Lactobacillus acidophilus is one strain of "friendly" bacteria that falls into the category of probiotics. While there are many good reasons to take Lactobacillus acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria for your health, there's very little evidence that they can do anything for a cold. Talk to your doctor before taking acidophlius for a cold.
Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a "probiotic" -- this means life-promoting -- strain of bacteria that is part of the native flora of the human body. Healthy humans have acidophilus in their intestines, where they help to prevent infection by pathogenic bacteria by competing for resources. Women also have acidophilus living in their vaginas, where the bacteria help to decrease the pH of the vagina and prevent growth of harmful bacterial species and fungal species like yeast.
Colds
There as many ideas for "cures" for the common cold as there are strains of cold virus, but it's actually not possible to cure a cold. This is because there aren't known medications, herbs, or even probiotic species like acidophilus that can destroy the cold virus. Instead, your body's immune system has to fight a cold off on its own. While you can't cure a cold, however, there are ways you can support your immune system that will lessen the duration of the cold.
Acidophilus And Colds
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center's index on complementary and alternative medicine, there is a limited amount of scientific evidence that suggests acidophilus can help to improve immune function. While this evidence is currently limited to suggesting that acidophilus might help to prevent you from getting sick, there's likely no harm in increasing your intake of acidophilus while you have a cold -- the bacteria won't harm you.
General Guidelines
You should talk to your doctor before taking acidophilus or other probiotic bacterial species. However, most people tolerate these bacteria well, and they can't make you sick. Medline Plus notes, however, that taking acidophilus can sometimes cause mild gut distress, gas or cramping, particularly if you don't take it regularly. Good sources include yogurt and other fermented dairy products; you can also get dried acidophilus supplements at health food stores.
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