Probiotics 101: Understanding Gut Health and the Power of Bacillus Subtilis

Our gastrointestinal (GI) tracts are lined with billions of living microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc, that all pose a threat or function to our daily living. The gut microbiome consists of a network of the bacteria that live within our bodies and is the gatekeeper to foreign bodies that enter our GI tract – food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc. A healthy gut microbiome with a good balance of good vs. harmful bacteria is key to reducing dangerous threats and keeping us healthy. Good gut bacteria keep the lining of our guts strong and help to signal to our immune system if something looks suspicious. Suppose our guts do not contain a healthy balance of good to harmful bacteria. In that case, our bodies may face a higher threat of outside invaders (pathogenic bacteria) that can get into our bodies and wreak havoc.

Probiotics: the Friendly Bacteria Lending a Helping Hand

Probiotics are supplemental favorable bacteria that can go in and replenish our guts if we are low on gut-friendly bacteria. A probiotic might be important to use if you have had a recent bacterial or viral infection (stomach bug), been on a course of antibiotics or other medications that can impact your gut microbiome, or if you have been diagnosed with IBS or any other functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGIDs) like GERD. Various research suggests the best probiotics for specific problems and multiple probiotics that may be useful for different issues. Today, we will focus on a particular bacteria: Bacillus Subtilis.

Bacillus Subtilis: A Spotlight on This Unique Probiotic Strain

Bacillus Subtilis is a spore-forming bacteria that can withstand harsh environments like stomach acid and bile, making it a great probiotic option due to its dynamic stability. Because it is spore-forming, it can go dormant during more challenging conditions in which it could be harmed. In addition to its use as a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis is well known for its versatility—its ability to secrete specific enzymes directly into a culture medium and produce fine chemicals like riboflavin or Vitamin B2. It is also a helpful plant protector.

Potential Benefits of Bacillus Subtilis: Research and Applications

Because Bacillus Subtilis was discovered in the nineteenth century, research has been conducted to identify its potential benefits and uses in human health. In regards to its use in individuals with FGIDs like IBS, several studies have linked its use as potentially beneficial for reducing constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and burping. More specifically, supplementation of Bacillus Subtilis probiotic after 4 weeks improved symptoms of constipation. Another study identified that in males, 4 weeks of Bacillus Subtilis supplementation significantly improved symptoms of bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, and duration of gas compared to placebo groups. In healthy individuals (people without diagnosed FGIDs), Bacillus Subtilis effectively relieved abdominal bloating and burping symptoms. More studies are warranted to better understand its effects on gastrointestinal health, as research is still limited.

In addition to IBS, Bacillus Subtilis has also been studied for its ability to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A recent review highlighted its effects: in a small RCT of young children, administering Bacillus Subtilis for 5 days alongside antibiotic therapy did not increase stool frequency or diarrhea compared to the control group. Another study, consisting of adults who were administered IV antibiotic therapy, found that using the probiotic Bacillus Subtilis significantly reduced the antibiotic-associated diarrhea rate by 7.8% compared to the control group.

Other studies have shown its potential to enhance immune function in humans. Bacillus Subtilis is highly versatile in the GI tract, suggesting its potential for modulating the mucosal immune system (the lining of the GI tract) and changing the microbiome environment. However, research is still very limited. In agriculture and animal husbandry, its applications may extend to alternative antibiotic therapy to prevent bacterial infection in livestock.  

Exploring the Safety of Bacillus Subtilis Supplementation:

As with any supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional regarding its safety. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a child or have a weakened immune system, you might want to avoid supplements with Bacillus Subtilis unless otherwise indicated by your doctor. Little research exists regarding this specific probiotic and the above-listed groups.

If you start a probiotic and notice increased gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, or any other GI-related side effect, consult your doctor and stop the supplement until further notice.

Choosing High-Quality Supplements: Factors to Consider for Safe Consumption (third-party testing, strain verification, following dosage instructions

Please ensure you are taking a probiotic supplement from a high-quality source. Third-party lab testing is not always available for every manufactured supplement. Because the FDA does not regulate supplements like probiotics, it is highly recommended that you consult with your provider to discuss a potential brand to purchase to ensure it is a reputable source. Megasporebiotic and RestoreFlora are two reputable products on the market that contain strains of Bacillus Subtilis.

Always follow dosing instructions as listed on the bottle or as given by your healthcare provider.

Incorporating Bacillus Subtilis Safely: Strategies for Success

The following strains of Bacillus Subtilis have been identified as safe for supplementation in doses of 2-10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 2-8 weeks and seem tolerated by most individuals: BS50, B2335, CU1, MB40, MY02, HU58 and R0179 Check with your provider to see which one may be best for you.

Combining with a Gut-Healthy Diet: Nourishing Your Microbiome for Optimal Results

Probiotics are not the only way to achieve optimal gut health. Consuming a diet rich in fiber-based foods like prebiotic foods (fiber foods that feed gut bacteria) is also important. If you are taking a probiotic supplement, consume oats, bananas, apples, lentils, onions, garlic, cabbage, mushrooms, and flaxseeds to help feed those new bacteria. Other foods that contain live bacteria (probiotic-rich foods) are yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha. Natto, a traditional Japanese food, is made from fermented soybeans and contains various bacteria from the Bacillus family, with Bacillus Subtilis being one of them.  

Long-Term Use Considerations: Monitoring Progress and Consulting a Healthcare Professional

As previously mentioned, few studies have examined the long-term effects of probiotic supplements. Current research suggests short-term use. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information about probiotics and to see if taking a probiotic supplement containing a strain of Bacillus Subtilis is right for you.

Beyond Supplements: Supporting Gut Health Through Lifestyle

Stress management and sleep hygiene are important factors when it comes to optimizing gut health. Prioritize adequate rest and stress management. Aim for 7-10 hours of sleep per night. During the day, find ways to reduce stress exposure. For example, walk outside at lunch, exercise, read a book, pray, or talk with a friend or family member. Health is a holistic approach, and it is critical to consider different aspects like sleep and stress that can directly impact your gut health.

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