The Benefits of Acidophilus Milk

Acidophilus milk is a slightly fermented milk product containing the bacterial species Lactobacillus acidophilus, the same species responsible for fermenting milk to make yogurt. In fact, acidophilus milk is essentially drinkable yogurt and shares yogurt's nutritional benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), L. acidophilus is a probiotic, meaning that it has many benefits to human health.

Digestive Disorder Prevention

BodyEcology.com, an Internet health and wellness informational site, explains that the digestive tract is naturally full of many important bacterial species. Based upon what we eat, it's possible to increase the good bacteria in the intestine. The bacteria in acidophilus milk is one of these species, and it helps prevent infection by antagonistic bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus, which can cause food poisoning and diarrhea.

Vaginal Health

L. acidophilus is helpful in preventing cultivation of antagonistic bacteria in the vagina and cervix. Infection of these delicate tissues by E. coli and other bacterial species can lead to a painful infection called bacterial vaginosis, according to the NIH. BodyEcology.com reports that the bacteria in acidophilus milk produce organic acids that prevent pathogenic bacteria from sticking to the lining of the vagina and cervix.

Nutrients

The bacteria in acidophilus milk also contribute to health by producing a number of important chemicals that we use to maintain normal cell function, according to the Mayo Clinic. Among these nutrients are vitamin K (used for blood clotting), lactase (a digestive enzyme) and antimicrobial chemicals that prevent infection and boost immunity.

Allergies and Asthma

According to the NIH, studies have shown that acidophilus can help relieve symptoms of allergies and reduce the severity of asthma. In particular, a Japanese study showed that cedar pollen allergy symptoms were reduced through acidophilus supplementation.

Lactose Tolerance

Milk sugar, called lactose, is digested by the intestinal enzyme lactase. However, some individuals do not produce this enzyme; as a result, the lactose they consume passes undigested into the lower intestinal tract, where it's utilized by native bacteria. This produces symptoms of cramping and bloating associated with lactose intolerance. According to BodyEcology.com, acidophilus produces lactase, which can help with lactose digestion in the upper intestinal tract and allow lactose-intolerant individuals to consume dairy without uncomfortable digestive side effects.

References

• National Institutes of Health: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• BodyEcology.com: Benefits of Acidophilus Milk
• Mayo Clinic: Benefits of Acidophilus