L Acidophilus

L Acidophilus

 

L acidophilus is the most common and most popular pro biotic and its use as a health supplement is quickly growing. The list of possible health benefits resulting from L acidophilus supplementation is also growing with each inquiry into its uses.

 

What is L Acidophilus

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus, otherwise known as L acidophilus is a friendly bacteria that occurs naturally in the human intestinal tract, mouth and vagina. It is also known as a pro biotic because it protects the body against specific unhealthy organisms.

This type of bacteria produces lactic acid and thrives in an acid environment. It also produces the enzyme that is used to break down the type of sugar that is in milk products. As early as 1908, scientists began to see the possible health benefits of L acidophilus. Many clinical studies during the 1920’s and 1930’s showed that L acidophilus could be useful in improving the environment of the intestinal tract.

 

Benefits of L Acidophilus

 

The benefits of L acidophilus are still being discovered, though there are plenty of uses for this helpful bacterium. One of the most important benefits of L acidophilus is how it does battle with the unhealthy microorganisms that also reside in your intestinal tract. L acidophilus breakdowns nutrients for the body to use and creates by products such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that create a hostile environment to the organisms that are unhealthy for you.

L acidophilus also consumes the nutrients that are necessary for unhealthy organisms to survive, thereby out competing them for food. L acidophilus also provides assistance to the body in the production of niacin, folic acid and pyridoxine which are necessary for a healthy immune system.

Here is a list of some of the more notable health benefits resulting from the proper amount of L acidophilus.

• Boosted immune system
• Improved gastrointestinal function
• Reduced burden on the liver
• Reduced levels of serum cholesterol
• Relief from diarrhea
• Relief from indigestion

Your body can be robbed of L acidophilus by antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill the L acidophilus bacteria, clearing the path for the unhealthy microorganisms such as Candida yeast to take over the intestinal tract. This can result in a whole host of health problems. It is for this reason that many doctors recommend taking L acidophilus supplements after therapy that includes extensive antibiotics.

 

Who Should Take L Acidophilus

 

While there is still a great deal of major research that needs to be done on the health benefits of L acidophilus, the future of this supplement looks bright. If you are suffering from any of the following health issues, L acidophilus may be able to help you:

• Asthma
• Candida (Candidiasis)
• Chronic yeast infections
• Colon cancer
• High cholesterol
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lactose intolerance
• Respiratory infection
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract infections
• Weakened immune system

You must absolutely keep in mind that L acidophilus has not yet been proved as a cure or as a sole definitive treatment for any of the above ailments. It has simply been shown to be helpful in treating these health problems in past studies and/or future research is looking in to how much it can help a specific illness.

Currently, L acidophilus is being used by many doctors in the treatment of infections, lactose intolerance, and boosting the immune system. High cholesterol, colon cancer and ulcers are areas that many medical experts feel L acidophilus can offer much help but more research is needed to fully understand the magnitude of its benefits in these areas.

Side Effects of L Acidophilus

 

L acidophilus is a living organism that is already in your body unless it has been destroyed by heavy doses of antibiotics. This means very few side effects or harmful drug interactions. If you take more than 2 billion L acidophilus cells per day (average dose is 1 to 2 billion per day), you may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. L acidophilus is safe for even the youngest infant, though the dosing should be less.

The only known drug interaction is with Sulfasalazine, which is used to treat ulcers. This interaction is not harmful to all and there is still much to understand about the magnitude of the interaction. Even though the side effects and drug interactions are minimal with L acidophilus, you should always consult your doctor before beginning supplementation with any substance.

Where to Find L Acidophilus

 

L acidophilus is found in your diet through L acidophilus enriched milks and yogurts containing live cultures of L acidophilus. There are also supplements available for those who are lactose intolerant or are suffering from Candida (Candida sufferers are usually intolerant of milk products).

L acidophilus supplements can be purchased in health food stores as well as online through supplement retailers. You can find the supplement in the form of granules, powders, capsules and in a liquid preparation that must be kept refrigerated.

 

Don’t let the idea of introducing bacteria into your body keep you from considering L acidophilus as a helpful supplement. It is a good bacterium and can be extremely helpful when suffering from specific health problems. Before taking L acidophilus, make sure to consult your physician as to how it may benefit you and what effect it may have on your body. Though the side effects are minimal, you should also follow the dosing guidelines to get the most benefit from your L acidophilus supplement.