Lactobacillus acidophilus: what it is for and how to take it

Lactobacillus acidophilus: what it is for and how to take it

Nutrition

Os Lactobacillus acidophilusalso called L. acidophilus or just acidophilus, are a type of “good” bacteria, known as probiotics, which are present in the gastrointestinal tract, protecting the mucosa and helping the body digest food.

This specific type of probiotic is known as acidophilus because it produces lactic acid, which happens due to the degradation of milk by the enzyme lactase, which is also produced by these bacteria.

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Probiotics are known to promote gut health, helping to alleviate symptoms like excess gas or diarrhea, for example, but they may also have other health benefits. Some of the most important benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus they are:

1. Prevent diarrhea

In most cases, diarrhea arises due to an intestinal infection caused by “bad” bacteria that develop in the intestinal wall and cause inflammation, generating loose stools and excess gas. With the consumption of probiotics, such as acidophilus, the chances of having an intestinal infection decrease, as the “good” bacteria control the development of other bacteria, preventing them from multiplying excessively and causing symptoms.

Therefore, probiotics are important especially in situations where there is a greater risk of having diarrhea, as happens during treatment with antibiotics, as they help to renew the intestinal flora, which is eliminated with the use of antibiotics. In these cases, the probiotic should be taken from the first day the antibiotic is started and maintained for 2 to 4 weeks.

2. Improve irritable bowel symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome causes very uncomfortable symptoms such as excess gas, abdominal bloating and stomach pain, which can be relieved with the use of a probiotic, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. This happens because when the levels of “good” bacteria are guaranteed, it is more difficult for there to be an imbalance in the intestinal flora, which is also known as dysbiosis and which also causes excess gas and abdominal pain.

Many people with irritable bowel also have dysbiosis, which ends up worsening symptoms. Therefore, when using a probiotic, it is possible to treat dysbiosis and reduce all associated intestinal symptoms, especially the feeling of a bloated belly and abdominal pain.

3. Strengthen the immune system

The increase in “good” bacteria in the gut, such as L. acidophilus, helps activate immune system cells, which are generally found near the digestive system, especially in the small intestine. Thus, using a probiotic can help prevent the emergence of more common infections such as the flu or cold, for example.

Furthermore, as it improves intestinal health, the consumption of acidophilus also appears to reduce the occurrence of allergic attacks, as it reduces the spaces between intestinal cells, reducing the chances of an allergenic substance being absorbed into the bloodstream.

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4. Reduce cholesterol levels

Probiotics in general, but especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, appear to reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, which causes its blood levels to also decrease. In some cases, consumption of L. acidophilus can reduce LDL levels, known as “bad” cholesterol, by up to 7%.

5. Avoid vaginal infections

Acidophilus-type bacteria are the most common in the vaginal flora as they produce lactic acid that helps control the growth of “bad” bacteria and fungi that can cause vaginal infections, such as candidiasis, for example. Thus, consuming probiotics with L. acidophilus appears to improve vaginal health.

Additionally, this type of probiotic can also be applied directly to the vagina to reduce symptoms of an infection that is already present. To do this, you must open a probiotic capsule in 1 or 2 liters of water and take a sitz bath. Another effective homemade option is to apply natural yogurt directly to the vagina, as it is very rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus. See here how to apply yogurt.

How to drink Lactobacillus acidophilus

L. acidophilus can be found in natural products, such as yogurt and other dairy products, such as cheese or curd, for example, and, therefore, their consumption is quite easy.

However, they can also be found in the form of capsule supplements, which may or may not be associated with other probiotics. In these cases, consumption varies according to the brand, and it is recommended to read the leaflet or instructions on the packaging.

However, most of the time it is recommended to take it as follows:

  • 1 to 2 capsules during or after a meal;

If you are using any antibiotics, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after taking the medicine, to avoid the elimination of “good” bacteria.

Possible side effects

The main side effect of using a probiotic like L. acidophilus is the excessive production of intestinal gas. This happens because probiotic supplements often also contain fructooligosaccharides, which act as food for bacteria, but facilitate the production of gases. A good way to alleviate discomfort is to also take digestive enzyme supplements, such as bromelain or papain.

The use of probiotics is quite safe and, therefore, there are no contraindications, as long as the immune system is working correctly and there is no serious autoimmune disease, such as AIDS, for example.