Acidophilus: The Beneficial Bacteria

The proper name is Lactobacillus acidophilus or commonly referred to as “probiotics”, has many benefits and frankly is essential to our digestive health and overall well-being! The National Institutes of Health Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines probiotics as “friendly” microorganisms, usually bacteria, that grow naturally in the human intestine and protect us against “bad” bacteria that cause disease.

Beneficial bacteria such as acidophilus and lactobacillus promote the digestive and elimination (bowel movements) processes necessary for the maintenance of a healthy functioning immune system. This general immune-boosting effect of acidophilus helps the general nurturing of the immune system, whereby promoting overall health and restoring equilibrium to the digestive tract (gut).

Acidophilus can be found normally occurring in a healthy humans mouth, intestine and vagina. This naturally occurring bacteria improves bowel function, helps to prevent or aid constipation disorders and gas, as well as food sensitivities and allergies. If digestion is poor, the activity of intestinal bacteria on undigested or poorly digested food may lead to excessive production of histamine, therefore triggering allergic symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, oral use of acidophilus and use of vaginal acidophilus suppositories has been shown to be effective in treating Bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal inflammation). Acidophilus has also been implicated in playing a role in reducing the number and severity of respiratory infections in children. In addition, Eczema (atopic dermatitis) has been helped by oral use of acidophilus during pregnancy, by breastfeeding mothers and by infants and young children. Of worthiness, acidophilus, when taken with while on antibiotics, may reduce diarrhea, bloating and cramps caused by a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon referred to as C. difficle inflammation/infection.

In summary, acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria that we need present within our bodies to help our digestion, immune systems and overall well-being to maintain homeostasis (balance). Acidophilus promotes healthy, beneficial intestinal bacteria, thus eliminating harmful germs, parasites and other damaging opportunistic organisms. Acidophilus helps to rebuild the micro flora in the intestine that have been weakened, wiped-out, or unbalanced by repeated antibiotic treatments. Other harmful bacteria can build up, take over, or yeast infections can arise (Candida Albicans). This can be helped or prevented due to the acidophilus’ aid in synthesizing B-vitamins, whereby creating healthy intestinal flora and maintaining harmony and balance.