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Uses of Acidophilus

Jan 17, 2011 | By Maryann Gromisch

The term acidophilus is commonly used to refer to beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the intestinal tract of healthy people. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the name of a specific bacterium that thrives in an acidic environment. In its natural form, Lactobacillus acidophilus ferments lactic acid from sugar and is used to sour milk and make yogurt. Acidophilus is a component in probiotic supplements.

Restore Normal Intestinal Balance

Antibiotics are formulated to attack specific bacterial pathogens. Antibiotic use can upset the normal balance of bacteria that live in your intestinal tract. Pathogenic or harmful bacteria reproduce without restraint, causing antibiotic- induced diarrhea. Other factors, such as a suppressed immune system, age and critical illness impact the proliferation of these harmful bacteria. Mild to moderate cases of diarrhea result in malabsorption of nutrients and malnutrition. Adjunct use of acidophilus with antibiotics restores the normal balance of intestinal microorganisms and prevents drug-induced diarrhea. Lactobacillus acidophilus is regarded as a beneficial bacteria because it produces anti-microbial substances, such as acidolin and acidophilic. Acidophilus modulates immune activity and the function of the tissue that lines and protects internal cavities, ducts and organs in your body. It has applications in the treatment of infectious diarrhea in children and recurrent diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. There is emerging use of acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by a disruption in the balance of bacteria normally found in the vagina. The imbalance results in the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. An abnormal vaginal discharge associated with an unpleasant odor, itching around the outside of the vagina and burning during urination are symptoms of this condition. There appears to be an association between low concentrations of vaginal lactobacilli in a woman's body and her increased chance of developing bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole and clindamycin are two antibiotics prescribed to treat this condition. Oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus appears to increase the concentration of vaginal lactobacilli, restore the vaginal bacteria balance and help treat bacterial vaginosis.

Prevent Candidal Vaginitis

Candidal vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina caused by the yeast or fungus known as Candida albicans. A vaginal yeast infection results from an imbalance in the bacteria that normally thrive in the vagina. Antibiotic use, a suppressed immune system, use of oral contraceptives and douching can predispose a woman to developing candidal vaginitis. The symptoms of vaginal itching and irritation associated with a white discharge that resembles cottage cheese are treated with antifungal medications. Daily ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or taking a probiotic supplement each day, especially while on antibiotic therapy, can potentially decrease your risk for developing a vaginal yeast infection.

Help with Treating Helicobacter pylori Infection

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori can infect your stomach as well as the first portion of your small intestine. Symptoms of the infection include an abdominal ache or burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, frequent burping, feeling bloated and weight loss. In some cases, a Helicobacter pylori infection leads to ulcers and stomach cancer. Typical medical treatment involves the use of two antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and histamine or H-2 blockers. Adding Lactobacillus acidophilus to this regime enhances antibiotic therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

References

Article reviewed by Jason Dean Last updated on: Jan 17, 2011

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