Acidophilus
Acidophilus (full name: lactobacillus acidophilus) is a probiotic bacteria—that is, a “friendly,” helpful bacteria. It grows in the intestines and aids digestion.
It also maintains a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
Overall, acidophilus boosts resistance to infection.
Acidophilus does not occur naturally in the body.
It is used to make yogurt and cheese, both good sources of it.
Acidophilus is used to:
Combat digestive problems
Stop bacterial overgrowth
Rebalance intestinal bacteria levels
Clean the intestine
Prevent diverticulosis
Fight acne
Fight fungus
Eliminate bad breath
Protect the vagina from yeast infections
Prevent diarrhea
Relieve irritable bowel syndrome
Help digest milk
Sources of Acidophilus
· Yogurt
· Milk
· Supplements such as granules, powders, capsules and liquid
Probiotics and Antibiotics
Like other probiotics, acidophilus helps eliminate harmful or less healthful organisms by competing for space within our bodies. Antibiotics—medications that kill harmful, disease-inducing bacteria—can sometimes kill off probiotics, giving harmful bacteria and yeasts room to grow. (This explains why women on antibiotics often suffer yeast infections during treatment.) Anyone taking antibiotics should take probiotic supplements as well, and should continue to do so a few weeks after antibiotic treatment to help restore the balance of natural bacteria in the body.
Probiotics and Diarrhea
Diarrhea flushes intestinal bacteria out of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.
Refilling the body with probiotic supplements can help prevent
new infections. The incidence of “traveler’s diarrhea,” caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods,
can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
Acidophilus and Lactase
Acidophilus is a good source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk. Lactose-intolerant individuals lack this enzyme and can consider an acidophilus supplement instead.
Recommended Doses of Acidophilus Supplements
Recommended doses of acidophilus depend on the health condition being treated.
Suggested supplements for common uses include:
Prevention or treatment of diarrhea: 1 to 2 billion viable cells per day (Check the dosage on the supplement you are taking;
it will tell you how to measure cells)
Vaginal infections: 8 ounces of yogurt (make sure they contain active bacterial culture—this information is printed on the container) daily, or an oral daily supplement containing at least 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Placing yogurt with live acidophilus cultures directly into the vaginal area can also help relieve itching and inflammation. Similarly, lactobacillus capsules or tablets may be inserted directly into the vagina.
Cystitis: 1 to 2 capsules or tablets inserted into the vagina nightly for two weeks
Maintaining normal intestinal flora: 1 to 10 billion viable cells per day
~Source Unknown
Acidophilus (full name: lactobacillus acidophilus) is a probiotic bacteria—that is, a “friendly,” helpful bacteria. It grows in the intestines and aids digestion.
It also maintains a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
Overall, acidophilus boosts resistance to infection.
Acidophilus does not occur naturally in the body.
It is used to make yogurt and cheese, both good sources of it.
Acidophilus is used to:
Combat digestive problems
Stop bacterial overgrowth
Rebalance intestinal bacteria levels
Clean the intestine
Prevent diverticulosis
Fight acne
Fight fungus
Eliminate bad breath
Protect the vagina from yeast infections
Prevent diarrhea
Relieve irritable bowel syndrome
Help digest milk
Sources of Acidophilus
· Yogurt
· Milk
· Supplements such as granules, powders, capsules and liquid
Probiotics and Antibiotics
Like other probiotics, acidophilus helps eliminate harmful or less healthful organisms by competing for space within our bodies. Antibiotics—medications that kill harmful, disease-inducing bacteria—can sometimes kill off probiotics, giving harmful bacteria and yeasts room to grow. (This explains why women on antibiotics often suffer yeast infections during treatment.) Anyone taking antibiotics should take probiotic supplements as well, and should continue to do so a few weeks after antibiotic treatment to help restore the balance of natural bacteria in the body.
Probiotics and Diarrhea
Diarrhea flushes intestinal bacteria out of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.
Refilling the body with probiotic supplements can help prevent
new infections. The incidence of “traveler’s diarrhea,” caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods,
can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
Acidophilus and Lactase
Acidophilus is a good source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk. Lactose-intolerant individuals lack this enzyme and can consider an acidophilus supplement instead.
Recommended Doses of Acidophilus Supplements
Recommended doses of acidophilus depend on the health condition being treated.
Suggested supplements for common uses include:
Prevention or treatment of diarrhea: 1 to 2 billion viable cells per day (Check the dosage on the supplement you are taking;
it will tell you how to measure cells)
Vaginal infections: 8 ounces of yogurt (make sure they contain active bacterial culture—this information is printed on the container) daily, or an oral daily supplement containing at least 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Placing yogurt with live acidophilus cultures directly into the vaginal area can also help relieve itching and inflammation. Similarly, lactobacillus capsules or tablets may be inserted directly into the vagina.
Cystitis: 1 to 2 capsules or tablets inserted into the vagina nightly for two weeks
Maintaining normal intestinal flora: 1 to 10 billion viable cells per day
~Source Unknown
