Lactobacilli, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, are bacteria that live in the small intestine and vagina. L. acidophilus is generally seen as beneficial and is classified as a probiotic, according to the Iowa State University, or ISU, Extension. Including acidophilus in your diet may have several benefits, whether you consume it in food or take it as a supplement. Consult a health care provider before taking acidophilus supplements.
Benefits
L. acidophilus may be important for keeping the digestive system functioning normally and for maintaining a healthy immune system, according to the ISU Extension. L. acidophilus produces vitamin K and lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose. It is beneficial for treating bacterial vaginosis and for preventing and treating vaginal and oral yeast infections. It also may help prevent colon cancer, as test-tube studies indicate acidophilus decreases the cancer-causing activity of certain toxins, reports the ISU Extension.
How It Works
Consuming probiotics such as acidophilus boosts the immune system and helps it to recognize and destroy harmful microorganisms, explains the ISU Extension. This allows friendly bacteria to replace harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition, when you take antibiotics, acidophilus in the diet may help replace the friendly bacteria that prescription antibiotics eliminate along with harmful bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Including acidophilus in the diet while taking these medications can prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Antibiotics can also cause an imbalance of microorganisms in the vagina and allow Candida albicans to proliferate, which can cause a yeast infection. Acidophilus can prevent this occurrence.
Sources
You have limited food choices that feature acidophilus. Yogurt labeled as containing live cultures is the most common. Another option is sweet acidophilus milk, which manufacturers make by adding acidophilus to milk. Certain soy-based foods such as miso and tempeh also provide acidophilus. Consume these products at their freshest, recommends the ISU Extension, because the amount of friendly bacteria decreases with time. Acidophilus supplements are also available.
Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with acidophilus supplements is abdominal discomfort or gas, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. This usually dissipates with continued use, but you may need to decrease the dosage.
Contraindications
Some people who are sensitive to lactose have abdominal discomfort after eating dairy foods containing acidophilus, according to MayoClinic.com. Individuals with intestinal damage, overgrowth of intestinal bacteria or a weakened immune system should not eat foods that contain acidophilus or take acidophilus supplements. Talk with your doctor before consuming any acidophilus products if you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, advises the ISU Extension.
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