Probiotics are popularly acclaimed for their health benefits. Nutrition experts advise to include probiotics in our daily diet. They are used by doctors during the treatment of certain gastro-intestinal disorders.
Probiotics are good bacterias needed to maintain a healthy intestinal microbial balance. They are boon for our gut health and keeping indigestion issues at bay. Some of the dietary sources of probiotics are yogurt, curd, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi which contains probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Bacillus coagulans is one another probiotic which also produces lactic acid but it differs from Lactobacillus. The biggest advantage of this bacteria is that it can survive in acidic medium. A study was conducted by Madempudi R.S. et al (2019) to examine the effect of Bacillus coagulans during constipation. Constipation is a very common health issue among both children and adults. Strain of Bacillus coagulans unique IS2 was given to adults in the form of capsules per day for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, this treatment was able to provide relief to 98% of the subjects. Also, improvement was seen in the symptoms of constipation, painful defecation, incomplete evacuation and abdominal pain. This probiotic was able to regularise bowel movements of the subjects.
Similarly, efficacy of Bacillus coagulans was also studied in 2018 for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. B. coagulans Unique IS2 chewable tablets were given to 141 children between the age group of 4-12 years. This 8 weeks experiment also observed significant improvement in terms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, constipation and irregular bowel movement. Symptoms were reduced and children showed better digestive health. Since this probiotic can withstand acidic medium therefore, it is suitable for people who complaints frequently of acidity and heartburn.
Bacillus coagulans has also been analysed for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to alleviate inflammation in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
This probiotic is non-pathogenic and has been categorised under GRAS. Bacillus coagulans remains stable under extreme high or low temperatures as well.
It is very easy to include Bacillus coagulans in the diet. Either you can consume dietary sources containing this probiotic like sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt or it is also available in supplemental capsules or tablets.
Avoid Bacillus coagulans in case you are allergic or on any medications like immunosuppressants. In case of any physiological like pregnancy or medical condition, consult your doctor before choosing any supplement. Otherwise, it is safe for our body and works like a complete immunity enhancer.
REFERENCES
RS. Madempudi, J. Neelamraju, et. al, (2019) Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in Constipation. PubMed. Referred from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30911991
Mr. Sudha, N. Jayanthi,(2018),Efficacy of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children, PubMed. Referred from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29695183