Acidophilus

What Is It?
Many of us automatically think "bad" when we think "bacteria." After all, some bacteria can cause infections. But that notion may not always be true for your digestive tract, which contains a vast number of bacteria and has evolved to use "good" bacteria for several of its important functions. Your digestive tract is host to about 400 different kinds of bacteria and yeasts. Among these, Lactobacillus acidophilus and other members of the Lactobacillus family are especially important to your health. Acidophilus is considered a "probiotic" bacteria because it helps to maintain intestinal health, and serves as a natural antibiotic against potentially harmful organisms. Taking acidophilus as a nutritional supplement will help maintain the normal balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and vagina.

Health Benefits
Many people take acidophilus to treat and prevent digestive disorders, vaginal infections, and other illnesses. As it boosts benign and suppresses destructive bacteria, acidophilus allows the body to maintain a healthy bacterial balance. Acidophilus is often recommended as a safeguard during antibiotic therapy, which can suppress beneficial bacteria and trigger the growth of yeast infections. Acidophilus may offer general health protection, as well. Several studies suggest that it functions as an immunity enhancer, and may suppress the toxic effects of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Specifically, acidophilus is most commonly used to:

Ease irritable bowel syndrome

Control diarrhea

Reduce flatulence

Combat vaginal yeast and other infections associated with Candida.

Relieve urinary tract infections

Battle bad breath

Forms

tablet

suppository

powder

liquid

douche

capsule

Guidelines for Use

If you are taking acidophilus during antibiotic therapy, take the acidophilus as many hours between the antibiotics as possible.

To make a vaginal douche, add 2 tsp. acidophilus powder to 1 quart warm water. Douche once a day. Do not use an acidophilus douche for more than 5 days as continuous use can actually cause an irritation of the vaginal walls.

When using powder forms, mix about one-half teaspoon with one-half cup of water, or follow package directions.

For liquid or suppository forms, follow the product's label directions.

General Interaction
There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with acidophilus.

Possible Side Effects
Although acidophilus can ease flatulence, ironically, it may increase gassiness for a few days. This effect will ease as your intestines adjust to the bacterial shift.

Cautions

a doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection for the first time. Many women believe they have a yeast infection when the culprit is actually a different bacteria, such as gardernella. Although using acidophilus will not worsen the situation, therapies directed at the specific bacteria are sometimes the most appropriate treatment.

Products

Acidophilus 100 Caps $6.55	Acidophilus Chewable Banana 120 wafers $5.36	Acidophilus Chewable Blueberry 120 wafers $5.36

Acidophilus Chewable Strawberry 120 wafers $5.36	Acidophilus Culture Banana 16 fl oz $8.56	Acidophilus Culture Blueberry 16 fl oz $8.56

Acidophilus Culture Plain 16 fl oz $8.56	Acidophilus with Pectin 100 Tabs $3.80	Chewy Bears Acidophilus 60 Tabs $4.76

Freeze-Stabilized Acidophilus 300 Mg, 120 Caps $13.92	Freeze-Stabilized Acidophilus 300 Mg, 60 Caps $7.32	Freeze-Stabilized Acidophilus Powder 2 Oz $14.98

Kid's Kyo-Dophilus Lactobacillus Acidophilus 120 Tabs $9.39	Kyo-Dophilus with Enzymes 60 Caps $11.96	Life Flora 300 Mg, 120 Caps $14.64

Life Flora 300 Mg, 60 Caps $8.39	Life Flora Mega Potency 500 Mg, 45 Caps $9.10	Milk-Free Acidophilus 250 Tabs $11.25

Super Acidophilus 30 caps $9.50	Super Acidophilus 30 caps $9.50	Super Carrot Acidophilus 100 Caps $9.64

Super Carrot Acidophilus 50 Caps $5.18


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