Acidophilus, L. acidophilus and lactobacillus acidophilus all refer to the same living thing, a highly promoted intestinal bacteria offering probiotic benefits. Generally, a probiotic is any bacteria that protects your health by preventing infectious diseases.
For many, lactobacillus acidophilus intestinal bacteria is a typical resident. Acidophilus is considered a healthy inhabitant of your small intestine flora because of its production of hydrogen peroxide and ability to breakdown lactose. Therefore, what’s currently understood about L. acidophilus benefits arises out of these two probiotic properties.
Hydrogen peroxide lowers the pH of your intestinal environment. This acidic atmosphere discourages pathogens, like bacteria, yeast and parasites, from proliferating. Based on this benefit, a healthy presence of intestinal L. acidophilus or ingestion of acidophilus, via food (notoriously yogurt) or supplement, has some evidential backing to help with:
Because lactobacillus acidophilus has the ability to breakdown lactose, its intestinal insufficiency contributes to lactose intolerance. Therefore, milk sugar products fermented with acidophilus is a proven form of treatment for this health condition. Yet, some who have this food intolerance may not tolerate the consumption of probiotic acidophilus.
Research involving the use of acidophilus for other health benefits is ongoing. Some of the other maladies and benefits for which this intestinal bacteria is being touted despite the lack of firm evidence are:
- remedy halitosis
- lower allergy risk
- improve digestion
- reduce intestinal gas
- prevent colon cancer
- control cholesterol level
- treat respiratory disorders
- boost weak immune system, immunity
- restrain recurring UTI, bladder infections
- cure IBS, H. pylori infection digestive disorders
- alleviate canker sores, fever blisters, hives, acne
- assist in production of niacin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid
The use of L. acidophilus probiotic may cause some side effects, especially when you initially start taking it. Lactobacillus acidophilus side effects involve:
- nausea
- bloating
- dyspepsia
- flatulence increase
- allergic reaction symptoms of itchy skin & rash
For the most part, these acidophilus side effects are not considered serious. However, if you suffer any chronic health conditions, then you should discuss this option with your health care provider before taking of any supplemental intestinal bacteria probiotic.
Finally, the amount of lactobacillus acidophilus intestinal bacteria can decrease as the result of chronic diarrhea, stress, infections and malnutrition.