What Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

If you eat yogurt, or have ever made homemade yogurt, you may be quite familiar with the bacteria called, "lactobacillus acidophilus" (L acidophilus). This is a healthy, friendly bacteria, the most commonly used probiotic. L. acidophilus is found in your intestinal tract, mouth and vagina.

Discover exactly what L. acidophilus is and how this probiotic can benefit you. Know where you can find L. acidophilus so you can try it yourself.

History

• Ukrainian scientist, Ellie Metchnikoff won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1908 for discovering and demonstrating how beneficial bacteria can be introduced into the human body to improve health. In his personal life, Metchnikoff drank fermented milk and yogurt, experiencing health throughout his life.

  Research did not resume until 1965 when the word, "probiotics" was first used and described as "organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance." Probiotics like L. acidophilus begin to be used in foods besides milk and yogurt, such as meat, plants and supplements.

Uses

• Use vaginal suppositories made with L. acidophilus to treat bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections (candida). Some find eating yogurt with L. acidophilus to be helpful also.

  The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests "that placing yogurt with live acidophilus cultures directly to the vaginal area, using a disposable spatula and wearing a sanitary pad, helps to relieve itching and inflammation." They also suggest inserting L. acidophilus capsules or tablets directly into the vagina to treat yeast infections or vaginosis.

  Take L. acidophilus supplements also if you suffer from diarrhea when traveling.

Benefits

• L. acidophilus has many known benefits for your body. For example, boost your immune system by eating yogurt or drinking milk containing L. acidophilus. Prevent or help heal urinary infections with L. acidophilus. Take L. acidophilus to lower your risk of allergies such as asthma, eczema, hay fever, and milk.

  Also, if you're lactose intolerant, taking L. acidophilus will improve your ability to digest and absorb lactose. Relieve indigestion, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms with this probiotic.

  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research is underway to study how L. acidophilus can help with colon cancer and HIV related diarrhea.

Purchasing and Dosage

• Find L. acidophilus supplements in all natural health food stores and online. Cardiovascular surgeon, author, and talk show host Mehmet Oz, M.D., suggests you take 20 mg twice daily of L. acidophilus. Make sure "1 to 2 billion live organisms" are listed on the bottle label.

  Yogurt is another way to get your probiotics. Check the label first and make sure it says, "active cultures," listing L. acidophilus. Eat 8 ounces of yogurt daily. L. Acidophilus is also in fermented foods such as miso and tempeh, both made from soy.

Tips and Warnings

• Consult with your doctor before taking L. acidophilus. Although it's safe to take and has no known side effects, it's best to let your doctor know what supplements you are taking.

  Take L. acidophilus after you've taken prescribed antibiotics to restore healthy bacteria in your body. Antibiotics destroy healthy bacteria.

  L. acidophilus has only one known drug interaction and that is with Sulfasalazine. Do not take L. acidophilus if you're taking this ulcer medication.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, "pregnant women should use L. acidophilus cautiously and under medical supervision, if at all."