Acidophilus Health Benefits - What are the Pros and Cons of Taking Acidophilus?
What is Acidophilus?
Acidophilus can be found in fermented dairy foods, such as yogurts with live active cultures and sweet acidophilus milk. It is a bacteria known as a probiotic. Probiotic bacteria, such as acidophilus, help keep harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract at bay by producing an acidic environment through the production of lactic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Many factors can decrease acidophilus levels in the digestive tract, such as drinking alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, drug use, aging, and even stress. Acidophilus can be taken in foods or supplement form.
Pros and Cons of Acidophilus
Pros of Acidophilus
Acidophilus is probably best known for its ability to stop the overgrowth of yeast colonies in the body. Acidophilus can be used to treat chronic yeast infections through the daily ingestion of yogurt. The acidophilus and other probiotics present in yogurt helps rebalance the intestinal flora, or healthy bacteria, to optimal levels. Many people with stomach ailments, like diarrhea or irritable bowel symptoms can also benefit through the ingestion of acidophilus. Intestinal flora is depleted during these illnesses, and acidophilus can help to create a favorable balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Without desirable levels of acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria in the intestines, vitamin malapsorption could be a concern. For this reason, acidophilus can be a remedy for those experiencing problems with absorbing vitamins and minerals. Acidophilus, with its low risk of side effects might just be a good addition to your diet, especially if you have suffered from recurring yeast infections or mild intestinal problems. To build healthy levels in the digestive system, try eating 8 ounces of yogurt each day. Plain yogurt without sugar is best for these purposes, since candida, the bacteria responsible for yeast overgrowth, feeds on sugar. Make sure the yogurt you eat is labeled “live and active cultures”. This ensures the presence of probiotics such as acidophilus in the product. Beware that many frozen yogurts do not contain live cultures of acidophilus.
Cons of Acidophilus
Acidophilus is generally considered to be a safe supplement. At levels of ingestion more than 1-2 billion lactobicillus acidophilus cells per day, there is the possibility of mild gastrointestinal problems. These include excess gas and constipation. People who suffer from disorders like Crohn’s Disease should not use acidophilus without a doctor’s ok. Acidophilus has not been approved by the FDA for use in treating any disease, so it may not be wise to rely on acidophilus as a treatment for any illness.
Resources
1. https://www.supplementnews.org/wiki/lactobacillus_acidophilus
2. https://www.healthline.com/multumcontent/lactobacillus-acidophilus