Acidophilus

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

08 Jul 2007 08:37 AM

Health confession time: I have trouble with dairy products. When I was a baby, I was seriously lactose intolerant; though I've grown out of it to some extent, I still have trouble from time to time. My aunt -- who is a nurse -- came to my rescue one day when she recommended I take acidophilus. Now when I do have a lactose problem, the acidophilus makes a HUGE difference in the duration and severity of the reaction.

Acidophilus is one type of good bacteria in the human digestive system. There are more than four hundred different good bacteria; they work hard to protect your body from the potentially harmful bacteria. In the digestive system, these good bacteria are known as microflora. When taken as a supplement, they are known as probiotics.

Acidophilus -- also known as lactobacillus acidophilus, just lactobacillus, or l. acidophilus -- can be found in pill, powder, and liquid form. People use it for many different digestive problems:

• Diarrhea (due to various factors, like travel or antibiotic use)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Constipation

For people who consistently have digestive issues, you can take acidophilus before eating. If (like me) you only have occasional trouble, you can take acidophilus once you start to get that funny feeling in your stomach.

If you get an upset stomach from taking antibiotics, acidophilus can be very helpful. Studies done on adults and children have shown that this probiotic can help reduce or even eliminate antibiotic-related diarrhea! Start the acidophilus at the same time you start the antibiotic, and keep using the probiotic for a week or so after you finish your medication to help keep things balanced in your intestines.

But acidophilus isn't just for the intestines. It can help with other health issues as well:

• Relieve side effects of radiation therapy
• Treat vaginal yeast infections (caused by bad bacteria)
• Boost immune system
• Prevent colds and relieve allergy symptoms

There may be some interactions between acidophilus and some medications for the immune system; talk to your doctor before using a probiotic supplement.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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