Acidophilus and Probiotics

Introduction and General Overview of Acidophilus and Probiotics

Acidophilus or L. acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic.  It is a friendly bacterium.  Every person has healthy bacteria and it resides in their intestines and a woman’s vagina to protect the body against the entrance of bad organisms that can cause disease.  Through this article, you are provided with an overview of Acidophilus and Probiotics and how it might benefit you and your life today.  You will also be provided with some basic information about some of the minimal side effects associated with Acidophilus and Probiotics.

The Digestive System and Acidophilus and Probiotics

In the digestive system for example, the L. acidophilus breaks down the food and produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other byproducts that make the digestive system hostile to unwanted organisms.  It also produces lactose in the digestive process, which is an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar or lactose and makes them simple sugars.  If a person is lactose intolerant then they do not produce this enzyme and L. acidophilus may be a helpful supplement for them to take.

Therapeutic Uses of Acidophilus and Probiotics

Probiotics in general offer a variety of potential therapeutic uses.  Many people will take probiotics when they are taking antibiotics to replace the friendly intestinal bacteria that the antibiotics destroy.  Probiotics are also used for the treating of diarrhea caused by a virus, alleviating irritable bowel syndrome and sometimes inflammatory bowel disease, reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections, enhancing the immune response, aiding the treatment of respiratory infections, lowering the risk of allergies and many more conditions that are currently being found.

Forms of Acidophilus and Probiotics

L. acidophilus comes in dried or liquid cultures of living bacteria.  These cultures are normally grown in milk.  The product comes in freeze-dried granules, freeze-dried powders, freeze-dried capsules, and liquid L. acidophilus, which must be kept refrigerated.
Probiotic supplements provide a more concentrated source of the friendly bacteria than do prebiotics, which are found in natural foods therefore allowing a higher dosage without the consumption of a natural food that contains it.

Side Effects of Acidophilus and Probiotics

Mild gastrointestinal upset can occur in some individuals that are not taking antibiotics and consume more than two billion L. acidophilus cells per day.  All dietary supplements have a potential for side effects and contraindications with various medications and other dietary supplements so it is advisable that these products be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider.