Articles > Acidophilus Health Benefits

More than 400 different kinds of bacteria live in our gastrointestinal tract. The body depends on beneficial bacteria to manufacture B vitamins as well as to produce lactase and other antibacterial substances.

Commercial food processing procedures often destroy viable beneficial organisms, making it difficult for the body to maintain good intestinal flora. Even the majority of yogurt products no longer contain a viable acidophilus cucn poor intestinal flora. Antibiotic drugs are especially damaging to intestinal flora and kill all kinds of bacteria, both good and bad. The effects of antibiotic use on intestinal flora can last for weeks even after the drug is discontinued; often leading to yeast overgrowth, chronic infections, poor digestion, fatigue or allergies. Acidophilus supplements can reintroduce beneficial bacteria into the system.

Acidophilus, or Lactobacillus acidophilus, is one of the most important bacteria found in your body, and generally reside in your digestive tract. As a probiotic, it may be used to prevent and treat anti-biotic diarrhea, yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Other ways it can help the body are by protecting against colon cancer and the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, they can be taken as a preventive against food poisoning when traveling.


Health Benefits

Many people take acidophilus to treat and prevent digestive disorders, vaginal infections, and other illnesses. As it boosts benign and 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, as well. Several studies suggest that it functions as an immunity enhancer, and may suppress the toxic effects of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).


Specifically, acidophilus is most commonly used to:

Ease irritable bowel syndrome. Acidophilus may bring relief to many people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a constellation of gastrointestinal symptoms that include abdominal bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. A recent study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that acidophilus showed a significant benefit in 50% of patients with the primary symptoms of IBS.

Control diarrhea. If your diarrhea is due to antibiotic use, acidophilus will help to correct the bacterial imbalances caused by the drug. In fact, if you are prone to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, it's probably a good idea to start both the acidophilus and medication at the same time. It may be wise to take acidophilus along on your next trip to the tropics, as well. Some strains of traveler's diarrhea 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 gas 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 therapy. 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 you avoid the problem of Candida infection.

For treating and preventing vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida, acidophilus may be particularly effective. A 2000 study in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics attributed the increase in recurring vaginal candidiasis worldwide to growing antibiotic resistance as well as to a lack of sufficient Lactobacilli in many women. According to the study's authors, Lactobacilli constitute "the vagina's primary defense mechanism against Candida."

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 "bacteriocins" or antibiotic-like substances, they are powerful enough to neutralize Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria, the source of many urinary tract infections.

Battle bad breath. As bacteria in your mouth work to break down food particles, they can multiply and release foul-smelling chemicals. Usually, good oral hygiene is adequate to clear out offensive mouth odors. But when you need extra help, adding acidophilus to your system can encourage more efficient digestion and reduce the number of odor-producing bacteria.

Note: Acidophilus has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Acidophilus.



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