Lactobacillus acidophilus (L acidophilus) is a strain of bacteria that is naturally present in the human digestive system. It is incorporated into most probiotic supplements; acidophilus plays a primary role in fermenting sugars into lactic acid.
Some strains of L. acidophilus have been studied extensively for health effects. Research has indicated that L. acidophilus may provide additional health benefits, including improved gastrointestinal function, a boosted immune system, and a decrease in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Acidophilus probiotic supplements are becoming widely used for the control of diarrhea and indigestion, particularly with individuals who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
L acidophilus is the bacteria used to make yoghurt, and is found in sweet acidophilus milk which can be used by people who are lactose intolerant. Because of that use it is probably the probiotic most often found in foods that are consumed by large numbers of people, at least in the United States.
Many practitioners recommend an acidophilus probiotic to patients who are taking a sequence of antibiotics, for the purpose of minimizing intestinal disruption in the form of diarrhea or constipation. An acidophilus probiotic is mandatory for anyone who is engaged in a colon cleanse program because of its participation in the digestive process and its value in balancing the bacteria presence in the intestine.
There is an intriguing list of studies suggesting numerous the health benefits of an acidophilus probiotic. It has been shown to reduce infections in the upper respiratory tract and yeast infections in the vagina. L acidophilus has shown evidence of strengthening the immune system and may be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels. Despite the number of studies that provide strong suggestions of health benefits, most medical practitioners feel that existing studies fall far short of proving most of these health benefits.
Most nutrition and health activists do not. The value of defense probiotics and of acidophilus in general has been proven as beneficial for many people suffering from chronic intestinal problems or from a bout with an antibiotic. This is one nutritional supplement that not only contributes to good health, it acts to repair damage caused by invasive bacteria that cause disease and physiological malfunction