Yogurt Brands with Live Lactobacillus Acidophilus Probiotics

Lactobacillus Acidophilus, often referred to as just acidophilus or L. acidophilus, is a probiotic bacteria which lives naturally in the human digestive tract.

We consume it from a number of food sources such as milk, fermented foods and yogurt. But you can also buy foods that have been enriched with this probiotic to improve your health.

Acidophilus yogurt is a product to which living acidophilus bacteria have been introduced in order to offer a probiotic benefit. Probiotic organisms work by fighting off pathogenic bacterial agents and, through natural processes, imparting beneficial effects on our bodies.

Not all products that are promoted as probiotic yogurt will contain sufficient quantities of Acidophilus in their formulas to deliver benefits.

Due to the surge in interest recently in buying Acidophilus yogurt, many manufacturers may claim to provide high CFU counts of certain probiotic strains, but often these claims overshoot the truth.

Always do your research before purchasing a product that says it is enriched with Lactobacillus Acidophilus to ensure quality and viability.

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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Why Use Acidophilus Yogurt?

Acidophilus is the most well researched probiotic, having been studied for its fermentative and probiotic properties since the late 1800s.

It is a hardy bacterium which thrives well in the harsh environment of the digestive tract. There, through a fermentation process, it converts sugars into lactic acid. P

athogenic microorganisms are unable to flourish in a highly acidic environment, thus acidophilus and other probiotics work first and foremost by maintaining an environment which is unfriendly to harmful bacteria.

Acidophilus yogurt and milk is an ideal means of delivering this healthy probiotic to the digestive tract in a daily health regimen. A number of other supplements contain this strain of bacteria, including Acidophilus Plus, Acidophilus Pearls and Acidophilus Bifidus.

Positive Effects and Research

All the good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract are constantly struggling to gain space and dominance along the walls of the intestine, where they colonize. Acidophilus yogurt provides living colony-forming units (CFUs) which crowd out harmful microorganisms within the intestines.

By creating a more acidic environment, the pH balance is lowered, inhibiting bacterial overgrowth which is the cause of some diarrheas and digestive disorders.

A study published in 2009 concluded that acidophilus, and foods enriched with acidophilus (like yogurt), provided relief from some symptoms associated with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) such as intestinal pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

Acidophilus yogurt, when eaten regularly, contributes to the maintenance of healthy microflora throughout the GI tract. Probiotics are also used by women to control yeast infections and Candida overgrowth.

Uses of Acidophilus Yogurt

Individuals traveling abroad will often supplement their diet with acidophilus yogurt for 2-4 days before departing. Continued supplementation during their travels, either via acidophilus enriched yogurt or the use of pills or capsules, has been reported to stave off foodborne pathogenic illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

Digestive disorders such as loose stools, or chronic constipation, are reported to be reduced or eliminated with continued use of acidophilus yogurt. There are also reports of successful treatment of diarrhea by using both acidophilus yogurt and daily standardized doses of acidophilus via capsule or pill.

Many doctors suggest eating yogurt or other acidophilus enriched foods while undergoing treatment with antibiotics.

During antibiotic therapy, both the good and bad bacterial agents are killed off in large numbers in the attempt to rid the body of an infectious process. This is because antibiotics are unable to determine which bacteria are helpful and which are harmful.

Supplementation not only helps antibiotics to work more effectively, but also serves to restore the microbiota more quickly once antibiotic therapy has ceased.

Those who suffer with lactose intolerance find that acidophilus yogurt lessens the impact of dairy products containing lactose, or in other words, symptoms of gas and bloating decrease or disappear.

However, not everyone may be able to consume the yogurt. For these individuals, it is recommended to buy a probiotic supplement or powder that can be mixed with other foods that you consume.

How Much Acidophilus Yogurt Do I Need?

To establish and maintain regular bowel function, it is necessary to consume 2-3 servings of acidophilus yogurt every day. Eating yogurt is a good starting point for everyone and is often enough to maintain good bowel function.

However, the amount of acidophilus contained in a single serving of yogurt is relatively low in comparison to a standardized pill or capsule supplement.

In the event of episodic disturbances of intestinal microflora, more potent supplementation may be required for a period of time.

For example, dietary supplementation of 2-3 servings of acidophilus yogurt may be recommended during the course of antibiotic treatment. Then, once the antibiotics have stopped, a higher dose regimen (pills or capsules) is used for a period of 2-4 weeks to properly restore the microbiota to its optimal state.

While it isn’t possible to be certain of the actual CFUs contained in any given single serving of acidophilus yogurt, daily consumption can help mediate the variances.

Live bacteria are sensitive to light, oxygen and environmental changes like temperature. During randomized tests, some yogurt products were found to contain lower viable living organisms than stated on the label.

Reputable manufacturers are careful during production, storage and shipping of their products to assure the efficacy of their product. Buy with care.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus-Enriched Yogurt

Individuals with dairy allergies should not consume acidophilus yogurt. Those whose immune systems are weakened should consult a doctor before taking probiotic supplements.

Acidophilus yogurt is an enjoyable means of daily supplementation of helpful probiotic bacteria. Yogurt enriched with acidophilus has a relatively low live bacteria count in comparison to many pill or capsule supplements.

While acidophilus yogurt can help to maintain healthy gut function in most individuals, if you are suffering from IBS, constipation, diarrhea or other issues, a supplement may be needed.

Acidophilus yogurt can be found at most grocers and at better health food shops. Do your research before buying to ensure the product you are purchasing contains sufficient Lactobacillus Acidophilus CFUs in order to be effective.

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