Live microorganisms called probiotics may support digestive and vaginal health. Certain "friendly bacteria" and yeast yield a positive effect the body. Acidophilus, for example, is a specific type of probiotic that promotes digestive health. Probiotic therapies can benefit a number of health conditions but should not be exclusively used in place of conventional medical practices.
Many Types of Probiotics
Bacteria can have both positive and negative effects on your health. While many bacteria cause illness, other bacteria are essential to many bodily functions such as digestion. Probiotics is a collective term used to refer to bacteria and other microorganisms that have a positive effect on your health. The most popular preparations of probiotics come from dairy products such as yogurt that contain live probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are also available as probiotic drinks and dietary supplements.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a specific type of probiotic similar to "good bacteria" found in the vagina as well as the small intestine. Acidophilus produces vitamin K as well as enzymes that help digest dairy products. Acidophilus can also produce natural antibiotics to help reduce numbers of "bad bacteria" in the body.
Acidophilus Treats Bacterial Vaginosis
Unlike other general probiotics, acidophilus may provide a treatment for bacterial vaginosis, a condition in which "bad bacteria" overgrow in the vagina. Many areas of the body such as the mouth, gut and vagina contain populations of bacteria that support healthy functioning. Many general probiotic preparations claim to benefit a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina, however, most probiotics have not been extensively studied for their effects on the vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic website, acidophilus suppositories are effective in treating bacterial vaginosis. Including acidophilus-containing foods in your diet may also help to prevent bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotics May Treat Different Conditions
In addition to simple acidophilus, many other probiotic products are now on the market that may treat very different conditions than acidophilus. The California Dairy Research Foundation provides an excellent resource for learning about how other probiotics can treat conditions such as hypertension, kidney stones and lactose intolerance. While some probiotics offer promising treatments for many ailments, an October 2010 article in "The Guardian" warns that more research is needed to determine if certain probiotics are indeed as effective as their manufacturers claim.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- CDC: Bacterial Vaginosis -- CDC Fact Sheet
- California Dairy Research Foundation: Probiotics Basics
- "The Guardian": Probiotic health claims ruled unproven, Felicity Lawrence, October 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
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