Bacteria exist in many different parts of your body, including your skin and your gastrointestinal tract. Some of these bacteria are important for your health and can be used to prevent potentially harmful bacteria from growing. Acidophilus is a type of bacteria that can be taken as a supplement and is generally safe, but talk to your doctor before taking any acidophilus supplement.
Probiotics
Acidophilus is a commonly used probiotic. Probiotics are substances that contain bacteria that are often found in your digestive tract. The bacteria in your intestines are important because they help you break down undigested food particles and they also stimulate your immune system. These bacteria can also help prevent some bacterial infections by crowding out potentially harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria may also help break down lactose, a carbohydrate found in dairy products.
Bacterial Infections of the Intestines
Although your intestines naturally contain bacteria, some kinds of bacteria can cause health problems such as bacterial gastroenteritis. E. coli, Yersinia, Shigella, Campylobacter jejeuni and Salmonella are all kinds of bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis. If these bacteria invade your intestines, you may develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and loose stools that may be bloody. These bacteria can get into your body by eating contaminated food.
Acidophilus Uses
Acidophilus can be used to prevent gastroenteritis because the probiotic bacteria will take up the space and resources that infectious bacteria would otherwise use. For example, taking acidophilus supplements may help in preventing "traveler's diarrhea," a condition caused by exposing your digestive tract to new bacteria while traveling to other parts of the world. Acidophilus can also help prevent bacterial infections of the gut after a course of antibiotics.
Directions
Acidophilus supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, freeze-dried powders, granules and as an additive in milk and other beverages. Because different forms have different amounts of bacteria, follow the directions on the packaging. For most people acidophilus supplements are safe, but they should be used with caution in people with weakened immune systems, milk allergies and in patients with gastrointestinal problems or a high fever. Talk to your doctor before taking acidophilus supplements.
