Acidophilus: Uses, dosages, side effects

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Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) found in the human mouth, intestines and vagina, is used as a probiotic. Probiotics are good bacteria that are similar or very similar to the bacteria already in your body.

1. What is Acidophilus?

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) is a type of bacteria used to maintain healthy bacterial counts in your stomach and intestines.
Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic supplements may be available which are available as capsules, tablets, wafers, powders and vaginal suppositories. In addition to its use as a supplement, acidophilus is found in some dairy products, such as yogurt, and is added to many foods.
Acidophilus is commonly used to treat vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) and digestive disorders, as well as to promote the growth of good bacteria.

2. Uses of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus

Probiotics contain different types of microorganisms such as yeast (saccharomyces boulardii) and bacteria (such as lactobacillus, bifidobacterium). Microorganisms (plants) are found naturally in the stomach, intestines, vagina. Certain conditions (such as antibiotic use, travel) can change the normal balance of bacteria and yeast. Probiotics are used to improve digestion and restore normal flora.
Probiotics have been used to treat intestinal problems (such as diarrhea, irritable bowel), eczema, vaginal yeast infections, lactose intolerance, urinary tract infections. Probiotics are available in foods (such as yogurt, milk, juices, soy drinks) and as dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, powders). Different products have different uses, so users should check the label for usage information for the specific product.

Some dietary supplements have been found to contain potentially harmful impurities or additives. You should learn carefully to choose products safely.
With bacterial vaginosis, the use of oral lactobacillus acidophilus and acidophilus vaginal suppositories or vaginal application of yogurt containing acidophilus has been shown to be effective in treating this type of vaginitis. . In patients with respiratory tract infections, acidophilus may play a role in reducing the number and severity of illnesses in children. If you have diarrhea, a combination of lactobacillus acidophilus and other specific forms of lactobacillus can reduce diarrhea, bloating, and cramps caused by bacteria. Use of acidophilus during pregnancy and lactation reduces the occurrence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) in infants and young children. Lactobacillus acidophilus products may have different ingredients, so they will have different effects.

3. Dosage of lactobacillus acidophilus

Consult the label instructions for your particular product to see if it should be taken with certain other products such as milk, fruit juice or water; or the dose should be swallowed whole, chewed, sprinkled with food, or mixed with liquid. If you have questions about any of the information, consult your doctor.
If you are using this product to treat diarrhea caused by antibiotic use, do not use it for more than 2 days or if you have a high fever unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use lactobacillus acidophilus in children under 3 years of age unless directed by a doctor.
If the health condition does not improve or becomes more serious, it is necessary to immediately go to a medical facility for timely treatment.
Some probiotic products may contain live bacteria (such as bifidobacteria). Antibiotics can prevent these products from working at their best. Any product containing live bacteria can be used at least 2 to 3 hours before or after antibiotics. Follow the instructions on the product label.

4. Side effects of lactobacillus acidophilus

Possible side effects from acidophilus include:
Constipation. Gas. Bloating. Thirst increases. Lactobacillus acidophilus rarely causes serious reactions. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), dizziness, trouble breathing, tell your doctor right away. for prompt handling.
If using acidophilus causes you to develop signs of infection such as high fever, chills, persistent cough, you need to tell your doctor right away.
If you are immunocompromised, consider using a product like acidophilus that contains live bacteria. It is best to consult a doctor before use.
If you are lactose intolerant, be careful with some acidophilus products that may contain lactose.
More and more people are interested in probiotics like acidophilus . Although more research is needed, these products appear to cause very few side effects. However, a balanced diet, including fermented foods like fermented milk, can still give you enough "good" bacteria without needing additional acidophilus.

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Reference source: webmd.com; mayoclinic.org