Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus)

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus), the most well- known bacterial hero, first gained attention as a dietary supplement in the 1920s. In 1935 the first results of clinical trials were published that showed that acidophilus normalized bowel function in patients with chronic constipation.

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Acidophilus or lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used good or friendly bacteria. These bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against the entrance and proliferation of harmful organisms that can cause diseases. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria present in both the vaginal, and gastrointestinal tract; it is important in controlling vaginal pH and maintaining a healthy balance in the vaginal ecosystem. Age, infections, antibiotic use, douching, and many other factors can interfere with lactobacilli, upsetting the delicate balance and predisposing women to overgrowth of yeast and "bad" bacteria.

There have been several studies showing that regular ingestion of acidophilus decreases vaginal yeast and bacterial infections. Acidophilus is one of the good bacteria that should be part of the daily diet of humans. They can be taken and ingested in different forms, such as a drink or in capsule form.  The powdered form, which is mixed with water, is the most effective.

Acidophilus Supplements usually work quickly and effectively because they contain as many as one billion individual friendly bacteria per gram. For those who cannot use milk products, acidophilus is available from carrots, soybeans, rice starch, garbanzo beans and other sources.

The following factors can reduce acidophilus and upset their balance in the intestines:

Antibiotics (which can kill good as well as bad bacteria ), other drugs, infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal), diet (highly processed, low-fiber foods), chronic diarrhea and stress.

Acidophilus does have other health benefits. It helps prevent infection with some intestinal bugs, and seems to slightly improve general immune system function. In studies on mice, those fed yogurt with acidophilus had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Also in mice, a concoction based on acidophilus was shown to minimize radiation-induced skin damage.

Important benefits of acidophilus supplementation can include:

• Keeping constipation and diarrhea under control
• Counteracting lactose intolerance by its association with lactase
• Reduction of bad breath
• Reduction of internal gas
• Cholesterol control by promoting normal absorption of dietary fats
• Combat Candida related yeast infections
• Suppression of a number of intestinal disorders
• Prevention of intestinal contamination from infectious
• Ease irritable bowel syndrome