Acidophilus is a kind of probiotics or bacteria that live inside the human body. These bacteria can be found in the upper intestinal tract and they are important for health of human beings. They are a beneficial kind of bacteria that suppress harmful bacteria. They give a huge boost to the immune system by killing the harmful bacteria that act in the opposite direction. They also aid in digestion and restore the pH levels required to have a well-balanced health. They are found in large quantities in substances like yogurt and they help prevent a disease called Candida vaginitis, which is more commonly known as yeast infection. It affects the vaginal region of women causing irritation, rashes and constant itching. A reasonable intake of Acidophilus can reduce the irritation and itching in the vagina. It helps in the production of a substance called Lactase that makes it easy for human beings to digest milk and milk-based products.
So, how does it work? They work on sugar and convert it into lactic acid. This lactic acid preserves the food, adds a unique flavor and provides numerous health benefits. In this process, Acidophilus produces many kinds of vitamins like niacin, folic acid and pyridioxine. As it works on the sugar, it also releases hydrogen peroxide that makes it difficult for the unhealthy bacteria to survive in the same environment.
Due to the numerous health benefits of Acidophilus, it is better to have a constant intake of these bacteria. When the existing levels go down, the immune system is compromised and the pH levels go down as well. To prevent all these from happening, one must take acidophilus bacteria supplements in the form of capsules. This will contribute to the continued good health, strength and longevity.
Acidophilus is a general name for a group of probiotics, often added to milk or sold as a capsule, which contains one or more of the following bacteria that aid in digestion:
Lactobacillus acidophilus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lactobacillus acidophilus (meaning acid-loving milk-bacterium) is a species in the genus Lactobacillus. L. acidophilus is a homo-fermentative species, fermenting sugars into lactic ...
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What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract and vagina.
Probiotics are considered beneficial and are sometimes referred to as "friendly" bacteria. Some of the ways they are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.
There are over 400 species of microorganisms in the human digestive tract, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
A number of medical, diet, and lifestyle factors are believed to disturb the balance in the colon. This imbalance is called dysbiosis. Factors include:
Inadequate dietary fiber
Oral antibiotic therapy
Infant formula feeding
Ingestion of environmental toxins
No longer kept in check, less healthy bacteria and yeast may flourish, which is thought to increase the likelihood of conditions such as infectious diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections.
Sources of Probiotics
Probiotics can be found in capsule, liquid, powder, or tablet form. Acidophilus drinks can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores and Asian grocers.
Probiotics can also be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt or kefir, however, the number of live organisms varies greatly from product to product due to differences in processing methods. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut also contain probiotics.
Once ingested, probiotics colonize the intestines and other parts of the body and can sustain themselves unless they are destroyed by antibiotics or other factors.
Although they are thought to be essential for health, because they can sustain themselves in the body under normal circumstances, there is no recommended daily intake of probiotics.
Prebiotics "Prebiotics" are also thought to improve the balance of probiotics in the intestines. They are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Sources of prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, found in onions, asparagus, chicory, and banana. FOS is also available as a supplement and is sometimes combined with probiotic dietary supplements.
Why Do People Use Probiotics
Diarrhea Due to Antibiotic Use
Traveler's Diarrhea
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease
Immune Support
Lactose Intolerance
Prevention of Colds
Allergic Rhinitis / Hayfever
Constipation
Colon Cancer Prevention
Pouchitis
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Canker Sores
What is the Evidence for Probiotics
Diarrhea A literature review found 185 studies published in what they deemed to be credible journals between 1980 and 2004. The most commonly studied condition was diarrhea (41 or 22% of the 185 studies).
Seven studies looked at probiotic use in adults, focusing on the strains Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus GG, L casei, L acidophilus, and S boulardi. Although they varied in dose and probiotic strain, in six of the studies, probiotics shortened the course of diarrhea or decreased its severity.
Many studies have looked at probiotic use in children. Once again, there is a wide range of doses and probiotic strains. The most commonly used strains were Lactobacillus acidophilus, L casei, L GG, and Bifidobacteria. In 20 of the studies published between 1980 and 2004, all of the studies found an improvement.
Seven out of 12 controlled trials reported a definite prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In addition, a meta-analysis looked at 9 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials with a total of 1214 patients. Six of the nine trials showed a significant benefit of probiotics.
More evidence is needed on the effectiveness of probiotics in such conditions as lactose intolerance, constipation, heart disease risk factors, and Crohn's disease.
Safety Concerns of Probiotics
Side effects of probiotics may include mild, temporary digestive complaints, such as gas and bloating.
People who are immunosuppressed should seek medical advice before using probiotics. It is possible that the probiotic itself may cause a serious infection. One death was reportedly linked to probiotic use in a person taking immunosuppressant medication.
Potential Drug Interactions
Probiotics may interact with immunosuppresant medication (see above).
Probiotics are recommended by some health practioners during and/or after antibiotic use.