Acidophilus are a form of bacteria common to the human body. Our bodies have both good and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria can cause sickness and disease. Good bacteria, on the other hand, can help prevent illness by creating anti-microbial substances that are used to fight bad bacteria, germs and fungus. Acidophilus, whose full name is lactobacillus acidophilus, is known to generate vitamin K and lactose in our bodies. When acidophilus is ingested, it falls into the category of a probiotic.
Probiotics
Probiotics are foods and supplements that use living microorganisms to fight off infection and illness. Yogurt and certain dairy products contain a wealth of probiotics that can be used to supplement the amount of good bacteria already present in the body. Many of the benefits of probiotics like acidophilus correspond to digestive health and vaginal well-being. Not surprisingly, these are the two most common places where the acidophilus bacteria lives in the body.
Benefits
Taking acidophilus as a pill or capsule is thought to help in a number of areas. In the digestive tract, acidophilus has been used to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and intestinal infections. It is also used in the treatment of yeast infections and as a way to reduce the re-occurrence of bladder cancer. Acidophilus may also help with eczema in children and inflammation of the colon after surgery.
Side Effects and Risks
Although there has been a lack of clinical study on the adverse effects of acidophilus as a probiotic, there are certain symptoms that seem to correspond with the taking of the supplement. Because it does most of its work in the digestive tract, acidophilus has been linked to gas and bloating. Those with previous medical conditions involving the gastric system should seek a doctors advice before administering acidophilus.
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