Foods With Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Dec 24, 2010 | By Ashley Tyson

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, that is naturally occuring in both the human intestines and vagina. It is especially "friendly" due to its production of vitamin K, lactaste and antimicrobial compounds like acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin and bacteriocin. Although L. acidophilus is thought to be safe, it should be avoided by individuals who have a compromised immune system or intestinal damage, advises MayoClinic.com. Several foods contain this probiotic.

Sweet Milk

Sweet milk containing L. acidophilus was first introduced in 1931 to keep milk "sweet" for as long as seven days when refrigerated, according to Ramesh Chandan in the book "Manufacturing Yogurt and Fermented Milk." Sweet milk is not heated like regular milk, which allows this bacterial strain to homogenize the entirety of the liquid. Currently, sweet milk is whole milk, which has a distinctly sweet flavor, the author notes.

Miso

Miso is a fermented Japanese item produced with soybean, salt and the fungus kojikin. It naturally contains a large amount of L. acidophilus and is beneficial to the digestive tract by encouraging regularity and healthy bowel movements, according to Margaret McCarthy in the book "Lymphatic Therapy for Toxic Decongestion." The author says that this bacterial strain is especially important for everyday consumption to persistently replenish intestinal flora. This lactic acid bacteria helps to destroy the gas-forming and disease- and odor-producing bacteria.

Yogurt

Perhaps the most well-known source of L. acidophilus is yogurt. Probiotic yogurt, specifically those marked with live and active cultures, generally contain L. acidophilus, as well as Bifidobacterium. In the book "Prescription for Dietary Wellness," Phyllis Balch says that eating a cup of yogurt with L. acidophilus each day can help prevent yeast infections, especially when taking antibiotics. Additionally, this probiotic yogurt may also help to cure diarrhea and even dysentery, Balch says.