Bacillus Indicus For Leaky Gut Study
Probiotics may play a significant role in managing the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome by improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and modulating gut-brain communication pathways.
In this blog post I am going to share my analysis on a study that tested the Soil Based Gram Positive Bacillus Indicus probiotic strain in humans for leaky gut sydnrome.
What Are Probiotics & Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the tight junctions of the intestinal epithelium become compromised, allowing for the diffusion of allergens, toxins, and pathogens into the circulatory system. This can lead to a variety of health issues such as inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is however often not a recognized medical diagnosis.
Probiotics on the other hand are live microorganisms that may have benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, but usually only for people who have dysbiosis. Studies I will share have found that probiotics can enhance the homeostasis of intestinal permeability and reduce inflammation. The mechanism behind the beneficial effects of probiotics is not fully understood, but it is believed that probiotics modulate gut microbiota and produce metabolites that confer health benefits.
Probiotics May Help
One 2022 study from Chiang Mai, Thailand aimed to determine the impact of a mixture of probiotics on intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acids, markers of the gut-brain axis, and lipid profile. The results showed that the probiotic supplementation improved the intestinal barrier function, lipid profile and obesity-related biomarkers in the subjects.
These findings valuable insight into the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation for Leaky Gut Syndrome. However, it is important to note that this study had some limitations, such as a limited sample size and lack of extended follow-up, and further research is needed to confirm these findings. The study did not use Bacillus Indicus but this next one I will share did.
Bacillus Indicus For Leaky Gut Syndrome Study
This 2017 study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology found that 30 days of oral spore-based probiotic supplementation reduced post-prandial dietary endotoxemia, triglycerides, and disease risk biomarkers in 75 healthy men and women. Let me explain why this is relevant to Leaky Gut.
The study used 4-Billion CFU of MegaSporebiotic's (No Affiliate Link) spore-based probiotic supplement containing Bacillus indicus (HU36), Bacillus subtilis (HU58), Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus clausii. The subjects were divided into two groups, with the first taking the soil based probitoics and the others a placebo for 30 days.
The study found that the probiotic supplementation group had a 42% reduction in endotoxin and 24% reduction in triglycerides in the post-prandial period compared to the gluten free rice flour placebo group. The study used a screening protocol to identify individuals who presented with post-prandial endotoxemia at baseline, which is a sign of intestinal permeability and "leaky gut" syndrome.
From my analysis of this study, it's clear that the Bacillus Indicus group had significant reductions in IL-12p70 and IL-1β, and less ghrelin compared to the placebo group. The strain exerted its effects by altering the gut microbial profile and altering intestinal permeability associated with leaky gut syndrome.
Bacillus Indicus Side Effects
However, as with any probiotic supplement, it is possible for some individuals to experience an allergic reaction or other adverse effects. Some people may experience mild side effects such as gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort that usually pass after several weeks but if they don't you should talk with a Doctor.
This study from the Royal Holloway, University of London, concluded that Bacillus indicus should be considered safe for oral use and the results of this study support the use of B. indicus strains as food supplements. It's important to note though that people who are immunocompromised should not take probiotics and those with histamine issues should avoid the HU36 strain and other soil based strains.
Closing Thoughts
My analysis shows that probiotics have been found to have a positive impact on gut health, including improving gut microbiota and reducing inflammation, which can help to treat leaky gut syndrome for some people. The study on Bacillus Indicus, a spore-based probiotic supplement, specifically found that it had a significant reduction in post-prandial dietary endotoxemia, triglycerides and disease risk biomarkers relevant to intestinal permeability.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings, and not all probiotics may be effective for everyone and the content in this guide is not medical advice. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic regimen, especially if you are currently experiencing symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. I am not a Doctor.