LYCOS RETRIEVER
Acidophilus
built 277 days ago
Acidophilus supplements are an effective alternative. These are sold in health-food stores, often in combination with Bifidobacteria, another group of organisms that function as probiotics. Many probiotic supplements are frequently combined with FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), simple carbohydrates that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria as they make their way through the digestive tract. FOS is actually a type of "prebiotic," indigestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria already in the colon. Both probiotics and prebiotics can change the composition of intestinal bacteria in beneficial ways.
Source:
Acidophilus is a form of good intestinal bacteria, responsible for helping to maintain the normal functions of the digestive tract. It helps to destroy the gas forming, disease and odor producing bacteria, and help keep yeast (candida) in check. Digestants are specially designed products formulated to help lessen the effects of poor or inadequate digestion. Besides causing discomfort, improper digestion can cheat your body out of the good nutrition your food and supplements are supposed to supply.
Source:
Acidophilus does have other health benefits. It helps prevent infection with some intestinal bugs, and seems to slightly improve general immune system function. In studies on mice, those fed yogurt with acidophilus had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Also in mice, a concoction based on acidophilus was shown to minimize radiation-induced skin damage.
Source:
Acidophilus may be used to reduce susceptibility to vaginal yeast infections, which are quite common. Symptoms including itching, burning, inflammation, and discharge occur due to an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which is part of the normal vaginal flora. Some women are more prone to yeast infections than others. Antibiotics destroy the normal probiotic flora, and may lead to yeast infections. High sugar levels are another predisposing factor. Diabetics, who tend to have high blood sugar, and persons who consume a processed diet that is high in sugar have more frequent problems with yeast as well.
Source:
Acidophilus can be taken by mouth. It is available as powder, liquid, tablets, or capsules, and is ... present in some types of milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Frozen yogurt does not contain live yeast cultures. The yeast is also killed by pasteurization. Check product labels to see whether live organisms are present.. The potency of a given preparation is usually expressed as the number of organisms per capsule.
Source:
Acidophilus has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of acidophilus may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Source: