Acidophilus Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) is a bacteria often referred to as a “good” or “healthy” bacteria. It is a probiotic from the Lactobacillus genus of bacteria and is found in the mouth, intestine and vagina. Its presence in these parts of the body helps fight against bad bacteria that can cause infection and other conditions to occur. ^1,2

Acidophilus is commonly added to dairy products like yogurt and milk as well as to soy products like tempeh and miso. Acidophilus pills and tablets are also available to take as a supplement. Typically, health practitioners recommend acidophilus uses in situations when an unbalance between good and bad bacteria has occurred This may happen during an infection or as the result of taking antibiotics. ^1,2

Acidophilus Health Uses and Health Benefits

There are important acidophilus benefits that help to strengthen the body and fight against infection. Acidophilus produces vitamin K and lactase and so it is an important bacteria for the intestinal tract. Acidophilus for yeast infection prevention is also a common recommendation by health practitioners. ¹

Taking this probiotic is also thought to offer the following acidophilus benefits: ³

• Boost the immune system
• Prevent and control the development of eczema in children
• Protect against food-borne illnesses
• Fight against infections like UTI’s and vaginosis
• Improve digestive health

Because this probiotic is so important for regulating healthy bacteria in the body, here are some of the top acidophilus uses:

• Bacterial Vaginosis - Bacterial vaginosis occurs when an imbalance of good and bad bacteria develops in the vagina. Acidophilus for yeast infection is a treatment that can help restore good bacteria during a bacterial vaginosis infection. 
• Urinary Tract Infection - Acidophilus can help to boost immune system function and fight off bad bacteria that develops during a urinary tract infection.
• Diarrhea - Acidophilus benefits include being important for digestive health, which can help to prevent diarrhea caused by digestive conditions.
• Eczema (Dermatitis) - Eczema, particularly in children, is thought to be caused by a reaction to food allergies. Skin inflammation caused by eczema can be reduced by restoring healthy bacteria to the intestinal tract with acidophilus supplements. 
• Vaginosis - Vaginosis infections can be treated using an acidophilus for yeast infection treatment. This is a natural remedy that restores healthy bacteria to the vagina and fights of vaginosis infections.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Acidophilus has positive health effects on the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) which can help reduce the occurrences of bad breath. 

Acidophilus Side Effects and Precautions

While there are limited acidophilus side effects, it’s important to not take too much of it in a short amount of time. Acidophilus side effects include potential negative interactions with insulin medications, as well as with birth control pills and other medications for other conditions like asthma, ulcers or arthritis. Talk to your doctor about possible acidophilus side effects if you are currently taking prescription medications. ¹

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acidophilus/background/hrb-20058615
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus 
3. https://draxe.com/probiotics-benefits-foods-supplements/