Digestive problems like gas and bloating are common, but they're also unpleasant and annoying and can even be painful. If you suffer from gas and bloating, you've probably tried various measures to find relief, perhaps over-the-counter or prescription medication, peppermint or ginger tea, increased physical activity or the elimination of certain foods from your diet. But there's another remedy you may not know about and one that can be helpful for digestive issues -- the use of the natural bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Background
The idea of consuming a form of bacteria to treat health issues may sound bizarre, but it's not as strange as you might think. The fact is, all humans have trillions of live, beneficial, bacterial microorganisms in their intestinal systems. These bacteria are essential for good health. You can't tell they're there, but they act as disease fighters, discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria and strengthening your immune system, says Dr. Athos Bousvaros of Children's Hospital Boston. The bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus is one such healthy bacteria, part of a group called "probiotics."
Probiotics Treatment
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus encourage healthy digestive functioning and are, therefore, often used to treat gastrointestinal upset. According to the Pennsylvania State University, Lactobacillus acidophilus can be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, both of which often include gas and bloating; however, Lactobacillus acidophilus may not help everyone who suffers from gas and bloating. Harvard Medical School notes that research studies on this treatment are sparse.
Sources
Lactobacillus acidophilus can be consumed via fermented foods, which contain the live healthy bacteria, or via probiotics supplements. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt, buttermilk, sauerkraut, kefir, sour cream, kimchi, miso and tempeh. Supplements are available in capsule, liquid, granule and powder forms and can be found in health food stores or the supermarket nutrition aisle. Speak to your doctor about the proper dosage of Lactobacillus acidophilus in any form; appropriate dosages may vary depending on your symptoms.
Caveats
Probiotics may not be right for everyone. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that, while Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered safe, some people may be sensitive to probiotics and could experience negative side effects from their use. People with weakened immune systems should not use probiotics without the approval of a physician. In addition, probiotics could cause a dangerous infection in those with artificial heart valves. Consult your physician for advice about using Lactobacillus acidophilus for gas and bloating.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston Pediatric Views; Understanding the Pros and Cons of Probiotics; Athos Bousvaros, M.D.; February 2007
- Pennsylvania State University; What Are Probiotics?; Pallavi Eswara; April 2007
- Harvard Medical School Health Publications; Understanding and Treating an Irritable Bowel
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
