Lactobacillus Acidophilus Uses and Positive Probiotic Effects

Acidophilus, or Lactobacillus Acidophilus, is a helpful bacteria living within the human gastrointestinal tract, mouth and vagina.

It is considered a probiotic because it imparts beneficial effects to us simply by doing what it does naturally.

Some common probiotic uses of L. acidophilus include treatment of diarrhea and infant colic. In addition, women report acidophilus is an effective treatment for certain vaginal infections.

Doctors most frequently prescribe acidophilus to aid in the restoration of healthy microflora within the gut after the use of antibiotics.

Low levels of Acidophilus are found naturally in common foods like onions, barley and tomatoes and it is sometimes added as an ingredient to enrich other foods like yogurt and milk.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplements provide higher counts of live probiotic colonies and may be more effective for certain health-boosting uses.

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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Health Benefits of Acidophilus

Acidophilus is a probiotic which is used to suppress the growth of certain unhealthy bacteria. It does this by colonizing quickly and effectively throughout the GI tract and working symbiotically with other probiotic microorganisms to kill pathogenic bacteria before they can cause illness.

Individuals with healthy immune systems and a good balance of gut microflora are able to easily fight off disease-causing bacteria when it enters their system.

This usually happens without any notice because acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria quickly work to kill it and pass it out through normal channels of elimination.

One of primary means acidophilus is able to defeat pathogenic bacteria is through a fermentation process whereby it converts the sugars we eat into lactic acid. By maintaining a low pH (high acidity) environment, harmful bacteria are unable to withstand the elements and thus are unable to flourish.

Acidophilus also works to colonize the lumen of the intestine, thereby making it difficult for the harmful bacteria to adhere to the walls and colonize with any effect.

Common Lactobacillus Acidophilus Uses

Many doctors recommend probiotic treatment for their patients who have recently finished a course of antibiotics. This is due to the effect antibiotics have on both the good and bad microorganisms in our bodies.

Antibiotics are unable to distinguish between the two, and thus the entire GI tract can be disrupted by a single use of an antibiotic.

A healthy human will typically replenish the appropriate microbiota balance over the course of several months, but by supplementing with the right probiotics, restoration can occur more quickly and effectively, sometimes within only a few weeks.

Another common use of acidophilus is the treatment of vaginal infections due to Candida overgrowth. Vaginal infections affect 1-in-4 women at least one time every year.

Yeast infections are reported to be effectively treated as well, although studies are still inconclusive regarding this use. Regardless, many women report good outcomes, particularly when catching the infection in the earliest stages.

Oral supplementation with acidophilus during any course of treatment for vaginal infection has been shown to be helpful and to reduce the time required to restore normal vaginal flora.

Additional Lactobacillus Acidophilus Uses

Savvy travelers pack acidophilus in their hygiene bag to use as a preventative or a treatment for Traveler’s Diarrhea. This intestinal disorder is usually caused by eating contaminated food products like those purchased from street vendors.

E. coli and Salmonella can cause serious disruption and illness. If caught early enough, L. acidophilus can be used effectively to win the battle against these harmful organisms.

There are numerous other users for Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplements. Many individuals take it as a general health-boosting compound that can improve the functioning of the immune system and prevent infection or disease.

Acidophilus is also used to lower cholesterol levels. Research has also found it effective in relieving constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, lactose intolerance and other disorders related to the digestive system.

Dosing Acidophilus

The daily dosage required will vary depending on age and the symptoms being treated.

Infants and children: Dosages will range between 0.5-1 billion CFUs per day. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Do not give more than the recommended daily dose.

Liquid forms are available but should be used only in limited dose or as prescribed by your physician. Some topical forms can be used to treat diaper rash.

Healthy Adults:

For vaginal infection: use a vaginal suppository according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use oral probiotics in place of those designed for insertion into the vagina. Typically, a vaginal acidophilus suppository will contain up to 20 billion colony forming units.

Note: Some suppositories are designed to treat infection while others are designed to prevent them.

For prevention of diarrhea: usually 1-2 billion CFUs are recommended, however if it is suspected that contaminated foods have been ingested or other exposure has occurred, some physicians recommend taking 10-15 billion CFUs temporarily once a day for up to 5 days to prevent pathogenic infection.

If taking L. acidophilus as part of a daily health regimen, 1-2 billion CFUs should be adequate for most healthy adults. For restoring the microflora after antibiotic-related disruption, 10-20 billion CFUs can be taken once or twice each day for up to one week.

A number of supplements containing this probiotic strain are sold in health food stores and online. One product, Acidophilus with pectin, combines the probiotic bacteria with a prebiotic to increase effectiveness.

Other formulas include Bio-Acidophilus, Advanced Acidophilus Plus and Acidophilus Pearls. Read more reviews of the best Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplement here.

Is Acidophilus Safe?

Using Acidophilus is considered safe for most healthy adults. Individuals with weakened immune systems are cautioned to consult their physician. Pregnant or nursing mothers should talk to their doctor before taking any medication or supplement.

Final Thoughts

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is the most widely researched and studied probiotic available. It is reported to be helpful to humans for the treatment of certain digestive disorders, vaginal infections and to promote better immune function.

There are a number of additional Acidophilus uses for which it is considered an effective supplement. It can be taken safely by most people without any side effects.

Look for a probiotic supplement that provides a balance of several different strains of probiotics for comprehensive health benefits.

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