The Must-Have Probiotic ? Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Whenever you purchase any sort of probiotic supplement, you should always look at the label to find out the product’s ingredients. If it doesn’t include a strain of beneficial bacteria known as Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), look for something else. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should always insist that your supplement contains this bacterium. 

Benefits Associated with the L. Acidophilus Probiotic 

There are no specific medical uses for which L. acidophilus has been approved. But there has been a great deal of scientific research performed on this probiotic, and many studies show that it can provide substantial health benefits. Here are some of the more important ones. 

Vaginosis – Research indicates that suppositories that contain the L. acidophilus bacterium could help women suffering from a condition known as bacterial vaginosis, which is a mild infection that will typically clear up without the need for medication.1 But while the condition is usually minor, there are some rare instances where it can result in severe problems, such as an increased risk of pelvic infections and increased risk of miscarriage. 

Diarrhea – L. acidophilus, according to some studies, can keep the harmful bacteria associated with a condition known as “Montezuma’s revenge” from occurring.2 Also known as traveler’s diarrhea, this condition typically strikes international travelers who either eat local cuisine or drink water from local sources. Another type of diarrhea is known as infectious diarrhea. There is some research that indicates L. acidophilus could play a role in reducing symptoms in people who suffer from the condition.3 

Additional benefits – There is scientific evidence that suggests L. acidophilus can provide other benefits, such as helping to boost the immune system. One study involving children between the ages of 3 and 6 found that the ones who took probiotic supplements containing L. acidophilus didn’t miss as many days of school due to respiratory issues when compared to children who didn’t take probiotics. Researchers have also found that the bacterium could help reduce bad cholesterol, reduce the risk of infants developing dry, itchy skin (eczema) and also reduce the risk of developing certain kinds of allergies. 4,5,6 

Getting More L. Acidophilus into Your System 

You can find many probiotic bacteria such as L. acidophilus in fermented foods such as yogurt, certain types of milk, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and others. But you’d have to eat an incredible amount of these foods in order to get the good bacteria you need for your digestive system to work properly. Any benefits you would receive would be nullified by the weight you’d gain. 

That’s why so many people turn to probiotic supplements. The best way to buy a probiotic is in capsule form. There are other types of probiotics, such as gummies, powders and drinks, but capsules provide the best chance for the good bacteria inside of them to make it to the digestive tract. The stomach is an extremely harsh environment, filled with destructive acid. This acid typically destroys the beneficial microbes found in non-capsule probiotic products. 

But simply buying capsules isn’t enough. Make sure the products you consider have capsules with an enteric coating. This is stronger than normal capsules, and provides an extra level of protection against stomach acid. 

Another part of the labeling you should look at carefully is the part that informs you about the “viability” of the microbes inside the product. This basically means whether or not they’ll be alive when you ingest them. If the label states that the microbes were viable when the product was made, you’ll have no idea of knowing whether that’s still the case. On the other hand, if the label states the microbes will be viable until the expiration date, you should be fine. 

Talk to Your Doctor 

Before starting any type of probiotic regimen, it’s very important that you talk to your doctor first. Probiotics are considered safe for people in good health, causing only minimal side effects such as slight nausea and gas. However, if you have a compromised immune system, probiotics could lead to severe intestinal issues or other problems Speak with a medical professional to make sure everything will be fine. 

Sources 

1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299970 

2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17298915 

3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17311979 

4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19229114 

5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11297958 

6http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-09/impact-lactobacillus-acidophilus-strain-l-92-allergic-disease