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Acidophilus
Acidophilus (full name: lactobacillus acidophilus) is a probiotic bacteria—that
is, a “friendly,” helpful bacteria. It grows in the intestines and aids digestion.
It also
maintains a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria by producing organic compounds—such
as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity
of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic
bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics
to kill undesirable microorganisms. Overall, acidophilus boosts resistance to
infection.
Acidophilus does not occur naturally in the body. It is used to make yogurt
and cheese, both good sources of it.
Acidophilus is used to:
- Combat digestive problems
- Stop bacterial overgrowth
- Rebalance intestinal bacteria levels
- Clean the intestine
- Prevent diverticulosis
- Fight acne
- Fight fungus
- Eliminate bad breath
- Protect the vagina from yeast infections
- Prevent diarrhea
- Relieve irritable bowel syndrome
- Help digest milk
Sources of Acidophilus
· Yogurt
· Milk
· Supplements such as granules, powders, capsules and liquid
Probiotics and Antibiotics
Like other probiotics, acidophilus helps eliminate harmful or less healthful
organisms by competing for space within our bodies. Antibiotics—medications
that kill harmful, disease-inducing bacteria—can sometimes kill off probiotics,
giving harmful bacteria and yeasts room to grow. (This explains why women on
antibiotics often suffer yeast infections during treatment.) Anyone taking antibiotics
should take probiotic supplements as well, and should continue to do so a few
weeks after antibiotic treatment to help restore the balance of natural bacteria
in the body.
Probiotics and Diarrhea
Diarrhea flushes intestinal bacteria out of the gastrointestinal (digestive)
tract, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. Refilling the body with probiotic
supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of “traveler’s diarrhea,”
caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be
reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
Acidophilus and Lactase
Acidophilus is a good source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk.
Lactose-intolerant individuals lack this enzyme and can consider an acidophilus
supplement instead.
Recommended Doses of Acidophilus Supplements
Recommended doses of acidophilus depend on the health condition being treated.
Suggested supplements for common uses include:
- Prevention or treatment of diarrhea: 1 to 2 billion viable cells per day
(Check the dosage on the supplement you are taking; it will tell you how to
measure cells)
- Vaginal infections: 8 ounces of yogurt (make sure they contain active bacterial
culture—this information is printed on the container) daily, or an oral daily
supplement containing at least 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Placing yogurt
with live acidophilus cultures directly into the vaginal area can also help
relieve itching and inflammation. Similarly, lactobacillus capsules or tablets
may be inserted directly into the vagina.
- Cystitis: 1 to 2 capsules or tablets inserted into the vagina nightly for
two weeks
Maintaining normal intestinal flora: 1 to 10 billion viable cells per day
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