Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is a friendly bacterium that normally lives in the digestive tract of all human beings. These friendly bacteria produce lactic acid which is very much needed by the human body. Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium has beneficial effects on digestion and the overall health of human beings. In fact it is so beneficial that Lactobacillus acidophilus is now being put in various products for human consumption. It called a probiotic and can be found in a lot of yogurts and other dairy products and is now even being included in such products like some brands of bread.
Human beings need to have a large flora of Lactobacillus acidophilus in their digestive tract to help protect from harmful disease causing bacteria. Various factors can reduce the number of these friendly bacteria that live in the digestive tract which can result in an overgrowth of the bad or disease causing bacteria. These factors can include such things as diet deficiencies, aging, certain medications, nicotine, stressful living, too much alcohol and taking of antibiotics as well as other drugs, all of which can lower the good bacteria in the digestive tract.
When digestion is impaired by the fact that there is too little Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium in the digestive tract you can be deprived of the full nutritional value of your food. This can in turn affect your immune system and lower your resistance to disease. Certain infections can begin. A common infection that occurs because of having too little of these friendly bacteria is called Candida or yeast infection. Many women who take antibiotics or other infections can end up having a yeast infection. Taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can help restore the natural bacteria balance in the body. Having too little of these healthy bacteria in the body can cause yeast overgrowth in the vagina as well as in the mouth. Having a yeast overgrowth in the mouth is called thrush.
Women who are prone to having yeast infections can obtain relief if they take Lactobacillus acidophilus as a daily supplement. The friendly bacteria thrive in an acidic environment and taking these supplements can help maintain this environment. Taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements is very important if you are taking antibiotics for other infections, such as strep throat or bronchitis, to prevent yeast infections.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can also help relieve constipation or diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common side effect that many people experience when they are taking antibiotics. It is also beneficial for diverticulitis and mucous colitis and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
According to some health professionals it may also reduce cholesterol levels. Having a proper balance of friendly good bacteria in the digestive tract can also enhance absorption of essential nutrients. One result of having an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the digestive tract is bad breath and taking acidophilus supplements can help sweeten the breath. This is because it helps balance out the bacteria in the digestive tract. Taking these supplements is also sometimes used to treat acne and other skin disorders. There is even some evidence that shows that Lactobacillus acidophilus can prevent cancer however more research needs to be done in this area. Research has proven that the overgrowth of bad bacteria can cause certain diseases and even death.
People who are lactose intolerant and cannot tolerate dairy products well can improve their lactose absorption when they take acidophilus supplements. An individual’s risk for allergies like asthma, hay fever and milk allergies can be lowered if they take Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements on a daily basis. These supplements can be found for sale on the market today in various forms. You can get it in drinks or capsule forms. Live L. acidophilus must be refrigerated. Live L. acidophilus is the best type to take. . Before you begin taking these supplements or any other kind of supplements for that matter, you should first consult with your medical doctor. This is especially true if you are taking prescription medications.
Comments are closed
Related Information
