While everyone experiences feelings of fatigue from time to time, extreme fatigue may be a sign of a disorder like chronic fatigue syndrome. Certain dietary supplements, like the probiotic acidophilus, may help improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, although clinical evidence supporting this claim is limited. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.
About Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a type of probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are often referred to as "friendly" bacteria, because they help to fight imbalances of "bad" bacteria in your digestive tract. "Bad" bacteria may be responsible for digestive complaints like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, and can play a role in immune disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome. Acidophilus helps to break down food in your intestines, producing substances like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which are toxic to "bad" bacteria. Acidophilus is available as an over-the-counter supplement in powder, capsule, liquid and granule form. Certain types of yogurt are also fortified with probiotics like acidophilus.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fatigue is defined as a lack of motivation and energy, according to Medline Plus. Additionally, you may feel drowsy, sleepy and like you don't really have the willpower to drag yourself out of bed in the morning. Although everyone occasionally experiences these feelings, people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome feel like this every day. The defining characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome is extreme fatigue that doesn't improve despite rest and sleep. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also referred to as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, because it appears to be related to certain abnormalities in immune system functioning. Some research has discovered that acidophilus may provide benefits for people with chronic fatigue syndrome by alleviating fatigue and improving the functioning of their immune systems.
Evidence
A report published in the June 2003 issue of the journal, "Medical Hypotheses," states that acidophilus is believed to improve the functioning of the immune system in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, as it acts as an antioxidant and promotes the operation of helper T cells. A clinical study, published in the January 2009 issue of the "Nutrition Journal," evaluated the benefits of an acidophilus supplement in relation to symptoms such as fatigue. At the end of this study, six out of 15 patients reported an improvement with regard to fatigue, improved feeling of health and improved physical activity levels. While the study did not result in benefits for all patients, it suggests that further studies on the benefits of acidophilus for chronic fatigue symptoms are warranted.
Considerations
While acidophilus may help symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, you should not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional medical care. Do not attempt to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor if you experience persistent feelings of fatigue. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that acidophilus is generally considered safe for most people, but may cause certain unpleasant side effects. Acidophilus can interact with sulfasalazine, an ulcerative colitis medication. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use acidophilus.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Medline Plus; Fatigue
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lactic Acid Bacteria May Be of Therapeutic Value; A. Logan, et al.; June 2003
- "Nutrition Journal"; Effect of Supplement With Lactic-Acid Producing Bacteria on Fatigue and Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; A. Sullivan, et al.; January 2009
