ACIDOPHILUS BACTERIA
Product No. P01045
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a naturally occurring ‘friendly’ bacteria that resides in the upper section of the GI tract. The digestive tract, which contains a vast number of bacteria, has evolved to use ‘friendly’ or ‘good’ bacteria for several of its important functions. The digestive tract is host to about 400 different kinds of bacteria and yeasts. Among these, Lactobacillus acidophilus and other members of the Lactobacillus family are especially important to health.
Acidophilus is considered a ‘probiotic’ bacteria because it helps to maintain intestinal health, assisting in the digestion and absorption of food, and serves as a natural antibiotic against potentially harmful organisms. These bacteria aid in the breakdown of fats and proteins, and help to absorb vital nutrients from our food.
Natural intestinal bacteria may become compromised with aging, illness, or taking certain medications such as antibiotics. An excellent food source of acidophilus is yoghurt, long valued for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits, although acidophilus supplements are an effective alternative.
Many people take acidophilus to treat and prevent digestive disorders, vaginal infections, and other illnesses. As it suppresses destructive bacteria, acidophilus allows the body to maintain a healthy bacterial balance. Acidophilus is often recommended as a safeguard during antibiotic therapy, which can suppress beneficial bacteria and trigger the growth of yeast infections.
Acidophilus may offer general health protection. Several studies have suggested that it functions as an immunity enhancer, and may suppress the toxic effects of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Acidophilus is most commonly used to:
Ease irritable bowel syndrome - Acidophilus may bring relief to those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a constellation of gastrointestinal symptoms that include abdominal bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea. A recent study found that acidophilus showed a significant benefit in 50% of patients with the primary symptoms of IBS.
Control diarrhoea - If diarrhoea is due to antibiotic use, acidophilus will help to correct the bacterial imbalances caused by them. Some strains of traveller’s diarrhoea may be weakened by acidophilus, perhaps because the immune-boosting effects of probiotics help to reduce intestinal inflammation.
Reduce flatulence - As it restores a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, acidophilus can keep gas-producers in the large intestine from multiplying. Increasing the gut's level of good bacteria relieves flatulence, while lessening wind and bloating.
Combat vaginal yeast and other infections associated with Candida – a yeast that normally lives in harmony in your body, Candida albicans can begin to overgrow following antibiotic use. Chronic candidiasis such as this can produce digestive disturbances, fatigue, and allergies, among other symptoms. Because they promote a healthy intestinal environment, acidophilus and other probiotics can help to halt Candida overgrowth. Using antibiotics only when truly necessary will also help avoid the problem of Candida infection.
Relieve urinary tract infections - Lactobacilli such as acidophilus are the dominant members of healthy bacterial life in the urinary tract. Studies have shown that as antibiotic-like substances, they are powerful enough to neutralise Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria, the source of many urinary tract infections.
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