| Acidophilus | |||||
 |
print this page |  |
email this page | ||
Lactobacillus Acidophilus (L. Acidophilus) is a beneficial bacteria that is naturally found in yoghurt, kefir (a creamy drink made from fermented cow's milk) and some other products where it has been added.
L. Acidphilus is a probiotic, which is the general terms for a substance that promotes the growth of benficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, to ensure there is a normal balance of the "good" and "bad" bacteria and promotes good intestinal health.
L. Acidphilus is just one of the probiotics available for restoring the balance of the bacteria in the intestinal tract. Some of the others are:
- Lactobacillus Bifidus
- Lactobcillus Rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus Paracasei
- Lactobacillus Reuterii
- Lactobacillus Johnsonii
- Bifiobacterium Longum
- Lactobacillus Plantarum
- Bifiobacterium Lactis
- Oligofructose (FOS)
There is some evidence that some of these bacterium have beneficial health effects on some conditions. Some of the bacterium are more potent than others for certain health conditions, which have been studied in various tests.
L. Acidophilus is available as a a powder form or a capsule. It is either manufactured on its own or (more commonly) it has other probiotic strains added. Different manufacturers add different strains accordingly.
L. Acidophillus is commonly recommended recommended for the following conditions: candida, irritable bowel syndrome, thrush and for people on long term antibiotic therapy.
references
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Pirotta MC, Gunn JM, Chrondos P. "Not thrush again!" Women's experience of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis. MJA 2003; 179 (1): 43-46, accessed 21 Aug 07
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web site:
