Acidophilus Capsules: Learn the Benefits of Acidophilus
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Acidophilus (a good bacteria - also called a probiotic) occurs naturally in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and mouth of humans and animals. It is a homo-fermentative species, meaning it ferments sugars into lactic acid.
This friendly bacteria is essential because it creates an environment that is undesirable for bad bacteria and other harmful organisms, thus helping in the prevention and treatment of many health conditions.
Antibiotics, an illness, and advanced aging can deplete the levels of acidophilus and other good bacteria.
Benefits of Acidophilus
The gastrointestinal tract relies on good bacteria to keep it healthy. Benefits of acidophilus include aiding in digestion, preventing and treating overgrowth of bad organisms, preventing and treating diarrhea (including infectious diarrhea), protecting the body against parasites, and alleviating symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and possibly other inflammatory bowel diseases. It is also believed to help in the prevention of colon cancer.
When antibiotics are used to treat infections, they not only destroy the bad bacteria, they also kill off the good bacteria. After completing a course of antibiotics, it is especially important to eat foods that contain acidophilus (yogurt being the most common) or take supplements (acidophilus capsules or powder) for a few days to replace the loss of good bacteria.
The vagina also relies on good bacteria to help control pH levels and to help prevent the growth of yeast bacteria. Without it, a yeast infection can occur. Douching should be avoided because this can wash away good bacteria.
To treat a yeast infection, you can insert plain yogurt (containing active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus) into the vagina and apply some on the external area of the vagina. Be sure the yogurt contains no sugar because this can worsen the problem.
Other benefits of acidophilus include:
- enhancing the immune system
- suppressing toxic effects from carcinogens
- helping in the treatment of urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and sinusitis
- lowering the risks of allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, and skin conditions like eczema
- lowering high cholesterol
- helping in the treatment of teenage acne
- combating bad breath.
If you take acidophilus capsules or powder, use as directed because too much can disrupt a healthy balance in the body.
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