Acidophilus, known scientifically as lactobacillus acidophilus, is the most common of the probiotic or helpful bacteria. Probiotics such as acidophilus are broken down in the intestines and the residual chemicals of their breakdown forms a toxic environment for harmful bacteria. Increase your intake of acidophilus by including fermented foods such as yogurt into your diet. The probiotic effect of acidophilus also promotes many other favorable health benefits.
Gastric Benefits
Acidophilus promotes gastric health. The addition of acidophilus into your diet can promote the eradication of the h-pylori bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract. The heliobacter pylori bacteria, or h-pylori, can cause several stomach conditions such as ulcers and stomach cancer. According to PubMed.gov, the addition of acidophilus showed signs of eradication of h-pylori bacteria in subjects with known h-pylori infection.
Vaginal Infection
The vagina is prone to infection due to harmful bacteria, and the addition of acidophilus can reduce that. According to the "Journal of Medical Microbiology," the presence, growth and lactic acid production of acidophilus can adequately reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the vagina, e-coli in particular.
Lowers Cholesterol
Increasing the amount of acidophilus in your diet can also be beneficial in lowering your blood cholesterol levels. According PubMed.gov, certain strains of acidophilus have been proven to have a direct effect on cholesterol in the digestive tract, thus suggesting acidophilus would have a similar lowering effect on serum blood cholesterol levels.
Increased Immunity
Adjusting your dietary intake of acidophilus can be effective in boost your entire immune system. A study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that intoduction of probiotics, such as acidophilus, increased percentages of granulocytes and monocytes thus indicating an increased cellular immune response in the presence of probiotics.
References
- Journal of Medical Microbiology: Growth and lactic acid production by vaginal Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL 1259, and inhibition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- PubMed.gov: Assimilation of cholesterol by Lactobacillus acidophilus
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults
- PubMed.gov: Therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection using Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Mayo Clinic: H. pylori infection
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