It is known to everybody that bacteria are dangerous to human health. Bacteria is the root cause behind many diseases some of which are life threatening. However, there are also some good bacteria; meaning bacteria which do us good. But very little is known about them. The good bacteria are as good to the human body as the bad ones are dangerous. The good ones help the body to acquire better health and aid the body in its different functions. Acidophilus is one such good bacteria.
The bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, lives in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body and produces lactic acid, which is supposed to help in digestion and the overall health of the human body. This bacterium is found in yogurt and other dairy products listed under the name, probiotics.
Acidophilus helps in the digestion by producing lactic acid. However, numerous reasons such as narcotics, alcohol, diet deficiencies, aging, antibiotics, drugs, medications, nicotine, and stressful living can result in the decrease lactic acid producing bacteria.
Digestion begins in the mouth, alimentary canal, and stomach and continues right up to the intestines where the continuous work of numerous microorganisms metabolizes the food. When the number of digestion friendly bacteria like L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. bifidus is small then the process of digestion will be hampered and the body will not be able to derive full nutrition from the food. This will also affect the synthesis of vitamins in the body and lower the immunity of the body.
Acidophilus is known to help in a number of health problems such as constipation, diarrhea, mucous colitis, diverticulitis, skin disorders, and vaginal infection. It also helps in alleviating candidiasis and may prevent cancer. These claims, however, have not yet been scientifically proven. But Acidophilus is called "the second immune system of the body" because of its ability to conquer or put a stop to the growth of harmful bacteria such as shigella, which causes dysentery, diarrhea, and salmonella.
Acidophilus is used to treat the following ailments:
Easy irritable bowel syndrome; acidophilus cures bloating, diarrhea and cramping.
Reduces flatulence
Fights vaginal yeast; combats the overgrowth of Candida.
Fights bad breath.
Treats urinary tract infections.
Fights viral infections by helping to produce cells for the immunity system.
Reduces hypersensitivity among infants with food allergies.
Also helps to fight cancer cells, cardiovascular disease, constipation, colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, thrush, and ulcerative colitis.
Acidophilus might have some side effects the signs of which are difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat, or hives. If you have any of these symptoms consult your doctor immediately.
You might also feel an increase in gassiness for a few days after taking acidophilus supplements but there is nothing to worry about since it is only your intestines, which are adjusting to the bacteria shift.
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Browse Top 100 Herbs Lactobacillus acidophilusSynonyms: Acidophilus, Acidophilus Extra Strength®, acidophilus milk, Actimel®, Bacid®, Cultura®, DDS-Acidophilus, Endolac®, Enpac®, Fermalac® (Canadian), Florajen®, fresh poi, Gynoflor®, Infloran®, Kala®, Kyo-Dophilus®, L-92, L. acidophilus, L. acidophilus OLL2769, L. acidophilus milk, L. acidophilus yogurt, Lacteol Fort®, lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB), Lactinex®, Lactobacillaceae (family), lactobacilli, lactobacillus, Lactobacillus acidophilus 145, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 02, Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCK56, Lactobacillus acidophilus strain 27L, Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB (LaLB), Lacto Bacillus, MoreDophilus®, Narine®, poi, Probiata®, Pro-Bionate®, probiotic, sour poi, Superdophilus®, yogurt.OverviewDoes It Work?SafetyHow to Use
Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin. Multiple human trials report benefits of L. acidophilus for bacterial vaginosis. Other medicinal uses of L. acidophilus are not sufficiently studied to form clear conclusions.
The term "probiotic" is used to describe organisms that are used medicinally, including bacteria such as L. acidophilus and yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
Although generally believed to be safe with few side effects, oral L. acidophilus should be avoided in people with intestinal damage, a weakened immune system, or with overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Lactose sensitive people may develop abdominal discomfort from dairy products containing L. acidophilus.
Side Effects and Warnings
Studies report few side effects from L. acidophilus when used at recommended doses. The most common complaint is abdominal discomfort or gas, which usually resolves with continued use. Some experts recommend limiting the daily dose of living L. acidophilus organisms to reduce the risk of abdominal discomfort. Some women have reported burning of the vagina after using L. acidophilus vaginal tablets.
There are rare reports of infections of heart valves with L. acidophilus, and the risk may be greater in people with artificial heart valves. People with severely weakened immune systems (due to disease or drugs like cancer chemotherapy and organ transplant immunosuppressants) may develop serious infections or bacteria in the blood from taking L. acidophilus. Therefore, L. acidophilus should be avoided in such individuals. People with intestinal damage or recent bowel surgery should avoid taking lactobacilli.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough scientific study available to establish safety during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should use L. acidophilus cautiously and under medical supervision, if at all. A small number of pregnant women have taken part in studies investigating L. acidophilus vaginal tablets and a culture of L. acidophilus with no negative effects reported. Further research is necessary.
Adults (18 years and older)
Tablets/capsules/liquid/yogurt: Expert opinion suggests that a dose between 1 and 10 billion viable (live) L. acidophilus bacteria taken daily in divided doses is sufficient for most people. Higher doses may cause mild abdominal discomfort, and smaller doses may not be able to establish a stable population in the gut. For vaginal bacterial infections, a dose that has been used is 8 ounces of yogurt containing L. acidophilus in a concentration of 100 million colony-forming units (108 CFU) in each milliliter. Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus acidophilus were used in one study.
Vaginal suppository: Doses that have been used for vaginal infections include 1 to 2 tablets (containing 10 million to 1 billion CFU in each tablet), inserted into the vagina once or twice daily.
Anal suppository: Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been used to treat diarrhea.
Children (younger than 18 years)
Tablets/capsules/liquid: Some natural medicine textbooks and experts suggest that one-quarter teaspoon or one-quarter capsule of commercially available L. acidophilus may be safe for use in children for the replacement of gut bacteria destroyed by antibiotics. Up to 12 billion lyophilized heat-killed L. acidophilus has been given every 12 hours for up to five days. It is often recommended that L. acidophilus supplements be taken two hours after antibiotic doses, because antibiotics may kill L. acidophilus if taken at the same time. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.
Applied to the skin: Liquid preparations have been used on the diaper area to treat yeast infections, although safety and effectiveness are not well studied. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.
Note: The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.