When we think of 'bacteria', we all think of diseases, right? But did you know that there are also 'good' bacteria in our bodies that are essential for our health and help us? One such special one is Acidophilus, which we are talking about today. This is actually a bacteria that lives naturally in our bodies, like our friend.
Simply put, what is Acidophilus?
Acidophilus is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in our bodies. It lives in places like your mouth, stomach, intestines, lungs, vagina, and urinary tract. One of their main jobs is to help us digest the food we eat and absorb the nutrients it contains.
We call this Acidophilus bacteria "good bacteria." It's like little guards inside our bodies. These good bacteria help us a lot to keep our immune system and digestive system healthy. They also help maintain an acidic environment in the body that controls the growth of harmful bacteria, or "bad bacteria." Imagine, there's a battle going on inside our bodies between two groups of good and bad bacteria. Acidophilus is a strong member of this good team.
Sometimes, due to illness or certain medications we take (especially antibiotics), the balance between these good and bad bacteria in our bodies can be disrupted. In such cases, we use Acidophilus as a probiotic to help restore this balance.
So what are these probiotics?
Probiotics, as mentioned earlier, are a type of 'good' bacteria. These are very similar to the bacteria that naturally live in our bodies. Simply put, they are a combination of live bacteria and yeast. Their main function is to fight off the bad bacteria in the body and restore the balance of good bacteria that has been lost.
What benefits do we get from Acidophilus?
Doctors and scientists are still researching the benefits of Acidophilus. But what is currently known is that it has several benefits that we can get from it. Mainly, it helps promote the growth of good bacteria in the body. It can also help treat various health conditions and manage the side effects of some medications.
The table below lists some of the conditions for which Acidophilus has been identified as being beneficial.
| Health status | How can Acidophilus help? |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | It can help prevent or reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics and diarrhea caused by some infections. |
| Vaginal infections | It can help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. |
| Yeast infections in the mouth (Oral Thrush) | It can help treat yeast infections in the mouth. |
| Other situations | It can also help relieve symptoms of conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gum disease, and lactose intolerance. |
How do we get Acidophilus?
Before taking Acidophilus as a supplement, it's important to talk to your doctor. He or she can explain whether it's right for you, what the benefits are, and what the possible side effects are. Only take it if your doctor recommends it, and only in the amount he or she tells you.
We can get Acidophilus in two ways:
1. From food
Foods and drinks containing probiotics are now common. You may have seen some food packages that say "live active cultures." Here are some foods that may contain acidophilus:
- Yogurt
- Kefir (a fermented milk drink)
- Kombucha
- Miso soup
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut (Sauerkraut - fermented cabbage)
2. From supplements
Acidophilus is available in tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid forms from pharmacies. But remember, only use one type at a time. Taking multiple types at once can increase your body's absorption. Store these in a tightly sealed container away from moisture, light, and heat.
How much Acidophilus should I take?
This is something your doctor should decide. In general, when taken as a supplement, an adult can take 50 million to 100 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day for up to 6 months. CFU is a measure of the number of bacterial cells in a tablet or capsule.
For a small child, 100 million to 50 billion CFU can be given daily for up to 3 months. However , if giving it to a child, be sure to seek advice from a pediatrician.
Is Acidophilus safe to use? Are there any side effects?
Research shows that Acidophilus is generally safe for healthy people to use, but some minor side effects may occur.
- A little stomach ache.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas and bloating
Important: If you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever or chills, after starting to take Acidophilus, stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
Also, if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Such symptoms include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
Those who need special care
Although rare, some people may develop serious infections from Acidophilus. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you should definitely seek medical advice before taking Acidophilus.
| Conditions to watch out for | |
|---|---|
| People with weak immunity | People with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant are at risk of developing blood infections. |
| People with central lines | People who have a long catheter inserted into a large vein in the body are at risk of developing blood infections. |
| Cirrhosis of the liver | People with cirrhosis are at risk of developing infections. |
| Digestive system diseases | People with conditions such as short bowel syndrome or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at risk of infection. |
| Damaged heart valves | People with damaged heart valves are at risk of developing heart-related infections. |
Take-Home Message
- Acidophilus is a type of 'good' bacteria that is beneficial to our bodies. They help with digestion and immunity.
- This can be helpful for some conditions, such as diarrhea and vaginal infections. But it is not a miracle cure for every ailment.
- Always consult your doctor before taking Acidophilus as a supplement.
- Minor side effects may occur, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of severe infection or allergy develop.
- If you have a disease that weakens your immune system or another serious medical condition, you should think twice about using Acidophilus. Do not use it without your doctor's approval.
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