Approximately 4 million Americans experience frequent constipation every year, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders notes, and accounts for 2.5 million visits to physicians. Acidophilus pills may be beneficial for treating some forms of constipation. Talk to your doctor before taking acidophilus or any other type of probiotic.
Constipation
Constipation is defined by the National institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders as fewer than three bowel movements per week. If you are constipated, your bowel movements may be dry or unusually hard. Constipation is often due to increased water absorption by your colon or as a result of stool moving too slowly through your colon. This makes it harder for stool to be excreted.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus, also known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a type of bacteria often used in probitoic supplements. Probiotics are products that contain bacteria that are similar to the bacteria naturally found in the human digestive tract. These naturally occurring bacteria are important for the function of your digestive tract because they can support the health of the cells that line your intestines and because they can help crowd out potentially infectious bacteria.
Probiotics and Constipation
Probiotics are useful at treating some causes of constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome, which is a condition that causes spasms in your intestines. Because probiotics can help maintain the health of your digestive tract, they can be of use in treating constipation, particularly when combined with a high-fiber diet.
Considerations
Although constipation is a common problem, some causes of constipation, such as an obstruction in your intestines, can be serious. If you experience extended periods of constipation, talk to your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor before taking any sort of probiotic supplements. For most people, probiotics will only cause mild side effects, such as flatulence, belching and bloating, but, in some situations, the probiotic bacteria can infect the blood or artifical heart values.
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