Healthy bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt

Bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus

This bacterium is homofermentative type of speciescharacterized by its ability to ferment sugars into lactic acid. It grows atrelatively low pH values and it requires a temperature of 37 °C (98.6 °F) forits optimal growth. It occurs naturally in the human vagina, mouth and the gastrointestinaltract. Some strains of this bacterium can be very beneficial as they possessvery potent probiotic characteristics. Such strains are commonly used in theproduction of various different types of dairy products. There are severalimportant dietary sources of lactobacillus acidophilus and those includetempeh, miso, yogurt which contains live l. acidophilus cultures and milkenriched with acidophilus. Various different sorts of probiotics may be foundin food items such as wheat, garlic, barley, honey, bananas, tomatoes, onionsand breast milk. Lacidophilus may be available in multiple different forms. Inmost preparation it is in form of liquid or dried cultures of living bacteria.In most cases these cultures are grown in milk but there are still someexceptions to the rule. Lactobacillus acidophilus can be purchased in the formof tablets, vaginal suppositories, yogurt enhanced with probiotics, liquidpreparations, freeze dried capsules, freeze dried powders and freeze driedgranules. All the supplements need to be kept in the refrigerator so that itshighest quality can be retained.

Health effects from Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used for a wide array ofmedicinal purposes. According to a number of clinical studes, it can be veryhelpful when it comes to the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and several othertypes of vaginal infections. In some cases it may be enough to simply eatcertain types of yogurt which are fortified with lactobacillus acidophiluscultures. This bacterium also comes in very handy when it comes to preventingvaginal yeast infections. According to certain sources, lactobacillus may besomewhat efficient when it comes to preventing bouts of diarrhea, especiallythe so called traveler’s diarrhea which commonly gets triggered by eatingcontaminated foods or beverages. When it comes to proper treatment of thetraveler’s diarrhea, lactobacillus often gets mixed with certain other types ofprobiotics. Infectious diarrhea in both adults and children may be preventedand treated by certain strains of lactobacillus and the same goes for therotavirus which occurs in children. Diarrhea in children may be a very seriousmedical condition because if left unattended to it may lead to the developmentof very severe cases of dehydration and even death. Adults who consumeprobiotics on a regular daily basis are at a significantly decreased risk ofdeveloping different types of gastrointestinal infections. Lactobacillus mayalso be highly beneficial because it replaces the friendly strains of bacteriawhich get destroyed when a person takes a course of antibiotics. It is alsovery efficient when it comes to suppressing different types of bacteria whichcauses disease. Lactobacillus is very beneficial for the overall process ofdigestion. It can also be used for the prevention and treatment of chroniccases of constipation. Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other similarsymptoms commonly associated with the inflammatory bowel disease and theirritable bowel syndrome can also be alleviated by using lactobacillusacidophilus. Those who are lactose intolerant may improve their tolerance bytaking lactobacillus supplements. These bacteria may also be very helpful inenhancing the functioning of the immune system. They also lower the risk ofpollen allergies significantly. The risk of childhood eczema may also begreatly reduced by regular consumption of lactobacillus acidophilus. Personswho have problems with high levels of cholesterol in the blood also should takenotice that lactobacillus can provide great relief. Lactobacillus can increasethe activity of cytokine and phagocytes. It is also very efficient in enhancingthe production of antibodies in the human body. This is why it may be of greathelp for all those who suffer from the symptoms of the upper respiratoryinfection such as the runny nose, cough and even fever. Acidophilus is alsoknown for its very potent anti inflammatory properties. There are a large numberof people who are completely unaware of the fact that lactobacillus may be veryhelpful in boosting the production of vitamin K and lactase inside the humanbody. By reducing the concentration of serum cholesterol it also significantlyreduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Side effects

As is the case with most different types of medications,herbal remedies, preparations, solutions and all other types of substancescommonly used for the prevention or treatment of certain medical condition,lactobacillus acidophilus may sometimes be associated with certain types ofside effects. In most cases it is completely safe to consume it, but those whosuffer from a weakened immune system or intestinal damage may experience gas ordiscomfort in the intestines. Some rare cases have also included burningsensations in the vagina and infections of heart valves.