Lactobacillus acidophilus, known as L. acido or L. acidophilus, is a bacterial probiotic found naturally in the small intestines and vagina of humans. Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide benefits to their host. L. acido is found in both whole foods and dietary supplements. When consumed as a diet therapy component, these beneficial bacteria provide a variety of health advantages.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis primarily affects women of childbearing age and is usually recurrent. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the lack of L. acido bacteria in your vagina, causing a pH imbalance. Therefore, consuming L. acido in yogurt, probiotic capsules or using an L. acido suppository is a simple and effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
High Cholesterol
While further research is needed to show conclusive results, preliminary research suggests that L. acidophilus aids in cholesterol-lowering efforts. According to Deanne Tenney in her book, "Acidophilus," individuals consuming dairy products, such as milk and yogurt containing L. acido cultures showed a 5 to 10 percent reduction in cholesterol levels.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It may result in gas, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach discomfort and cramps. A number of commercial brands have added L. acidophilus to their milk products to aid digestion. L. acido improves your ability to absorb lactose. This bacterial strain encompasses lactase, an enzyme responsible for converting lactose to lactic acid. Individuals who suffer from lactose intolerance are deficient in this enzyme.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as watery, loose bowel movements that are relatively common. It can be caused by infection, disease, antibiotic use or a change in diet. Adding yogurt or probiotics containing L. acido to your diet can naturally treat diarrhea by restoring good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. In "Lactobacillus Therapy for Acute Infectious Diarrhea in Children: A Meta-Analysis," Conelius Van Niel et el. report that the use of L. acido is safe and effective in the treatment of diarrhea among children. The duration and frequency of diarrhea was significantly reduced in children who consumed L. acido.
Digestion
L. acido works in the digestive tract to restore symbiosis. It aids your body in the digestion of macronutrients and the absorption of essential nutrients, increasing your ability to regulate liver function and promote bowel regularity L. acido has been proven effective in the prevention and treatment of digestive system conditions such as constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Immunity
L. Acidophilus helps restore the balance between good and bad bacteria in your gut. It is known to synthesize important nutrients such as vitamin K and B vitamins including biotin, folic acid and vitamin B-12. It has been termed a "second immune system" due to its cleansing ability. This probiotic eliminates the growth of disease-causing bacteria that promote illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella, virus-related flu, diarrhea and even dysentery. L. Acido functions as a natural antibiotic, killing off bad bacteria and promoting the natural defense of your body..
References
- Fight Against Bacterial Vaginosis: How Lactobacillus Acidophilus Can Fight Bacterial Vaginosis
- Mayo Clinic: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Lactobacillus Therapy for Acute Infectious Diarrhea in Children: A Meta-Analysis; Conelius Van Niel et al.; April 2002
- Acidophilus; Deanne Tenney; 1996
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