Lactobacillus Acidophilus

The perfect anti-diarrhea probiotic

Lactobacillus acidophilus is found in various environments throughout the world. By word it indicates its characteristics "Lacto" means milk and "bacillus" means rod like and acidophilus means acid loving. Its shape consists of rods with rounded ends. Lactobacillus acidophilus is Gram-positive bacteria. It lives in acidic conditions and grows best at about 45º C. It is a non-spore forming organism. It is especially found in food sources such as dairy, grain, meat and fish products. It is found in the intestinal tract and along the lining of the mouth to help in food digestion.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is the most commonly used probiotic, bacteria. Such healthy bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against the entrance and proliferation of "bad" organisms that can cause disease.

Mechanism of action:

Lactobacillus acidophilus started the breakdown of food and produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other byproducts that make the environment hostile for undesired organisms. During fermentation it will produce lactate and acetate. Lactobacillus acidophilus produces the acids that make food taste sour. Lactobacillus acidophilus enzyme breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into simple sugars. People who are lactose intolerant do not produce this enzyme. For this reason, Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements may be beneficial for these individuals.

Indications :

• Preventing and treating diarrhea, including infectious diarrhea.
• Restoring the "friendly" intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics treatment.
• Improving digestion and suppressing disease-causing bacteria.
  
• Treating overgrowth of "bad" organisms in the gastrointestinal tract (a condition that tends to cause diarrhea and may occur from use of antibiotics).
• Preventing and/or reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections.
  
• Improving lactose absorption digestion in people who are lactose intolerant
  
• Enhancing the immune response.
  
• Lowering risk of allergies. Examples include asthma, hay fever, food allergies to milk, and skin reactions such as eczema.
  
• Other conditions under investigation for use of probiotics include colon cancer, and Helicobacter pylori, an organism that can lead to development of ulcers.