- 1. Avoid the appearance of diarrhea
- 2. Improve the symptoms of irritable bowel
- 3. Strengthen the immune system
- 4. Reduce cholesterol levels
- 5. Avoid vaginal infections
- How to take Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Possible side effects
Lactobacillus acidophilus , also 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 in digesting food.
This specific type of probiotic is known as acidophilus because it produces lactic acid, which is due to the degradation of milk by the enzyme lactase, which is also produced by these bacteria.
Probiotics are known to promote intestinal health, helping to relieve symptoms such as excessive gas or diarrhea, for example, but they can also have other health benefits. Some of the most important benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus are:
1. Avoid the appearance of diarrhea
In most cases, diarrhea arises due to an intestinal infection caused by "bad" bacteria that develop on the wall of the intestine 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, since the "good" bacteria control the development of other bacteria, preventing them from multiplying excessively and causing symptoms.
Thus, probiotics are important especially in situations where there is a greater risk of having diarrhea, such as during treatment with antibiotics, since they help to renew the intestinal flora, which is eliminated with the use of the antibiotic. In these cases, the probiotic should be taken as soon as the first day the antibiotic is started and maintained for 2 to 4 weeks.
2. Improve the symptoms of irritable bowel
The irritable bowel syndrome causes very uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive gas, abdominal bloating and stomach pain, which can be relieved with the use of a probiotic, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus . This is because when the levels of "good" bacteria are guaranteed, there is greater difficulty in having 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 their symptoms. Thus, when using a probiotic, it is possible to treat dysbiosis and reduce all associated intestinal symptoms, especially the feeling of 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 cells, which are usually found near the digestive system, especially in the small intestine. Thus, the use of a probiotic can help prevent the emergence of more common infections such as the flu or cold, for example.
In addition, as it improves the health of the intestine, the consumption of acidophilus also seems to reduce the appearance of allergic attacks, as it reduces the spaces between the intestinal cells, decreasing the chances of an allergenic substance being absorbed into the bloodstream.
4. Reduce cholesterol levels
Probiotics in general, but especially Lactobacillus acidophilus , appear to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption, which also causes their blood levels to 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 bacteria are the most common bacteria in the vaginal flora because 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, the consumption of probiotics with L. acidophilus appears to improve vaginal health.
In addition, this type of probiotic can also be applied directly to the vagina to reduce the symptoms of an infection that is already present. To do this, open a probiotic capsule to 1 or 2 liters of water and make a sitz bath. Another effective homemade option is to apply natural yogurt directly to the vagina, as it is very rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus . Here's how to apply the yogurt.
How to take 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, its consumption is quite easy.
However, they can also be found in the form of supplements in capsules, and may or may not be associated with other probiotics. In these cases, their consumption varies according to the brand, it is recommended to read the package insert or the instructions on the packaging.
However, in most cases it is advisable to take it as follows:
- 1 to 2 capsules during or after a meal;
If you are using an antibiotic, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after taking the medication, to avoid eliminating the "good" bacteria.
Possible side effects
The main side effect of using a probiotic such as L. acidophilus is the excessive production of intestinal gases. This is because probiotic supplements often also contain fructo-oligosaccharides, which act as food for bacteria, but which facilitate the production of gases. A good way to relieve discomfort is to take digestive enzyme supplements, such as bromelain or papain.
The use of probiotics is very safe and, therefore, there are no contraindications, as long as the immune system is functioning properly and there is no serious autoimmune disease, such as AIDS, for example.
