Research, Benefits and Cautions.
Overview:
Acidophilus, or Lactobacillus acidophilus, is one of the most important
bacteria found in your body, and generally reside in your digestive
tract. As a probiotic, it may be used to prevent and treat anti-biotic
diarrhea, yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Other ways
it can help the body are by protecting against colon cancer and the
adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, they
can be taken as a preventive against food poisoning when traveling.
Acidophilus can also be found in yogurt, kefir and other products.
How This Food Supplement Works in Your Body:
Improve efficiency of your digestive system
Manufacture vitamins, such as, biotin and vitamin K
Produce antibacterial substances which kill or deactivate harmful
bacteria
Help maintain normal bacteria balance in lower intestines
Kill monilia, yeast and fungus on contact
May lower cholesterol
May clear up skin problems
May help prevent vaginal yeast infections in women who take antibiotics
or who have diabetes
May extend Life span
Potential aid for digestion of milk and milk products in people
with lactase deficiency
May enhance immunity
May reduce symptoms from spastic colon
May reduce diarrhea related to Long-term antibiotic use
Where this food supplement is found:
Yogurt
Kefir
Other milk products
How to use:
It is preferable to be administered in liquid form due to bioavailability
and fast absorption in body.
Available in capsules or tablets, as a powder or in milk products,
such as yogurt or Kefir.
Cautions:
Don't take if you:
Are experiencing intestinal problems, unless at the discretion of
medical supervision
Intend on applying to vaginal area for a yeast infection
Consult your doctor if you:
Use any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold
and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements,
other prescription or nonprescription drugs.
Pregnancy:
Do no use unless advised by your doctor. There are no proven problems
in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts, however the chance
of problems do exist.
Breastfeeding:
Do no use unless advised by your doctor. There are no proven problems
in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual
amounts, however the chance of problems do exist.
Infants and children:
It is hazardous to treat infants and children under 2 with any supplement.
Storage:
Refrigerate, but do not place in the freezer.
Keep out of reach of children.
Safe dosage:
To date, there has been no "safe" dosage established.