Acidophilus is known as a probiotic and is part of a group of beneficial intestinal
bacteria called lactobacilli. L. acidophilus is present in the intestines at
birth and is eventually joined by another well known bacteria called L. bifidus.
Both are highly beneficial to the proper function of the intestine and to overall
health and may be the most important bacteria of over 400 species in the digestive
tract. It helps maintain a normal balance of healthy flora (bacteria). This
form of "healthy" bacteria is beneficial to the human digestive tract
so that it may continue optimal functioning and may also play an important role
in supporting immune system function.
2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
There is much scientific evidence showing the benefit and actually the necessity
of probiotic bacteria such as acidophilus. Such evidence is however, commonly
shrugged off in our society of antibacterial super-users. Such good bacteria
as acidophilus play an important role in the production of many nutrients and
in the proper absorption of nutrients. Acidophilus also acts to keep destructive
yeasts and bacteria suppressed therefore maintaining a healthy balance within
the body. An extra benefit of supplementing with probiotics like L. acidophilus
is the detoxification of the system which invariably reduces much of the stress
on the liver.
Learn more about the benefits of Acidophilus on Clayton Souths Health Facts.
3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Everyone needs acidophilus, it is an essential part of the digestive tract.
But it becomes especially important to take acidophilus when one is in a state
of deficiency. Supplementing with L. acidophilus during and after the use of
antibiotics is of extreme importance since antibiotics will kill off the majority
of good bacteria and cause symptoms of deficiency and possible overgrowth of
various yeasts.
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
The amount taken varies depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Usually
the directions listed on the bottle will work for just about any of the symptoms
of deficiency. As a general rule, there should be no less than 1 billion active
organisms per gram and they should be taken with food and stored in a cool place.
Heat and freezing will kill acidophilus. It is best to get an acidophilus supplement
that is has an enteric coating as this helps the organisms to be delivered to
the intestine unharmed.
The only side effects may be a little gas for maybe the first week as your
body adjusts to the bacterial shift. After the first week the gas will subside.
5. Where can I get it?
The primary food source for acidophilus is cultured foods such as yogurt but
you have to make sure that the container states it has live and active cultures.
This option may not be open to everyone so the best source is supplement form.
Cheap-Supplements.co.uk has many options for supplementing acidophilus with one of
the best being made by Now Foods.