Diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, viral diarrhoea in children, traveller’s diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, improving the vaginal flora, respiratory infections, cancer prevention, immune system strengthening are some of the uses this probiotic has.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bacillus coagulans | |
|---|---|
| Gram stain of Bacillus coagulans. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Firmicutes |
| Class: | Bacilli |
| Order: | Bacillales |
| Family: | Bacillaceae |
| Genus: | Bacillus |
| Species: | B. coagulans |
| Binomial name | |
| Bacillus coagulans Hammer, 1915 |
|
Description of the Bacillus coagulans
Bacillus coagulans is a Gram-positive rod shape bacterium. It forms spores and is mobile. It can live in a range of temperatures 30-55 °C. Lactobacillus sporogenes was isolated in 1932 and incorrectly named as it produced lactic acid, but it was also a spore-forming bacterium and therefore could not be Lactobacillus. The name was revised in 1939 to Bacillus coagulans. The original name is still used in error. The gene sequence has verified this classification.
The name “Lactobacillus sporogenes” no scientific status and should not be used in either scientific publications or consumer information.
It has been called ‘Lactospore’, ‘spore-forming Lactobacillus’, these terms are also incorrect and misleading.
Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming lactic acid bacterium. Spore formation gives it an advantage in viability and efficacy
Health Benefits of Bacillus coagulans in Brief.
A study from 2003 showed a reduction in diarrhoea in children in combination with fructooligosaccharides. The cause of the diarrhoea can including infectious such as rotaviral diarrhoea in children; traveller’s diarrhoea; and diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.
Bacillus coagulans is used in other inflammatory digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), a bowel disorder called Clostridium difficile colitis, as well as to prevent excessive growth of “bad” bacteria in the bowels.
It has been used in the prevention of ulcers as well.
Other publications describe Bacillus coagulans having positive effects on vaginitis.
Bacillus coagulans has been used to prevent respiratory infections and to boost the immune system by increasing immune response to viral infections. The prevention of cancer or the formation of cancer-causing agents is another application.
Bacillus coagulans is an additive to vaccines to improve their effectiveness.
Therapeutic uses of Bacillus coagulans
Diarrhoea caused by antibiotics
Bacillus coagulans can be used to treat as well as prevent Clostridium difficile diarrhoea. This is often caused by the use of antibiotics. It is contagious, unpleasant and can cause serious problems. Clostridium difficile are bacteria cause swelling and irritation of the large intestine, or colon, called colitis. The symptoms are diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
It is more common in the elderly in hospital or nursing homes. It is also a concern for people on chemotherapy.
Viral diarrhoea in children
This is usually caused by the rotavirus, contagious. Rotavirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines ( gastroenteritis ) causing severe watery diarrhoea, with vomiting, fever, and abdominal discomfort. The effects can become severe enough that hospitalization is required.
Traveller’s diarrhoea
This is often due to unfamiliar bacteria in the water. Bacillus coagulans and others compete with these and therefore prevent their growth.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It is a chronic condition of the digestive system, with symptoms of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. The symptoms come and go lasting a few days to months. Bacillus coagulans improves abdominal pain and bloating.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
The probiotic has a similar effect as in IBS. It reduces the inflammation in the classic autoimmune response.
Stomach Ulcers
It once again helps with the reduction of inflammation. The inflammation in the stomach is made worse by the acids.
Other conditions that are treated by Bacillus coagulans
Improving the vaginal flora, respiratory infections, cancer prevention, immune system strengthening.