Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the more commonly known forms of beneficial bacteria, often called probiotics. These bacteria are essential for digestion and the proper working of the gut. They also help to maintain a balance with the bad bacteria present both inside the body and in foods and beverages you consume. Due to its ability to improve digestion, it may be theorized that lactobacillus acidophilus can be helpful as a part of a weight loss regimen. On its own, though, this bacteria has not been proven to stimulate weight loss.
Identification
Lactobacillus acidophilus is the scientific name for a group of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria use carbohydrates for energy which produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, enzymes and B vitamins. They also colonize the gut, stimulating the immune response and combating intestinal and foodborne pathogens, according to "The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements" by Allison Sarubin-Fragakis. Through helping to regulate the digestive system, lactobacillus acidophilus may theoretically help with weight loss.
Function
Healthy digestion is imperative for weight loss. According to the book, "The Last 15: A Weight Loss Breakthrough," author Dr. Joey Shulman recommends taking a baseline of probiotics daily for a healthy digestive system. Lactobacillus acidophilus is helpful for the system to absorb and eliminate properly, therefore removing excess weight and maintaining healthy weight once it is reached. Ingesting probiotics after taking a round of antiobiotics also proves beneficial, as an overgrowth of yeast can occur without them, which also wreaks havoc on digestion according to Shulman.
Types
You can take lactobacillus acidophilus in several different forms. Food is always the best form from which to obtain nutrients, and lactobacillus acidophilus is present in yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, according to Stacey Chillemi in the book, "The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body." You can also take lactobacillus acidophilus in supplement form, usually with other forms of friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacterium. Be careful to purchase these supplements only from refrigerated sections, and from a trusted company, as many have no living bacteria left by the time they reach store shelves.
Amount
Although there is no designated amount of lactobacillus acidophilus necessary to take in order to stimulate weight loss, certain amounts are recommended to help with improving digestion. To get the most benefits from intestinal flora, including better digestion and increasing vitamin K levels, Jack Challem, author of "User's Guide to Nutritional Supplements" notes that 5 to 10 billion lactobacillus acidophilus should be consumed each day for at least one month.
Considerations
Lactobacillus acidophilus has not been proven in scientific studies to cause weight loss. Side effects of too much lactobacillus acidophilus can include diarrhea or upset stomach. If suffering from an auto-immune disorder, you should check with your doctor before consuming large amounts of this beneficial bacteria.
References
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements"; Allison Sarubin-Fragakis; 2007
- "The Last 15: A Weight Loss Breakthrough"; Dr. Joey Shulman; 2008
- "The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body"; Stacey Chillemi and Dr. Michael Chillemi ; 2007
- "User's Guide to Nutritional Supplements"; Jack Challem; 2003
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