Lactobacillus Acidophilus Benefits for Health, Digestion and Cholesterol

Acidophilus benefits are by the most researched and proven of all of the probiotics in the Lactobacillus family.

It is sometimes included on ingredient panels as Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus. Although it was officially isolated and named in the 1890s, acidophilus has been a staple ingredient in many diets around the world for centuries.

This helpful bacteria is found naturally within the human digestive system, mouth and female genital area.

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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Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic supplement around the world. Many people depend on its ability to help restore and maintain a healthy balance of microflora within the human gut.

Depending on the symptoms being experienced, acidophilus can be taken as a standalone probiotic supplement, or it can be taken safely in conjunction with other probiotics.

The first person to isolate these helpful and necessary organisms was Russian scientist, Ilya Metchnikoff. Metchnikoff is most well known for his work with microphages. He eventually went on to win the Nobel Prize for his work on phagocytosis.

Metchnikoff developed the theory that ageing is due to toxic bacteria in the gut and that life could be prolonged by supplementation of lactic acid. To this end, he drank sour milk every day.

Acidophilus Benefits

The benefits of acidophilus supplementation are many and have been reported to include the following:

Gastrointestinal Benefits:

• outcompetes pathogenic bacteria to colonize the GI tract
•  after antibiotic treatment, works to restore beneficial bacterial balance
• reduces symptoms of flatulence due to lactose intolerance in some people
• prevents/reduces severity of diarrhea due to certain viruses and foodborne pathogens
• reduces symptoms of IBS, IBD and Crohn’s disease
• reduces and may prevent infection with the h. pylori virus (known to cause ulcers)
• reduces symptoms of and helps repair leaky gut

Urogenital Benefits:

• treats vaginosis caused by candidiasis
• reduces or alleviates symptoms of UTI (urinary tract infection)

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Benefits:

• reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol
• increases HDL (good) cholesterol
• reduces overall cholesterol within the system
• lowers triglycerides
• lowers blood pressure

In addition, regular Lactobacilus Acidophilus supplementation has also been reported to have an effect on these conditions or symptoms:

• prevention of some respiratory infections
• fights Candida overgrowth in mouth and vagina
• fights pink eye
• increases effectiveness of some vaccines
• produces both B vitamins and Vitamin K
• enhances calcium absorption
• decreases allergy symptoms

The list of acidophilus benefits is rather extensive, though some of these symptoms or diseases are treated most effectively when acidophilus works in conjunction with other probiotic organisms.

By contributing to the decrease of inflammatory processes within the GI tract, and by replicating to colonize along the lumen walls of the intestine, acidophilus is a powerhouse of probiotic strength.

Side Effects of Acidophilus

Acidophilus is recognized as a safe supplement for most people.

Some individuals may experience abdominal discomfort or irregular bowel patterns when initializing supplementation, these mild side effects usually pass with continued use.

Because lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterial agent, individuals with HIV/AIDS or others whose immune system may be compromised should not take this probiotics unless under the supervision of a physician.

Healthy children can be given this probiotic as well. Questions should be addressed to your personal medical provider.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications and supplements you are taking.

Where to Get Acidophilus

This helpful probiotic can be found in many food products including barley, onions, tomatoes, tempeh, yogurt, honey and garlic. Most people eat foods with some amount of acidophilus content every day, though it is impossible to measure exactly how many CFUs (Colony Forming Units) are contained in any given food product.

Even those whose labels claim to contain a specific number of live colonies have been shown, during random tests, to not contain the amount claimed or even worse, to contain a different species of bacteria altogether.

Supplementing with acidophilus is the easiest way to derive the full benefits using a product in which the dose has been standardized. Purchase supplements from a reputable and knowledgeable manufacturer.

It is important for the bacterial organisms to be alive at the time of consumption, thus freeze-dried supplements are often a good choice.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding storage, but in general, keeping supplements in a cool, dry and unlit cupboard will usually suffice and keep your probiotics alive for up to two years.

Acidophilus: The Powerhouse Probiotic

Different probiotic bacterial organisms can be used to address very specific symptoms or disease, but as a powerful multi-use probiotic, the positive effects of acidophilus supplementation cannot be overstated.

Besides working to modulate and maintain the gut flora in a healthy balanced state, it also works hand-in-hand with other probiotic agents to boost their abilities.

Acidophilus benefits are wide-ranging and address many different health problems related to improving immunity, promoting better gut health and digestion as well as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

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