How does lactobacillus work. Lactobacillus Acidophilus: A Comprehensive Guide to Probiotic Benefits and Uses

22.09.202328.06.2023 by alexxlab

How does Lactobacillus acidophilus work in the human body. What are the potential health benefits of L. acidophilus. Are there any side effects or precautions to consider when using L. acidophilus. How can L. acidophilus be incorporated into your diet or supplement routine.

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Understanding Lactobacillus Acidophilus: The Friendly Gut Bacteria

Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is a prominent member of the probiotic family, commonly referred to as “good” bacteria. These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and overall well-being. But what exactly does L. acidophilus do in our bodies?

L. acidophilus is naturally found in various parts of the human body, including the gut, mouth, and vagina. Its primary functions include:

Breaking down food for improved digestion
Enhancing nutrient absorption
Combating harmful bacteria that may cause diseases

This beneficial bacterium is not only produced by our bodies but can also be obtained through certain foods and supplements. Fermented dairy products like yogurt often contain added L. acidophilus, and it’s a common ingredient in many probiotic supplements available on the market.

The Multifaceted Health Benefits of L. Acidophilus

Research has shown that L. acidophilus may offer a wide range of health benefits. What conditions can this probiotic potentially help with?

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

One of the most well-established benefits of L. acidophilus is its ability to reduce the risk of diarrhea in people taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, often leading to digestive issues. L. acidophilus, taken alone or with other probiotics, can help maintain a healthy gut flora during antibiotic treatment.

Vaginal Health

L. acidophilus has shown promise in treating bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. Vaginal suppositories and tablets containing this probiotic may help restore balance to the vaginal microbiome. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of oral L. acidophilus supplements for this purpose.

H. Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and other digestive issues. Studies have found that taking L. acidophilus orally, in combination with standard drug therapies, can improve the treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

For those suffering from IBS, L. acidophilus may offer some relief. When taken orally with other probiotics, it appears to reduce the symptoms associated with this chronic digestive disorder.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While L. acidophilus is generally considered safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. What should you know before incorporating L. acidophilus into your routine?

Common Side Effects

When taken orally, L. acidophilus is typically well-tolerated. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive symptoms such as:

Gas
Bloating

These side effects are usually temporary and subside as your body adjusts to the probiotic.

Safety During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

L. acidophilus is considered possibly safe when taken orally during pregnancy. Studies have shown its safe use alongside other probiotics for up to 6 weeks, starting from 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. However, there’s limited information on its safety during breastfeeding. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Precautions for Specific Groups

While L. acidophilus is generally safe, certain groups should exercise caution:

Individuals with weakened immune systems: There have been rare cases of blood infections in people with compromised immunity. Consult a healthcare provider before using probiotics if you have a weakened immune system.
People with damaged heart valves: In extremely rare cases, probiotics have been associated with infections of the heart’s inner lining and valves. If you have damaged heart valves, it’s recommended to stop taking probiotics like L. acidophilus before dental or surgical procedures.

Interactions with Medications and Other Substances

Understanding how L. acidophilus interacts with other substances is crucial for its safe and effective use. What should you be aware of when taking this probiotic?

Antibiotics

The most significant interaction to be aware of is between L. acidophilus and antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, including beneficial ones like L. acidophilus. To maximize the effectiveness of both the antibiotic and the probiotic, it’s recommended to:

Take L. acidophilus products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotic doses
Continue taking the probiotic for a few weeks after completing the antibiotic course to help restore gut flora

Other Medications

While no other significant interactions have been reported, it’s always wise to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you’re taking, including L. acidophilus, to ensure there are no potential conflicts with your current medications or health conditions.

Dosage and Administration of L. Acidophilus

Determining the right dosage of L. acidophilus can be challenging as it varies depending on the specific health condition and individual factors. How should you approach dosing this probiotic?

General Guidelines

L. acidophilus is available in various forms, including:

Dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, powders)
Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir)
Vaginal suppositories (for specific vaginal health issues)

For adults, L. acidophilus has most commonly been used in the following ways:

Oral supplements: Doses typically range from 1 billion to 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per day
Vaginal applications: Products containing 10 million to 1 billion CFU per dose have been used

Condition-Specific Dosing

Different health conditions may require specific dosing regimens. For example:

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea: 10-100 billion CFU daily, starting within 48 hours of antibiotic treatment and continuing for 1-2 weeks after completing antibiotics
For H. pylori treatment: 1-2 billion CFU daily, often in combination with standard drug therapies
For IBS: 1-10 billion CFU daily, often as part of a multi-strain probiotic supplement

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific situation.

Incorporating L. Acidophilus into Your Diet

While supplements are a popular way to consume L. acidophilus, incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet can also be beneficial. What are some natural sources of this beneficial bacteria?

Fermented Dairy Products

Dairy products are among the most common sources of L. acidophilus:

Yogurt: Look for brands that specifically mention live L. acidophilus cultures
Kefir: A fermented milk drink rich in various probiotic strains, including L. acidophilus
Some types of cheese: Particularly aged, fermented varieties

Non-Dairy Probiotic Foods

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, there are non-dairy options:

Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that’s rich in various probiotic strains
Kimchi: A Korean fermented vegetable dish
Kombucha: A fermented tea beverage
Tempeh: A fermented soybean product

While these foods may not always contain L. acidophilus specifically, they contribute to overall gut health and probiotic diversity.

The Future of L. Acidophilus Research

As interest in probiotics continues to grow, ongoing research is exploring new potential applications for L. acidophilus. What areas are scientists currently investigating?

Emerging Areas of Study

Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of L. acidophilus in various health conditions:

Mental health: Investigating the gut-brain connection and how probiotics might influence mood disorders
Immune function: Studying how L. acidophilus might enhance overall immune response
Metabolic health: Exploring potential effects on weight management and blood sugar control
Skin health: Investigating topical applications for conditions like acne and eczema

Challenges in Probiotic Research

While the potential of L. acidophilus is exciting, there are challenges in probiotic research:

Strain specificity: Different strains of L. acidophilus may have varying effects
Dosage standardization: Determining optimal dosages for different conditions
Individual variability: Understanding how personal factors influence probiotic effectiveness

As research progresses, we can expect to gain a more nuanced understanding of how to harness the full potential of L. acidophilus for human health.

Making Informed Decisions About L. Acidophilus Use

With the wealth of information available about L. acidophilus, how can you make informed decisions about its use? Here are some key considerations:

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Before starting any new supplement regimen, including L. acidophilus, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help:

Assess your individual health needs
Determine if L. acidophilus is appropriate for you
Recommend suitable dosages
Identify potential interactions with your current medications

Choosing Quality Products

When selecting L. acidophilus supplements, consider the following:

Look for reputable brands with third-party testing
Check for the specific strain(s) of L. acidophilus used
Verify the CFU count and ensure it matches your needs
Check the expiration date and storage requirements

Monitoring Your Response

After starting L. acidophilus supplementation, pay attention to how your body responds:

Keep track of any changes in symptoms or overall well-being
Be aware of potential side effects, even if they’re mild
Give the probiotic time to work â€“ benefits may not be immediate

Remember, while L. acidophilus shows promise for various health conditions, it’s not a cure-all. It should be part of a holistic approach to health that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is a type of probiotic (“good” bacteria) found in the human gut, mouth, and vagina, and also in certain foods.

“Good” bacteria such as L. acidophilus can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off “bad” organisms that might cause diseases. L. acidophilus is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and is also found in probiotic supplements.

People commonly use L. acidophilus for diarrhea from antibiotics, as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, and an infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is also used for acne, hay fever, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. acidophilus COVID-19.

Don’t confuse L. acidophilus with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that the Lactobacillus genus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Some other species’ names changed, but L. acidophilus remained the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

Diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea). Taking L. acidophilus by mouth, alone or with other probiotics, seems to reduce the risk of diarrhea while taking antibiotics.
Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. L. acidophilus vaginal suppositories and vaginal tablets might help treat this condition. But it’s not clear if taking L. acidophilus by mouth helps.
A digestive tract infection that can lead to ulcers (Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori). Taking L. acidophilus by mouth along with most standard drug therapies helps treat stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori.
A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Taking L. acidophilus by mouth with other probiotics seems to reduce symptoms of IBS.

Possibly Ineffective for

Prone to allergies and allergic reactions (atopic disease). Taking L. acidophilus by mouth during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or giving it to newborns doesn’t seem to prevent allergies in children.

There is interest in using L. acidophilus for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: L. acidophilus is likely safe. It’s been used safely together with other probiotics for up to 9 months. Some people might experience gas or bloating, but it’s usually well-tolerated.

When applied to the vagina: L. acidophilus is likely safe. It’s been used safely for up to 12 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When applied to the vagina: L. acidophilus is likely safe. It’s been used safely for up to 12 weeks.

Pregnancy: L. acidophilus is possibly safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It’s been used safely together with other probiotics for 6 weeks, starting at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if L. acidophilus is safe to use while breast-feeding. But there’s no reason to expect safety concerns when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Children: L. acidophilus is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately in children. It’s been used safely alone and together with other probiotics.

Weakened immune system: Some probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics, including L. acidophilus.

Damaged heart valves: Some probiotics have caused infections of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

L. acidophilus is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. acidophilus can reduce the effects of L. acidophilus. To avoid this interaction, take L. acidophilus products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

L. acidophilus is sometimes added to fermented foods such as yogurt, but it’s most commonly used in dietary supplements.

In adults, L. acidophilus has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of up to 60 billion CFUs daily for up to 6 months. In children, L. acidophilus has most often been taken by mouth in doses of up to 30 billion CFUs daily, for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

9 Ways Lactobacillus Acidophilus Can Benefit Your Health

L. acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria found in your intestines that helps protect against various illnesses. To boost levels, consume fermented goods or take supplements.

Probiotics are becoming popular food supplements.

Interestingly, each probiotic can have different effects on your body.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common types of probiotics and can be found in fermented foods, yogurt and supplements.

What Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines.

It’s a member of the Lactobacillus genus of bacteria, and it plays an important role in human health (1).

Its name gives an indication of what it produces — lactic acid. It does this by producing an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into lactic acid.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is also sometimes referred to as L. acidophilus or simply acidophilus.

Lactobacilli, particularly L. acidophilus, are often used as probiotics.

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health beneﬁt on the host” (2).

Unfortunately, food manufacturers have overused the word “probiotic,” applying it to bacteria that haven’t been scientifically proven to have any specific health benefits.

This has led the European Food Safety Authority to ban the word “probiotic” on all foods in the EU.

L. acidophilus has been extensively studied as a probiotic, and evidence has shown that it may provide a number of health benefits. However, there are many different strains of L. acidophilus, and they can each have different effects on your body (3).

In addition to probiotic supplements, L. acidophilus can be found naturally in a number of fermented foods, including sauerkraut, miso and tempeh.

Also, it’s added to other foods like cheese and yogurt as a probiotic.

Below are 9 ways in which Lactobacillus acidophilus may benefit your health.

1. It May Help Reduce Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart disease. This is especially true for “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Fortunately, studies suggest that certain probiotics can help reduce cholesterol levels and that L. acidophilus may be more effective than other types of probiotics (4, 5).

Some of these studies have examined probiotics on their own, while others have used milk drinks fermented by probiotics.

One study found that taking L. acidophilus and another probiotic for six weeks significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol, but also “good” HDL cholesterol (6).

A similar six-week study found that L. acidophilus on its own had no effect (7).

However, there is evidence that combining L. acidophilus with prebiotics, or indigestible carbs that help good bacteria grow, can help increase HDL cholesterol and lower blood sugar.

This has been demonstrated in studies using probiotics and prebiotics, both as supplements and in fermented milk drinks (8).

Furthermore, a number of other studies have shown that yogurt supplemented with L. acidophilus helped reduce cholesterol levels by up to 7% more than ordinary yogurt (9, 10, 11, 12).

This suggests that L. acidophilus — not another ingredient in the yogurt — was responsible for the beneficial effect.

Summary:
L. acidophilus consumed on its own, in milk or yogurt or in combination with prebiotics may help lower cholesterol.

2. It May Prevent and Reduce Diarrhea

Diarrhea affects people for a number of reasons, including bacterial infections.

It can be dangerous if it lasts a long time, as it results in fluid loss and, in some cases, dehydration.

A number of studies have shown that probiotics like L. acidophilus may help prevent and reduce diarrhea that’s associated with various diseases (13).

Evidence on the ability of L. acidophilus to treat acute diarrhea in children is mixed. Some studies have shown a beneficial effect, while others have shown no effect (14, 15).

One meta-analysis involving more than 300 children found that L. acidophilus helped reduce diarrhea, but only in hospitalized children (16).

What’s more, when consumed in combination with another probiotic, L. acidophilus may help reduce diarrhea caused by radiotherapy in adult cancer patients (17).

Similarly, it may help reduce diarrhea associated with antibiotics and a common infection called Clostridium difficile, or C. diff (18).

Diarrhea is also common in people who travel to different countries and are exposed to new foods and environments.

A review of 12 studies found that probiotics are effective at preventing traveler’s diarrhea and that Lactobacillus acidophilus, in combination with another probiotic, was most effective at doing so (19).

Summary:
When consumed in combination with other probiotics, L. acidophilus may help prevent and treat diarrhea.

3. It Can Improve Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to one in five people in certain countries. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating and unusual bowel movements (20).

While little is known about the cause of IBS, some research suggests it might be caused by certain types of bacteria in the intestines (21).

Therefore, a number of studies have examined whether probiotics can help improve its symptoms.

In a study in 60 people with functional bowel disorders including IBS, taking a combination of L. acidophilus and another probiotic for one to two months improved bloating (22).

A similar study found that L. acidophilus alone also reduced abdominal pain in IBS patients (23).

On the other hand, a study that examined a mixture of L. acidophilus and other probiotics found that it had no effect IBS symptoms (24).

This might be explained by another study suggesting that taking a low dose of single-strain probiotics for a short duration may improve IBS symptoms the most.

Specifically, the study indicates that the best way to take probiotics for IBS is to use single-strain probiotics, rather than a mix, for less than eight weeks, as well as a dose of less than 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day (25).

However, it’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that has been scientifically proven to benefit IBS.

Summary:
L. acidophilus probiotics may improve symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain and bloating.

4. It Can Help Treat and Prevent Vaginal Infections

Vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are common types of vaginal infections.

There is good evidence that L. acidophilus can help treat and prevent such infections.

Lactobacilli are typically the most common bacteria in the vagina. They produce lactic acid, which prevents the growth of other harmful bacteria (26).

However, in cases of certain vaginal disorders, other species of bacteria begin to outnumber lactobacilli (27, 28).

A number of studies have found taking L. acidophilus as a probiotic supplement can prevent and treat vaginal infections by increasing lactobacilli in the vagina (29, 30).

Nevertheless, other studies have found no effect (31, 32).

Eating yogurt that contains L. acidophilus may also prevent vaginal infections. Yet, both of the studies that examined this were quite small and would need to be replicated on a larger scale before any conclusions could be made (33, 34).

Summary:
L. acidophilus as a probiotic supplement may be useful in preventing vaginal disorders, such as vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

5. It May Promote Weight Loss

The bacteria in your intestines help control food digestion and a number of other bodily processes.

Therefore, they influence your weight.

There is some evidence that probiotics may help you lose weight, especially when multiple species are consumed together. However, the evidence on L. acidophilus alone is unclear (35).

A recent study that combined the results of 17 human studies and over 60 animal studies found that some lactobacilli species led to weight loss, while others may have contributed to weight gain (36).

It suggested that L. acidophilus was one of the species that led to weight gain. However, most of the studies were conducted in farm animals, not humans.

Furthermore, some of these older studies used probiotics that were originally thought to be L. acidophilus, but have since been identified as different species (37).

Therefore, the evidence on L. acidophilus affecting weight is unclear, and more rigorous studies are needed.

Summary:
Probiotics may be effective for weight loss, but more research is needed to determine whether L. acidophilus, in particular, has a significant effect on weight in humans.

6. It May Help Prevent and Reduce Cold and Flu Symptoms

Healthy bacteria like L. acidophilus can boost the immune system and thus help reduce the risk of viral infections.

In fact, some studies have suggested that probiotics may prevent and improve symptoms of the common cold (38, 39).

A few of these studies examined how effectively L. acidophilus treated colds in children.

In one study in 326 children, six months of daily L. acidophilus probiotics reduced fever by 53%, coughing by 41%, antibiotic use by 68% and days absent from school by 32% (40).

The same study found that combining L. acidophilus with another probiotic was even more effective (40).

A similar study on L. acidophilus and another probiotic also found similar positive results for reducing cold symptoms in children (41).

Summary:
L. acidophilus on its own and in combination with other probiotics may reduce cold symptoms, especially in children.

7. It May Help Prevent and Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are common and can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or itchy eyes.

Fortunately, some evidence suggests that certain probiotics can reduce the symptoms of some allergies (42).

One study showed that consuming a fermented milk drink containing L. acidophilus improved symptoms of Japanese cedar pollen allergy (43).

Similarly, taking L. acidophilus for four months reduced nasal swelling and other symptoms in children with perennial allergic rhinitis, a disorder that causes hay fever-like symptoms throughout the year (44).

A larger study in 47 children found similar results. It showed that taking a combination of L. acidophilus and another probiotic reduced runny nose, nasal blocking and other symptoms of pollen allergy (45).

Interestingly, the probiotics reduced the amount of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is involved in these allergic reactions, in the intestines.

Summary:
L. acidophilus probiotics can reduce the symptoms of certain allergies.

8. It May Help Prevent and Reduce Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, resulting in itchiness and pain. The most common form is called atopic dermatitis.

Evidence suggests that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of this inflammatory condition in both adults and children (46).

One study found that giving a mix of L. acidophilus and other probiotics to pregnant women and their infants during the first three months of life reduced the prevalence of eczema by 22% by the time the infants reached one year of age (47).

A similar study found that L. acidophilus, in combination with traditional medical therapy, significantly improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in children (48).

However, not all studies have shown positive effects. A large study in 231 newborn children given L. acidophilus for the first six months of life found no beneficial effect in cases of atopic dermatosis (49). In fact, it increased sensitivity to allergens.

Summary:
Some studies have shown that L. acidophilus probiotics can help reduce the prevalence and symptoms of eczema, while other studies show no benefit.

9. It’s Good for Your Gut Health

Your gut is lined with trillions of bacteria that play an important role in your health.

Generally, lactobacilli are very good for gut health.

They produce lactic acid, which may prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines. They also ensure the lining of the intestines stays intact (50).

L. acidophilus can increase the amounts of other healthy bacteria in the gut, including other lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.

It can also increase levels of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which promote gut health (51).

Another study carefully examined the effects of L. acidophilus on the gut. It found that taking it as a probiotic increased the expression of genes in the intestines that are involved in immune response (52).

These results suggest that L. acidophilus may support a healthy immune system.

A separate study examined how the combination of L. acidophilus and a prebiotic affected human gut health.

It found that the combined supplement increased the amounts of lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the intestines, as well as branched-chain fatty acids, which are an important part of a healthy gut (53).

Summary:
L. acidophilus can support gut health by increasing the amounts of healthy bacteria in the intestines.

How to Reap the Most from L. Acidophilus

L. acidophilus is a normal bacteria in healthy intestines, but you can reap a number of health benefits by taking it as a supplement or consuming foods that contain it.

L. acidophilus can be consumed in probiotic supplements, either on its own or in combination with other probiotics or prebiotics.

However, it’s also found in a number of foods, particularly fermented foods.

The best food sources of L. acidophilus are:

Yogurt: Yogurt is typically made from bacteria such as L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. Some yogurts also contain L. acidophilus, but only those that list it in the ingredients and state “live and active cultures.”
Kefir: Kefir is made of “grains” of bacteria and yeast, which can be added to milk or water to produce a healthy fermented drink. The types of bacteria and yeast in kefir can vary, but it commonly contains L. acidophilus, among others.
Miso: Miso is a paste originating from Japan that is made by fermenting soybeans. Although the primary microbe in miso is a fungus called Aspergillus oryzae, miso can also contain many bacteria, including L. acidophilus.
Tempeh: Tempeh is another food made from fermented soybeans. It can contain a number of different microorganisms, including L. acidophilus.
Cheese: Different varieties of cheese are produced by using different bacteria. L. acidophilus is not commonly used as a cheese starter culture, but a number of studies have examined the effects of adding it as a probiotic (54).
Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a fermented food made from cabbage. Most of the bacteria in sauerkraut are Lactobacillus species, including L. acidophilus (55).

Other than food, the best way to get L. acidophilus is directly through supplements.

A number of L. acidophilus probiotic supplements are available, either on their own or in combination with other probiotics. Aim for a probiotic with at least one billion CFUs per serving.

If taking a probiotic, it’s usually best to do so with a meal, ideally breakfast.

If you are new to probiotics, try taking them once daily for a week or two and then assess how you feel before continuing.

Summary:
L. acidophilus can be taken as a probiotic supplement, but it’s also found in high quantities in a number of fermented foods.

The Bottom Line

L. acidophilus is a probotic bacteria that’s normally found in your intestines and crucial to health.

Due to its ability to produce lactic acid and interact with your immune system, it may help prevent and treat symptoms of various diseases.

In order to increase L. acidophilus in your intestines, eat fermented foods, including those listed above.

Alternatively, L. acidophilus supplements can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from one of the disorders mentioned in this article.

Whether it’s obtained through foods or supplements, L. acidophilus can provide health benefits for everyone.

Lactobacilli can affect the metabolism in the body

The fact that beneficial microflora can affect the functioning of the intestines has become clear over the past ten years not only to scientists, but even to small children who eat “live” yogurts with varying degrees of pleasure. Less well known is the fact that the bacteria contained in such products do not colonize the intestines at all and stay there for a very short time.

However, according to Swiss experts, the effect of such a temporary settlement is much more serious: lactobacilli introduced into the intestine can affect metabolism, change the environment, and even regulate the functioning of the liver. At the same time, despite the fact that lactobacilli do not stay in the body for long, they manage to force the body to create conditions that are extremely favorable for its colonization.

Symbiosis

in a broad sense – all forms of close cohabitation of organisms of different species, including parasitism, which in this case is called antagonistic symbiosis. Symbiosis in the narrow sense is the cohabitation of individuals of two species, in which both partners enter into direct interaction with the external environment; regulation of relations with the latter is carried out by the joint efforts of organisms.

The history of the symbiosis of mammals and bacteria has more than one thousand years. A person is no exception, in whose intestines there are so many microbes that their total weight reaches 1–1.5% of the entire mass of the human body. In a healthy person, bifidobacteria that inhabit the large intestine digest fiber and synthesize some vitamins. In addition, bifidobacteria help in the development of the immune system and the normal functioning of the digestive system. Bacteria work, of course, not for free: our body creates ideal conditions for them – optimal temperature and gas conditions with proper humidity; You don’t have to worry about food either.

Of course, this “celebration of life” is not complete without pathogenic bacteria. Such “bad” ones include clostridia, bacteroids, streptococci, and E. coli, which are constantly present, but under the supervision of “good” bifidobacteria.

Imbalance for various reasons, including antibiotics, malnutrition, and stress, leads to severe disorders – for example, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, cancer of various parts of the digestive system, and even diabetes, due to the development of insulin resistance. Bacteria even affect the effect of medications taken.

Bifido- and lactobacilli

Bifidobacteria (from the Latin bifidus, “divided in two”) are microbes that make up 80-90% of the intestinal flora of breastfed children and young mammals in the suckling period. Later, their proportion decreases, but they still remain the predominant type in the large intestine.

The most common way to “correct” the shaken microflora is the intake of probiotics – live cultures of non-pathogenic bacteria. These are mainly lacto- (also called lactic acid) and bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are part of the drugs prescribed by a doctor for dysbacteriosis, and lactobacilli, mainly Lactobacillus paracasei and rhamnosus, can be found in any good yogurt that has not expired.

Contrary to popular stereotype, lactobacilli do not colonize the intestines for a long time.

They really have a “positive effect” on the intestinal microflora, but only by replacing pathogenic clostridia, staphylococci and E. coli. Their proven properties also include stimulation of the immune system.

Bifidobacteria prescribed by doctors are capable of colonizing the folds of the colon, but only under the condition of a long course of administration and a very weakened state of their own microflora. Otherwise, it would be like an assault on human entrails with an aspect ratio of 1:10,000, and not in favor of the “guests”.

However, all of the above are effects resulting from the interaction of bacteria with each other, in extreme cases, with cells of the immune system.

Experts from the Swiss Nestle Center believe that the impact of probiotics on our health can be much greater.

Previously, they published data on the correlation of addictions to chocolate and the composition of the intestinal microflora. This time, together with specialists from the Swedish University at Uppsala and Imperial College London, they tried to assess global changes in the metabolic system.

To do this, they assessed the levels of metabolites in the liver, urine, blood, and faeces of subjects who received cultures of L. rhamnosus along with their normal diet. Of course, the experiments were carried out not on humans, but on mice, whose “empty” intestines were populated with microflora obtained from a 20-week-old baby. After some time, they were “assigned” a course of probiotics.

Probiotics

agents restoring microbiocenoses. According to the WHO definition, probiotics are live microorganisms, taken in adequate amounts, that have a health-improving effect on the human body.

As expected, lactobacilli did not stay in the body for a long time and did not displace bifidobacteria. However, it turned out that they changed the metabolism of the latter at the genetic level. Moreover, they influenced the metabolism of amino acids and bile acids in the human body by regulating the activity of the liver.

Scientists do not dare to talk about a targeted effect on the liver, because bacteria change the level of amino acids, lipoproteins and bile acid metabolites in the blood, to which the liver already reacts by increasing or decreasing the release of bile. It is noteworthy that this creates optimal conditions for the vital activity of lactobacilli.

Scientists also came to the conclusion that the effect depends on the initial conditions – that is, the characteristics of the metabolism of a particular organism and the composition of the microflora that inhabits its intestines. They again return to the idea expressed in the previous work, only this time they not only noted the correlation between the types of microflora and the characteristics of the macroorganism, but even partially explained the mechanism that provides it.

According to experts, in the near future, with the help of probiotic cultures, it will be possible to influence not only taste preferences, but also metabolism.

True, for this you will have to carefully study the “initial data” – the genome of each patient and his microflora.

Lactobacilli for women’s health

Violation of the vaginal microflora is rarely asymptomatic, causing a lot of unpleasant moments for a woman. Vaginal dysbacteriosis can be the result of a variety of reasons, but most often associated with taking antibacterial drugs that affect the “useful” microflora anywhere in the body. To maintain the vaginal microflora in a normal state, oral probiotics containing highly specific lactobacilli can be recommended.

The internal environment of the vagina is a complex micro-ecosystem, the healthy state of which is ensured by the interaction of many elements and depends on both internal and external factors. It is known that it is inhabited by special bacteria that can displace harmful microorganisms and thus provide protection against the penetration of infections into the body. Normally, the vaginal microflora is 90% lactobacilli. When this balance is not disturbed, harmful bacteria are not dangerous for women’s health.

Beware of antibiotics!

The natural ratio can change for various reasons – due to hypothermia, hormonal disorders, improper intimate hygiene, infection, various diseases. A very powerful factor that negatively affects the state of the vaginal microflora is the use of antibiotics, which act on a wide range of bacteria, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. As a result of their impact, the amount of beneficial microflora of the vagina decreases, and the content of opportunistic microorganisms increases. At the same time, fungi of the genus Candida, gardnerella and some other pathogens begin to actively multiply, some of which are natural inhabitants of the vagina.

Multiplication of opportunistic flora is associated with one of the most common diseases of a woman – bacterial vaginosis, which is accompanied by symptoms of intimate discomfort: itching, burning, profuse discharge with a specific odor, etc.

Bacterial vaginosis, especially if it exists for a long time, can increase the risk of infection sexually transmitted infections. During pregnancy, the disease can lead to complications of pregnancy – be the cause of miscarriage and premature birth. In addition, long-term bacterial vaginosis can cause infertility in women.

In the treatment of bacterial infections, the normal microflora of the vagina is affected by the antibiotics commonly used in this situation. This is why antibiotic treatment requires probiotics both during and after treatment to restore optimal levels of “good” bacteria. Healthy microflora is a protective barrier against infection!

Beneficial colonizers

The best and safest way to maintain a healthy microflora is to populate the vagina with lactoflora. For these purposes, an oral probiotic containing live lactobacilli can be used.

It has been scientifically proven that not all types of lactobacilli can contribute to optimal results ¹ . Strains of lactic acid bacteria differ in their ability to produce not only lactic acid, but also hydrogen peroxide, a number of biologically active substances that create an optimal acidic environment in the vagina and displace the pathogenic flora. Some strains of lactobacilli produce a special protein that prevents the fixation of pathogenic microorganisms on the cells of the mucosa, contributing to the restoration of microflora. The strains of lactobacilli that meet these conditions include L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, which are the basis of the probiotic Vagilak ^® .

For best results, probiotics can be combined with intimate soap and moisturizing intimate gel Vagilak ^® . Both products contain lactic acid, are able to maintain an acidic environment that is optimal for the mucous membranes of this area.