With all the probiotics around, why take acidophilus? Acidophilus receives high marks as a supplement, but is it fact - or fiction?
What Is Acidophilus?
Acidophilus can be used in conjunction with certain bacteria including lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, and lactobacillus bulgaricus or it can be taken alone. All of these bacteria have similar health benefits but were initially used as a digestive tract remedies.
Bacteria such as acidophilus naturally occurs in many foods, such as fermented foods. It was consumed for thousands of years and known as a health tonic. Today, lactobacillus acidophilus supplements, powders and the like are available to help artificially duplicate this bacteria so our bodies can reap the benefits.
Acidophilus aids in protecting our bodies from harmful bacteria, parasites, and organisms with its natural release of hydrogen peroxide that helps to create a toxic setting for these non-wanted creatures, forcing them away.
The health benefits of acidophilus are many, and offer relief for not only humans, but also dogs and cats
Why Take Acidophilus?
Acidophilus and Pets
Ask any herbalist or veterinarian and they will most likely recommend acidophilus for a dog or cat when they have an upset stomach. Even dog and cat cancer specialists recognize how well different forms of chemotherapy work with acidophilus as a supplement to help dogs and cats regain their appetite. Whether your dog or cat has an upset stomach from something eaten in the yard or suffers from the effects of chemotherapy, ask your herbalist or vet about treating stomach problems with acidophilus.
Health Benefits for Humans
Along with takiing daily vitamin supplements, the health benefits of acidophilus for humans has been recognized for years so if you're wondering why take acidophilus, here are a few good reasons:
- IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS causes bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
- Symptomatic Diarrhea - Often must-needed prescription medications can cause diarrhea. Using acidophilus can help control diarrhea and the side effects.
- Flatulence - If gas is a problem for you, beyond your diet, acidophilus may help. It balances the bacteria in the digestive tract and helps to keep the large intestines free of gas-producers.
- Yeast Infections - For years, if a physician prescribed an antibiotic known to cause yeast infections, patients were told to eat yogurt. Why? Yogurt contains the good bacteria that acidophilus does and, therefore, helps to prevent yeast infections when taking antibiotics. Science has made it easier, however, and now acidophilus can be take orally in capsules, tablets or mixed as a powder into a favorite drink.
- UT Infections - If you suffer from urinary tract (UT) infections, acidophilus may help you as well. Acidophilus can help control the amount of Escherichia or (E.) coli in your urinary tract, which is often the cause of many UT infections.
- Sour Breath - You can lessen the amount of odor-producing bacteria in your mouth, by taking acidophilus each day.
- Upset Stomach - Acidophilus is a great way to reduce an upset stomach from over-eating or from flu related symptoms.
How Much Acidophilus Should You Take?
Although herbalists and traditional doctors recognize the benefits of acidophilus, the FDA doesn't accept it as a cure for any disease. If you're wondering why take acidophilus and how much, it's best to ask your physician or herbalist. Most acidophilus remedies will come with recommended amounts you should take each day, so stick to those instructions. Finally, if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a chronic illness, it's best to seek the advice of your doctor to determine how much acidophilus you should take.Why take acidophilus? The answer to that question is to aid your body in keeping good bacteria, help with digestive system problems, and even relieve upset stomachs in humans, dogs, and cats.
