How many acidophilus per day

Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered safe for most people. Gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea are potential side effects in some people not on antibiotic therapy who take more than 1 to 2 billion L. There has been one report of anaphylaxis a serious allergic reaction accompanied by shortness of breath and loss of consciousness in a person taking inulin, a type of prebiotic. People with weakened immune systems such as those receiving chemotherapy or drugs that suppress their immune systems should ask their doctors before taking probiotics.

People with artificial heart valves should not take L. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Lactobacillus or other probiotics without talking to your health care provider first. Sulfasalazine: A laboratory study suggests that L.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may kill acidophilus bacteria. Take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or after you take this remedy. Alvarez-Olmos MI. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy.

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Lactic acid bacteria or L converts sugars into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, substances that inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria in the intestines. In alternative medicine, acidophilus is sometimes used to prevent or treat several health conditions, including:.

Some proponents also claim that acidophilus can promote weight loss and strengthen the immune system. Although acidophilus is one of the more extensively studied probiotics, findings have varied widely due to differences in patient populations, acidophilus strains, and other factors. Here's a look at some findings from the available research on the benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Acidophilus may be recommended as a potential treatment for diarrhea. In particular, research suggests it may help to prevent C.

In a research review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in , scientists analyzed 31 previously published trials on the use of various types of probiotics to prevent C.

It concluded that short-term, prophylactic use of probiotic supplements while taking broad-spectrum antibiotics is safe and effective for preventing C. Probiotics have also been found to be potentially useful in treating diarrhea from other causes as well. One study, which focused on probiotic use in children under 2 years of age with rotavirus , found acidophilus and other probiotics significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea compared to a placebo.

An older review of published research found probiotics may be effective in reducing the severity of traveler's diarrhea, antibiotic-related diarrhea, and acute diarrhea of other causes. Additional research found acidophilus and other probiotics may reduce diarrhea caused by radiation treatments, a common side effect of pelvic radiotherapy. Probiotics including acidophilus have been touted as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome IBS. However, the research is mixed.

One eight-week study of people with IBS found a probiotic combination of L. Still another study found the probiotics appear to work best to relieve symptoms of IBS when they are taken in single strain doses of less than 10 billion colony-forming units CFUs per day for less than eight weeks. According to a review, Lactobacillus supplements including acidophilus taken daily may help prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection that results from an imbalance in the types of bacteria flora in the vagina.

Acidophilus is commonly recommended for the prevention of yeast infections while taking antibiotics. Laboratory research shows the probiotic inhibits the growth of Candida albicans in cell cultures, but little research has been done in humans. A clinical trial published in the journal Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins found L. In the study, women with vaginal candidiasis were treated with the antifungal fenticonazole. Five days later, roughly half the subjects were treated with multiple intravaginal L.

Those given the probiotic had a significant reduction in recurring infections. Acidophilus has antimicrobial and antiviral properties and may help to prevent colds, viruses, and even allergies. There is research to suggest probiotics, including acidophilus, may reduce cold symptoms in children. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found six months of daily L.

Combining acidophilus with a broad spectrum of probiotics was found to be even more effective. Studies suggest that probiotics may help cut cholesterol levels , and acidophilus appears to be more effective than other species. A literature review published in the Annals of Medicine concluded that probiotic supplements containing L.

The review of 15 studies involving subjects also found the probiotic improved factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including body mass index, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers. Compared to other strains, acidophilus was found to be more effective in reducing LDL levels. These results were confirmed in a review published in the journal Medicine in The study authors noted, however, that many studies showing the strongest connection were funded by supplement companies and more independent research is needed.

Some probiotic proponents claim that supplementing with probiotics like L. While it shows promise in animal trials, human trials have inconclusive results. The best researched and seemingly effective probiotic strain for weight loss is Lactobacillus gasseri.

In a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition , adults with abdominal fat were assigned to drink 7 ounces of fermented milk with either 1 billion, 10 billion, or 0 CFU of L.

Additional measures, such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and total body fat, were also significantly reduced in those drinking fermented milk with L. Various probiotics are being studied for their potential to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is believed that the beneficial bacteria may improve carbohydrate metabolism. The research focused on various probiotics; it is unclear if acidophilus alone is beneficial for blood sugar management.

Emerging research suggests probiotics including L. Evidence shows that maintaining adequate lactobacilli colonies in the body can help to retain a harmonious balance to help prevent the occurrence of infections.

A Iranian study reported that friendly bacteria taken orally or as a pessary released acids inside the vagina that help maintain the pH at a healthy level, suppressing the growth of bacteria that can cause problems such as thrush and UTIs.

As women go through the menopause, their hormonal changes can trigger changes in the vagina microbiota. When women go through the menopause , their bodies are reacting to a decrease in estrogen levels, amongst other changes. A drop in estrogen levels can affect the ability of lactobacilli to colonise the vagina and help prevent infections occurring.

This is one of the reasons why postmenopausal women are more susceptible to urogenital infections, which supports the theory that vaginal lactobacilli could protect us from these pathogens. One review of studies focusing on the influence of probiotic supplementation on symptoms of the menopause found a positive link.

They stated that recent studies suggested that the intervention on probiotics could help improve the health status of menopausal women. Cholesterol is an essential compound made in our livers that helps maintain cell membranes, make vitamin D and even help make steroid hormones, like oestrogen and testosterone.

And it turns out that probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus could help keep levels in check. This can cause plaque to build up and narrow arteries, making it hard to oxygen and other essential nutrients to travel around the body. Studies have suggested that some probiotics can help reduce cholesterol levels, lactobacillus acidophilus being one of the most effective — especially when combined with other probiotics.

One study found that taking lactobacillus acidophilus along with another probiotic for 6 weeks experienced a significant lowering of cholesterol levels — total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and also HDL cholesterol. Diarrhoea is very common and has many causes, including bacterial infections. Various studies have looked at the benefits of taking friendly bacteria, such as acidophilus, to help diarrhoea.

A review from the Cochrane Collaboration analysed 63 studies involving participants, and reported that the friendly bacteria worked in the gut to:. Scientists found a friendly bacteria , like one from the lactobacilli family, could shorten the length of a bout of diarrhoea by one day, although they called for more research into this effect. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a common digestive system condition, which can cause side effect like bloating, stomach pain and irregular bowl movements.

The cause of IBS is still very much a mystery, but there is a theory that it could be something to do with certain types of bacteria in the intestines. A study involving 60 participants with functional bowel disorders, including IBS, tested the effectiveness of lactobacillus acidophilus on symptoms.

They took the probiotic for months and found a reduction in bloating. Similar research found that taking just lactobacillus acidophilus reduced stomach pain in those with IBS. A healthy gut is essential for a healthy immune system , which we need to help reduce the risk of viral infections, like the common cold.

Some studies have shown that probiotics could help improve or prevent symptoms of the common cold. Nutrition Nutrition Basics Vitamins and Supplements. Rica Lewis. A health-care professional for more than 10 years, Rica Lewis has obtained numerous certifications in the industry. In she began channeling her knowledge into health-related articles for print and online publications. Lewis earned a diploma from LongRidge Writers Institute.

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