When we think of " bacteria ," we think of diseases and germs , right? But did you know that there are also " good bacteria " that are essential to our bodies and help maintain our health? One such friendly friend in our bodies is Acidophilus. Today, let's talk about this little friend.
Who is this Acidophilus?
Simply put, acidophilus is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in our bodies. These aren't just any bacteria, they're the "good" kind of bacteria that help us. These bacteria live in places like your mouth, stomach , intestines , lungs , vagina , and urinary tract .
One of their main jobs inside the body is to help us digest the food we eat and absorb nutrients. They also help maintain a slightly acidic environment inside our bodies. This acidic environment makes it difficult for the "bad" bacteria that cause us illness to grow inside our bodies. It's like someone guarding our house.
Think about it, our body is like a city. In this city, there are good people (good bacteria) and bad people (bad bacteria). To keep the city peaceful, there needs to be more good people, right? That's how it is, these good bacteria are very important for maintaining balance in the body.
Due to certain medical conditions, or due to certain medications we take (especially antibiotics), these good bacteria in our bodies can be destroyed and bad bacteria can increase. That's when we need outside help to restore the balance of these good bacteria.
So what are these probiotics?
You've probably heard this term in yogurt commercials. Probiotics are supplements that contain live bacteria and yeast that are similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in our bodies. They are like an extra army of good bacteria that come to our aid. They help restore the good bacteria that have been lost, control the bad bacteria, and maintain balance in the body. Acidophilus is another very popular probiotic.
What benefits do we get from acidophilus?
Researchers are still studying all the benefits of acidophilus, but what has been discovered so far is that we can benefit from these good bacteria in several ways.
Check out the table below to see what medical conditions acidophilus has been identified to help with.
| Medical condition/symptom | How can acidophilus help? |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | It can help prevent diarrhea, especially when taking antibiotics, and provide relief from diarrhea caused by bacterial infections. |
| Vaginal infections | It can help prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. |
| Oral Yeast Infections | It can provide relief from fungal infections in the mouth. |
| Other digestive system problems | It may help reduce symptoms of conditions such as constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). |
| Other situations | It is believed that it can also provide some relief from conditions such as urinary tract infections, gum disease, and lactose intolerance. |
How do I get acidophilus?
There are two ways to get acidophilus. One is to eat foods that naturally contain acidophilus, and the other is to take it as a supplement .
But remember, before you use an acidophilus supplement for any reason, you should definitely talk to your doctor. He or she can explain whether it's right for you based on your health condition, and what the benefits and risks are.
Foods containing acidophilus
You may have seen some foods labeled as "live active cultures." This means that the food contains live, good bacteria.
| Food type | Description |
|---|---|
| Yogurt | A very popular source of probiotics. Skimmed milk also falls into this category. |
| Kefir | A drink made from fermented milk. |
| Cottage cheese | Some types of cottage cheese have probiotics added to them. |
| Other fermented foods | Foods like miso soup, kimchi, and kombucha. |
As Supplements
Acidophilus is available in tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid forms from pharmacies. But only use one type at a time. Taking several types together can increase the dosage. These should be stored in a tightly sealed container away from moisture, light, and heat.
How much should I take?
This will depend on your age and health, so ask your doctor for the right dosage.
As a general rule of thumb, adults are recommended to take between 50 million and 100 billion CFU per day. CFU stands for ``colony-forming units''. It measures the number of bacterial cells in a pill or capsule. This dose can be taken for up to 6 months. Children can be given between 100 million and 50 billion CFU per day for up to 3 months.
Is it safe to use acidophilus? Are there any side effects?
Many studies have shown that acidophilus is safe for most people . However, it is not officially approved as a treatment for any disease. Therefore, do not use it in place of medication prescribed by a doctor.
Minor side effects
There are some common side effects that may occur. These usually go away within a few days.
- A little stomach ache.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas and bloating
However, if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever and chills, stop taking acidophilus immediately and call your doctor.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Although very rare, some people may experience a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Skin rash, itching | Difficulty breathing |
| Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat | Dizziness |
Who should be especially careful?
Although acidophilus is safe for most people, people with the following health conditions should exercise extreme caution before using it. It is essential to seek medical advice , as these people can sometimes develop serious infections.
- People with weakened immune systems: People with diseases like HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, or those taking immunosuppressive medications after an organ transplant.
- People with damaged heart valves: This is because these bacteria can cause infections in the inner layer of the heart.
- People with central lines: These are long tubes placed into a large vein in the body. Infections can enter the bloodstream through these tubes.
- People with liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
- People with serious intestinal conditions: For example, conditions such as short bowel syndrome.
Take-Home Message
- Acidophilus is a type of "good bacteria" that naturally lives in our bodies and is beneficial to our bodies.
- These can help relieve conditions like diarrhea, vaginal infections, and some stomach upsets.
- You can get these from foods like yogurt and skim milk, or as a supplement.
- Most importantly: Before starting any supplement for any reason, be sure to talk to your doctor and seek his advice.
- While this is generally safe, some minor side effects may occur, and special groups such as those with weakened immune systems should be very careful.
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