Spotlight on BB536 Probiotic

Can 4 million Americans be onto something? That’s the number of adults who consume probiotics from food sources and supplements. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that survive the digestive process to confer a health benefit to its host – that’s us. Over 100 years ago, a Russian scientist observed that eating fermented foods might be associated with wellbeing and longevity. While the study of probiotics continues to evolve into higher understanding, the premise is, a healthy gut (aka GI tract) is the key to a healthy body.

The human body is filled with trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. Of these, it’s estimated 10,000 species are living bacteria. Aging, our lifestyle choices, reaction to stress, use of antibiotics, and consumption of processed foods all influence how effectively the GI tract works.

As a predictor of overall health, an out-of-balance microbiome can cause problems ranging from mild and annoying digestion issues to severe and life-threatening chronic disease. A healthy gut fights off pathogens and disease-causing bacteria, balances mood, and supports bowel function and regularity.

Two of the most beneficial and complementary GI bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus creates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that feed cells, is used to make dairy products, and have a high tolerance for low pH conditions, so they survive in the GI system. There are over 170 different known strains of Lactobacillus including the familiar L.acidophilus. This occurs naturally in kefir, many fermented foods, and are added to yogurt and other dairy foods.

Bifidobacterium offers a trio of essential benefits:

• It digests fiber and milk carbohydrates to produce SCFAs that become the primary energy source for cells.
• Produces chemicals that protect the body from harmful bacteria.
• Stimulates and helps control the immune system.

This strain of good bacteria develops and dominates in newborns’ intestines. Their initial role is to digest healthy sugars in mother’s breast milk which enables babies to grow. By adulthood, bifidobacterium comprises less than 10 percent of the microbiome. Studies have shown a direct relationship between various health issues and low levels of this bacterium in the gut.

By age 50, our body strives to shift back to a Bifidobacterium-rich GI tract. Take steps to nourish your gut:

• Eat a healthy diet. Consume a variety of high-fiber fruits, vegetables, fiber, and nuts. Add probiotic-rich foods including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and miso. Include polyphenols from cocoa, green tea, and red wine.
• Avoid antibiotic use except when medically necessary. They cannot differentiate between good and bad bacteria and deplete all bacteria colonies.
• Use live probiotics. Check expiration dates. Look for CFUs (colony forming units) that number in the billions.
• Store probiotics properly. Keep them from moisture and heat in a cool, dark place. Ideally, refrigerate probiotics.

The Japanese have studied Bifidobacterium longum, successfully isolating and clinically examining its benefits for some time. What resulted was the development of a proprietary probiotic strain named Morinaga BB536. This is a stable and effective prime ingredient of QOL ProbioPure™. ProbioPure’s formula has been shown in human clinical studies to offer relief from occasional constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.* Additionally, it has been shown to help promote daily regularity.*

What differentiates Morinaga BB536 from other probiotic supplements?

• Well-researched. BB536 is supported by over 90 published scientific studies and 40 human clinical trials. It is produced from strains native to the human digestive system.

• Effective dosage. Experts generally agree a recommended probiotic dosage is 1 to 2 billion CFUs a day. Each dose of Morinaga BB536 contains 5 billion CFUs (colony forming units).

• Potency and High Stability. Produced with live microorganisms, BB536 is tolerant of stomach acid and reaches the intestines alive for absorption into the bloodstream. It delivers full potency for up to two years when stored at room temperature compared to other probiotic supplements.

Bifidobacterium is believed essential in supporting life-long wellness. This probiotic can improve the number of good bacteria in the GI tract, reduce digestive discomfort, boost the immune system, and even help support memory recall and bone health.* Aging well with grace and good health seems like a worthwhile goal.