebo group. In summary, B. coagulans Unique IS2 significantly reduced constipation symptoms, demonstrating the strain's effectiveness in treating constipation.
Intestinal gas
One study in 61 participants examined the effects of B. coagulans on post-meal intestinal gas (flatulence, flatulence, and abdominal pain) compared to a placebo. Those receiving the probiotic demonstrated significant improvements in abdominal pain and distension compared to the placebo group. 4 The same conclusion was found for abdominal pain and flatulence in this other study. 5
Respiratory tract infection
A study was conducted on 10 men and women to investigate the effects of a patented strain of B. coagulans on their immune systems. An increase in T-cell production was observed in participants given the probiotic in response to influenza A and adenovirus exposure. These cells fight disease. 6
A word from the pharmacist
Probiotics are bacteria, living beings that we carry in our system, without which we would not be alive. We are in balance with our microbiota, our intestinal bacteria. One way to support our microbiota is to take probiotics and/or fermented foods that will improve the function of the microbiota.
Is it a good idea to take fiber and all that at the same time as probiotics? The answer is yes. But it's not just any fiber, and it depends on the person. Soluble fiber serves as a nutrient for the microbiota (prebiotics), and at the metabolic level, it acts as a transporter, sticking together and carrying it along. The intestinal transit begins to do its job: eliminating.
References:
1. Rogha M, Esfahani MZ, Zargarzadeh AH. The efficacy of a synbiotic containing Bacillus Coagulans in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2014 Summer;7(3):156-63. PMID: 25120896; PMCID: PMC4129566. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4129566/pdf/GHFBB-007-156.pdf
2. Mandel DR, Eichas K, Holmes J. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Jan 12;10:1. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-1. PMID: 20067641; PMCID: PMC2826289. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2826289/pdf/1472-6882-10-1.pdf
3. Madempudi, RS, Neelamraju, J., Ahire, JJ et al. Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in Constipation: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Probiotics & Antimicrobials. Prot. 12, 335–342 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-019-09542-9
4. Kalman, DS, Schwartz, HI, Alvarez, P. et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group dual site trial to evaluate the effects of a Bacillus coagulans-based product on functional intestinal gas symptoms. BMC Gastroenterol 9, 85 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-9-85
5. Hun L. Bacillus coagulans significantly improved abdominal pain and bloating in patients with IBS. Postgraduate Med. 2009 Mar;121(2):119-24. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2009.03.1984. PMID: 19332970.
6. Baron M. A patented strain of Bacillus coagulans increased immune response to viral challenge. Postgraduate Med. 2009 Mar;121(2):114-8. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2009.03.1971. PMID: 19332969. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.3810/pgm.2009.03.1971?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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