Some straight Bifidobacterium probiotics can be a little on the pricey side.  Some are close to 200 dollars.  In Canadian that’s like a 9000…  well close to 400 anyway.  I believe this is worth it.  Some of the benefits of Bifidobacteria are surprising but they are worth us taking note when we are customizing our own probiotic foods (sauerkraut or yogurt) where we have the option of adding more bifidobacterium to create the balance that we want and need.  They are a bigger investment than the lactobacillus as they are harder to produce.  I hope this article can help you find some reasons to carry on keeping your home-made or customized products fancy.

Bifidobacterium lactis have been shown to activate T killer cells and increase immunity.  This of course will help to balance the digestive bacteria and improve innate immunity all over.  Bifidobacterium Lactis have also been shown to directly reduce candida in the large intestine.

Bifidobacteria Bifidum has been shown to cause cell death in colorectal cancer.  Like B. lactis this strain has been shown to also wake up the lymphocytes and T killer cells.

Bifidobacterium Longum has been shown to increase immunity and also to lower cholesterol and directly inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the digestive tract.

Bifidobacteria Infantis have been shown to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract which can reduce symptoms of IBS among other digestive symptoms.  As you know any inflammation in the body can contribute to symptoms all over the place and with the majority of our immune systems residing in the gut we have a great deal of control over the bulk of our immune and inflammatory burdens.

Bifidobacterium animalis can help with absorption of Magnesium, Calcium and Iron.  They have also been shown to reduce pain, bloating and even diarrhea associated with IBS.

Bifidobacteria across the board have been shown to reduce constipation, produce B9/folate, reduce Candida and be among the safest bacteria to use during times of small intestinal imbalances or overgrowths.

So if the Bifidum powder you are considering purchasing is a little dear remember that you can extend it through culturing it in your own non-dairy yogurts and cheeses, even using the probiotic powder to create a starter culture that you can propagate at home.  You can learn how to extend the powder by using a starter that can be used batch after batch in the Friendly Flora Collective HERE (we will also nerd out more deeply on Bifido).

Let me know how your creations are coming along in the comments below 🙂