Lactobacillus acidophilus, also called L. acidophilus or simply acidophilus, is a type of “good” bacteria, called probiotic, present in the digestive tract, that protects the mucous membrane and helps the body digest food.
This specific type of probiotic is known as acidophilus because it produces lactic acid, which is due to the degradation of milk by the enzyme lactase, also produced by these bacteria.
- Probiotics are known to promote gut health.
- Helping to alleviate symptoms such as excess gas or diarrhea.
- For example.
- But they may also have other health benefits.
- Some of the most important benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus are:.
In most cases, diarrhea occurs due to an intestinal infection caused by “bad” bacteria that develop in the lining of the intestine and cause inflammation, causing soft stools and excess gases. With the consumption of probiotics, such as acidophilus, the chances of developing a decrease in intestinal infection, since “good” bacteria control the development of other bacteria, preventing them from multiplying excessively and causing symptoms.
Thus, probiotics are important especially in situations where the risk of diarrhea is higher, such as when you are dealing with antibiotics, as they help to renew the intestinal flora, which is eliminated with the use of the antibiotic. In these cases, the probiotic should be taken from the first day the antibiotic is started and kept for 2 to 4 weeks.
Irritable bowel syndrome causes very uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive gas, bloating and stomach pain, which can be relieved with the use of a probiotic, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. In fact, when “good” bacteria levels are guaranteed, it is more difficult to have an imbalance of the intestinal flora, also called dysbiosis and which also causes excess gas and abdominal pain.
Many people with irritable bowel also have dysbiosis, which eventually worsens their symptoms, so when using a probiotic, it is possible to treat dysbiosis and reduce all associated intestinal symptoms, including feeling stomach swelling and abdominal pain.
The increase in “good” bacteria in the gut, such as L. acidophilus, helps activate immune cells, which are usually located near the digestive system, especially in the small intestine. For example, using a probiotic can help prevent the onset of more common infections such as flu or cold.
In addition, since it improves intestinal health, consumption of acidophilus also seems to reduce the onset of allergic attacks, as it reduces the space between intestinal cells, thus decreasing the chances of an allergen being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Probiotics in general, but especially these, seem to reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol, which also leads to a decrease in their blood levels. In some cases, consumption of L. acidophilus may reduce LDL levels, called “bad” cholesterol, to up to 7%.
Acidophilic bacteria are the most common bacteria in vaginal flora because they produce lactic acid that helps control the growth of “bad” bacteria and fungi that can cause vaginal infections, such as thrush, for example. Hence the consumption of probiotics with L. acidophilus seems to improve vaginal health.
In addition, this type of probiotic can also be applied directly to the vagina to reduce symptoms of an already present infection, for this it opens a probiotic capsule with 1 or 2 liters of water and make a seat bath. Another effective home option is to apply natural yogurt directly to the vagina because it is very rich in. Here’s how to apply yogurt.
L. acidophilus can be found in natural products, such as yogurt and other dairy, such as cheese or curd, for example, and therefore its consumption is quite easy.
However, they can also be found in the form of capsule supplements, which may or may not be associated with other probiotics, in these cases their consumption varies by brand, so it is recommended to read the packing instructions or instructions on the packaging.
However, in most cases, it is advisable to take it as follows
If you are using an antibiotic, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after taking the medicine, to avoid the elimination of “good” bacteria.
The main side effect of using a probiotic like L. acidophilus is excessive production of intestinal gases. Probiotic supplements often also contain fructooligosaccharides, which act as food for bacteria, but facilitate gas production. A good way to relieve discomfort is to take digestive enzyme supplements, such as bromelain or papain.
The use of probiotics is very safe and therefore there are no contraindications, as long as the immune system is functioning properly and there is no serious autoimmune disease, such as AIDS, for example.