What are the Health Benefits of Probiotic Acidophilus?

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Acidophilus is one of the strains of good bacteria that thrive in the small intestines. This probiotic is also present in the vagina. Studies show that acidophilus bacteria are critical to gastrointestinal health. The bacteria provide a range of health benefits too! In today’s post, we are listing down some of the health benefits of acidophilus probiotic:

Protects from Vaginal Infection

Acidophilus can be used as a treatment for vaginal infection. In a MayoClinic.com report, acidophilus-enriched yogurt can be applied directly on the affected area to prevent an infection. The bacteria work by rebalancing the vaginal flora and eliminate bad bacteria. A separate report published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology also found that this probiotic reduces the symptoms of yeast infections among subjects. Acidophilus can be taken orally or inserted in tablet form into the affected area.

Treats Gastrointestinal Disorders

Acidophilus makes an excellent treatment for loose bowel movement or diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and leaky gut syndrome. The bacteria improve gastrointestinal health by reducing toxins in the large intestines. This probiotic restore balance in the gut flora to inhibit bad bacteria overgrowth. Studies show that acidophilus is especially effective in treating loose bowel movement among patients who inadvertently ate spoiled foods. Acidophilus works by neutralizing the effects of viruses and bacteria such as E. coli and the astrovirus.

Improves Gastrointestinal Health

Did you know that the human body is dependent on beneficial bacteria to break down food and convert it to energy? Acidophilus plays a critical role in digestion. This strain of bacteria helps rebalance the digestive tract by repopulating good bacteria in the intestines. Good bacteria are needed to achieve proper digestion. Without good bacteria in the gut, the body cannot maximize the nutrients from the food you eat. Studies show that Acidophilus reduces smelly flatulence, stomach cramping, and other gastrointestinal discomforts. This probiotic promotes the absorption of calcium, and B vitamins. It improves appetite and reduces lactose sensitivity.

Processing Lactose

Are you sensitive or intolerant to lactose? People who are lactose intolerant experience a range of symptoms from consuming dairy products. These symptoms include stomach cramping, diarrhea, and flatulence. Consuming acidophilus tablets may reduce the discomforts associated with lactose intolerance. According to a study published in the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, acidophilus bacteria break down lactose from dairy products so the compound does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Protects from Cardiovascular Diseases

Health experts agree, acidophilus reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol in the body. In a report published in the National Institutes of Health, acidophilus reduces the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream significantly. Bad cholesterol causes fatty plaques within the veins and arteries that cause heart disease and arterial problems.

Reduces Allergic Reaction

Acidophilus reduces the severity of an allergic reaction by promoting immunity. A Japanese study found that Acidophilus in fermented milk reduces the symptoms of allergenic rhinitis among patients. Dozens of other studies also drew the same conclusion. In a separate report published on the Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry journal, patients who were given acidophilus supplements experienced reduced severity of allergies caused by pollen.

Scientists believe that the bacteria have the unique ability to soothe an overactive immune system, reducing allergic reaction significantly.