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Overview of Acidophilus (Ayurvedic Medicine): Uses, side effects, and more

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Probiotics are live organisms that help balance the friendly and unwanted bacteria in your gut. Lactobacillus Acidophilus or Acidophilus (ADP), a probiotic bacteria, is formed naturally in the body and found in certain fermented foods and supplements. Studies have demonstrated that it contributes a plethora of healthful aids to the body and is hence known as a beneficial bacteria.

ADP is naturally present in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and other parts of the human body. It can be taken as a probiotic to promote the development of healthy bacteria in your body and may also help treat a number of medical disorders, including digestive problems, yeast infections, and eczema. This article describes the possible uses of ADP, its advantages, and its adverse effects.

Contents

What is Acidophilus?
Top foods containing Acidophilus
Benefits of Acidophilus
Potential Side effects of Acidophilus
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acidophilus?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a bacteria from the Lactobacillus family that serves an essential function in human health. Acidophilus is a probiotic, or good bacteria, that has been considered in alternative medicine as a potentially beneficial treatment for rotavirus diarrhoea in children. It also helps prevent diarrhoea in adults.

ADP may also be beneficial in the treatment of bacterial vaginal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, colic in newborns, lung infections in children, skin issues, and milk allergies in youngsters.

Although ADP is generated naturally in the body, underlying health problems can cause an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, allowing pathogenic organisms to proliferate and eventually emerge as an infection or sickness. According to studies, this potential imbalance may be avoided by taking ADP probiotics on a daily basis, either as a supplement or by eating foods high in these beneficial bacteria.

Top foods containing Acidophilus

The following are some foods that are rich sources of Acidophilus bacteria.

1. Natural yoghourt

It is one of the richest sources of ADP bacteria and has a number of health advantages for the body. Since it is prepared by fermenting milk with probiotics, it is said to be especially beneficial for gut health, managing diarrhoea, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and maintaining healthy vaginal pH levels.

Natural yoghurt is also considered helpful for individuals who are lactose intolerant because the living bacteria help break down lactose and ease symptoms of lactose intolerance.

2. Kefir

This strong probiotic is made by blending kefir grains, which are cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, with cow's milk or goat's milk. Kefir is a rich source of the beneficial bacteria Acidophilus, which has been shown to enhance digestion, boost metabolism, and bone health, as well as fight infections.

3. Sauerkraut

This traditional Chinese delicacy includes significantly more healthy bacteria than yoghurt and contains ADP in abundance. Sauerkraut is prepared by fermenting finely shredded cabbage in salt water or brine. It is not only high in probiotics but also high in iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre. Sauerkraut is not only instrumental in improving gut health but the high concentrations of probiotics in it are also believed to protect the body from infections.

4. Tempeh

It is a nutrient-dense plant-based food that is an alternative to meat and is a great source of probiotics for vegans. Tempeh, which is made by fermenting soybeans, is high in vitamin B12, fibre, and numerous types of helpful bacteria.

Benefits of Acidophilus

There are many potential benefits of ADP that may include the following.

1. It may reduce cholesterol

Studies suggest that ADP may be helpful in reducing the cholesterol in your body. Combining Acidophilus with prebiotics can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which may help improve HDL cholesterol and reduce blood sugar.

2. It helps prevent diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be triggered by a number of factors, including bacterial infections. It can be life-threatening if it persists for an extended period of time since it causes fluid loss and, in some situations, dehydration. Some studies have found that probiotics such as ADP can help prevent the symptoms of diarrhoea. Acidophilus, when combined with another probiotic, may help minimise diarrhoea induced by radiation in adult cancer patients.

3. It may ease the symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes stomach discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel motions. A study of 60 people with functional bowel disorders, including IBS, found that taking ADP with another probiotic for one to two months reduced bloating. In another study, it was found that ADP alone was proven to alleviate stomach discomfort in IBS patients.

4. May help treat vaginal infections

Common vaginal infections include vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. There is strong evidence that Acidophilus can help in the treatment and prevention of such illnesses.

5. May help treat cold and flu

According to studies, Acidophilus can enhance the immune system by lowering the risk of viral infections. In fact, several studies have suggested that probiotics may help to prevent and treat common cold symptoms. According to one research, consuming Acidophilus probiotics daily for six months lowered fever by 53%, coughing by 41%, and antibiotic use by 68%. As per the same study, combining ADP with another probiotic was much more beneficial.

6. It may improve gut health

Trillions of bacteria surround your gut and play a crucial role in your well-being. They create lactic acid, which may inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria in the intestines. They also keep the lining of the intestines intact. ADP can boost the levels of other beneficial bacteria in the stomach, such as lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. It can also raise levels of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are beneficial to gut health.

Potential Side effects of Acidophilus

Acidophilus is usually safe to use. Nonetheless, it may have some minor side effects, which may include the following.

Minor stomach discomfort
Diarrhoea or constipation
Bloating and gas
Signs of an infection, such as fever or chills

Additionally, the following are the symptoms of a severe allergic response.

Itching and rash
Hives, as well as swelling of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or throat
Breathing difficulty
Dizziness

Stop taking ADP immediately if you get any of the above symptoms, and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to Acidophilus Ayurvedic Medicines.

Are there any adverse effects of Acidophilus?

Although Acidophilus is safe to use, it may have some minor adverse effects, such as stomach discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation, bloating, dizziness, itching, rash, hives, or swelling of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or throat. Consult with your doctor if you experience breathing difficulty, fever, or chills.

What are the benefits of Acidophilus?

Acidophilus may also be beneficial in the treatment of bacterial vaginal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, colic in newborns, lung infections in children, skin issues, and milk allergies in youngsters.

Who should not take Acidophilus?

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, do not take Acidophilus without consulting your doctor. Do not provide any herbal/health product containing ADP to a child without the guidance of a doctor.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions. Acidophilus is also written as (ADP) in this article.