Acidophilus Probiotic Reviews, Benefits, Dosages and Blends

Probiotics are live bacteria and fungi that, when introduced in adequate amounts, confer a beneficial effect on the organism being treated.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, is probably the most commonly known probiotic bacteria in use today. It is found in everyday food products like yogurt, onions, tomatoes, vegetables, yogurt, tempeh, miso and bananas and is even added as a healthy ingredient to some milk products and orange juice.

The human gastrointestinal tract is populated by trillions of microorganisms. When a disruption or imbalance occurs in this microflora, discomfort, illness or disease can result.

Recent studies show that our immune system is directly influenced by the ratio of good and bad bacteria inhabiting the entire digestive pathway which runs all the way from the mouth to the colon.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Probiotic Effects of Acidophilus

This healthy bacteria is found naturally in the mouth, vagina and the gastrointestinal tract. It works in a variety of ways to prevent and eliminate harmful bacteria.

As carbohydrates are ingested, acidophilus takes in and converts sugars into other chemical compounds such as lactate acid and hydrogen peroxide. These serve to keep the pH balance of the GI tract low, making it an unfriendly place for pathogenic bacteria to colonize.

L. acidophilus out-competes unhealthy organisms by colonizing in such high numbers that the bad bacteria are left without space to colonize. Vaginosis is sometimes treated with acidophilus and other helpful probiotics using this principle.

Acidophilus probiotics work symbiotically with other helpful organisms by aiding their efforts and promoting better overall immune function. For this reason, most formulas of probiotic supplements contain some amount of L. acidophilus.

After a course of treatment with antibiotics, many physicians prescribe probiotics to restore and replenish the healthy bacteria throughout the GI tract.

This is because antibiotics are not selective agents, meaning they kill off both good and bad bacteria within our bodies. Typically, a combination formula including L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus are used for this purpose.

Do I Need Acidophilus Probiotics?

In many countries, foods containing large quantities of acidophilus are a dietary staple. Foods like tempeh and miso, for example, are eaten in Japan almost daily.

Other cultures take in large amounts of yogurt products containing high levels of live acidophilus bacteria every day. People living in these cultures or eating these types of food each day probably will never need to supplement with an acidophilus probiotic.

For those living typical lifestyles in westernized cultures, acidophilus supplementation may be necessary. The same is true for anyone who is lactose intolerant.

Acidophilus Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Individuals who experience bloating after eating a meal, flatulence, lactose intolerance, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation are all good candidates for acidophilus supplementation.

In addition, those who have been diagnosed with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) or Crohn’s disease will benefit from supplementation with these common, proven probiotic bacteria.

Although L. acidophilus may not be the most powerful probiotic for inflammation in the GI tract, it is able to do a lot of the heavy lifting while other specialized probiotic strains are allowed to focus on producing their anti-inflammatory effects.

Current studies are looking at ways acidophilus can be used to reduce cholesterol levels within the body. Past studies indicate serum cholesterol may be directly affected by this probiotic.

How to Take Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Most medical providers recommend taking at least 2 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) of acidophilus probiotics each day.

Although these can be taken in powder form using a small scoop or spoon, it is important to assure the bacteria remain alive until they are ingested.

Powders often are exposed to light, heat and oxygen, which can be deleterious to the efficacy of the product. It is better to take probiotic freeze-dried acidophilus in pill, tablet or capsule form.

If combined with other probiotics, a lesser amount may be included in your product. The effects produced by probiotics rely on availability of significant numbers in order to produce the intended results.

If there are too few acidophilus organisms, they will be unable to sufficiently colonize and stabilize the GI tract. Read labels carefully and buy from knowledgeable manufacturers.

Safety Information

Those taking immunosuppressive drugs (for organ transplant) or other individuals whose immune system is known to be compromised should not take acidophilus probiotic supplements.

As with all medications, consult with your medical provider before using. Those with short bowel syndrome should not take this supplement. Pregnant and nursing mothers, or those who plan to become pregnant, should confer with their physician before taking acidophilus.

Healthy individuals can generally take L. acidophilus probiotic supplements without any side effects; though some people report mild effects like abdominal discomfort when initially beginning supplementation. This usually subsides in a short time.

Acidophilus Probiotic Supplements

Supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus is a healthy way to restore proper gut flora following treatment with antibiotics. It is often used in conjunction with other probiotic bacteria to treat symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases of the GI tract such as IBS, IBD and Crohn’s disease.

Acidophilus probiotic supplements are reported to be helpful in treating vaginal infections. When taken as part of a daily regimen, it works to modulate and maintain a healthy balance of the microflora in the gut.

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