Bacillus coagulans is a type of spore-forming probiotic bacterium that naturally occurs in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is known for its ability to survive the highly acidic environment of the stomach and promote healthy gut function. Studies have shown that B. coagulans may support digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being.
Bacillus coagulans survives the acidic stomach
One of the main advantages of B. coagulans over other probiotic bacteria is its remarkable ability to withstand stomach acid. Unlike many probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which can be destroyed by stomach acid before colonizing the intestines, B. coagulans forms protective endospores that allow it to pass through the stomach safely. When B. coagulans spores reach the intestines, they germinate into the active bacterial form and proliferate in the gut. This allows it to colonize the intestines more effectively and providebenefits compared to non-spore-forming probiotics. The spore formation also gives B. coagulans a much longer shelf life, as the spores do not require refrigeration and can tolerate heat, drying, and other conditions that would destroy vegetative bacterial cells.
Supports digestive and immune health
Bacillus Coagulans established in the intestines, B. coagulans may promote digestive health in several ways. It produces lactic acid as a byproduct of carbohydrate fermentation, which decreases gastric pH and prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Studies show that B. coagulans supplementation reduces symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and constipation in both adults and children. It also supports immune function by stimulating the activity of natural killer cells, macrophages and lymphocytes that fight infection throughout the body. Research indicates B. coagulans supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections.
Relieves symptoms of IBS and intestinal disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Several clinical studies have found that B. coagulans supplementation effectively reduces overall IBS symptoms. In a 12-week trial, 70% of IBS patients taking B. coagulans reported adequate relief of symptoms compared to only 38% in the placebo group. Other research shows it may help relieve abdominal pain and discomfort associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The mechanisms are thought to involve balancing microbial composition in the gut and reducing inflammation.
May support weight management goals
Preliminary studies also link B. coagulans to positive metabolic effects related to weight. It produces lactate as well as acetate and butyrate -short-chain fatty acids that serve as fuel for colonic cells and have anti-obesity properties. Research shows butyrate promotes release of satiety hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, which signal fullness to the brain and decrease appetite. In animal studies, supplementation with B. coagulans resulted in lower fat mass, body weight gain and healthier gut microbiota compared to non-supplemented controls. Human trials are still needed, but its effects on digestive health, immunity and gut flora make B. coagulans a potentially useful adjunct for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Powerful detoxification properties
There is evidence that B. coagulans plays an important role in detoxifying harmful compounds and supporting liver function. It produces broad-spectrum bile salt hydrolase enzymes that transform bile salts secreted from the liver. This alters the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts and cholesterol levels. Studies show that taking B. coagulans reduced total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic individuals. It may aid the natural detoxification process through interactions between the gut and liver. B. coagulans is also able to convert toxic environmental pollutants and chemical residues through its powerful antioxidant and degradative enzyme activities.
Promotes cardiovascular health
Research indicates intestinal microbiota composition directly impacts cardiovascular health through metabolic and immune pathways. Clinical trials have found that supplementing with B. coagulans led to reductions in several CVD risk factors. One 12-week study in elderly adults showed significant decreases in blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, inflammation markers and coagulation factors in the B. coagulans group versus placebo. Other evidence suggests it may protect endothelial function by reducing oxidative stress on arterial walls and inhibiting platelet aggregation that leads to atherosclerosis or "furry arteries". Maintaining cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a healthy range is important for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Supports women's health across life stages
B. coagulans may confer unique benefits for women's health as well. Studies show it helped alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating, fatigue and mood changes. Research on perimenopausal and menopausal women found that supplementing with B. coagulans eased commonly occurring complaints like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and disrupted sleep.
it may work by balancing estrogen metabolism in the gut-liver axis. As an acid-resistant probiotic, B. coagulans also supports urinary and vaginal health during pregnancy and postpartum. More research is still needed, but the existing evidence points to B. coagulans as a promising non-hormonal option to consider for common women's health issues across different life stages.
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