Acidophilus

Acidophilus (which is sometimes also written as Acidophilus) is the general name given to probiotics which are healthy or friendly bacteria that help to restore or increase the number of healthy micro-organisms known as microflora that live in the digestive tract and the genital-urinary tract of the human body. Microflora can also be found in the mucous membranes of the skin and respiratory tract.

Many things can disturb the natural balance of good bacteria in the body and these include the use of antibiotics (and in particular taking antibiotics over extended periods of time) and corticosteroids, digestive upsets such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders, eating meat, and the stresses related to travelling and not eating regularly. Acidophilus should be taken in conjunction with antibiotics and continued afterwards for a specified length of time. This serves two purposes- taken as part of the antibiotic therapy, Acidophilis can decrease the development of harmful gut bacteria which often brings on antibiotic-induced Diarrhea and taken after antibiotics are finished, it can encourage the regrowth of healthy bacteria which the body needs. The body is more vulnerable to health problems if the healthy microflora population is low or depleted.  

Acidophilus can help to strengthen the work of the immune system and can improve the digestion of lactose as well as preventing Diarrhea and other stomach disorders. Acidophilus has been found to be beneficial in improving hypersensitivities in babies who suffer from food allergies. Acidophilus has been found to be especially useful in fighting the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans which is to blame for many yeast infections in the body and especially those in the Vagina or the infection Thrush that affects the lining of the mouth. 

There are two strains of healthy bacteria that are found naturally in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt and cheese. They are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Eating these types of food on a daily basis can yield many Health Benefits such as improving the workings of the digestive system and alleviating the possibility of constipation. Daily intake also helps to increase the absorption of dietary minerals, increases the ability of the body to fight a variety of tumors and it decreases the level of “bad” cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in the blood. 

Acidophilus (also sometimes called Lactobacillus Acidophilus) can be found as live bacterial cultures in some brands of yogurt or can be taken as supplement that must be refrigerated. Some types of milk also have Acidophilis added to it as a nutritional supplement.

Acidophilus is also good for:

• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Digestive Aids
• Lactose Intolerance
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Yeast Infections