by Hector Milla

In today's difficult times, getting sick is probably the last thing that any person wants. There are food supplements, vitamins, and other things that could help us to stay physically fit; people are more aware of the benefits that these things offer the body.

Acidophilus is a nutritional supplement that maintains the "normal" balance of good bacteria in the intestines. It helps maintain intestinal health and serves as a natural antibiotic

It is often added to soda or milk, and it may come in the form of capsules, tablets, suppository, and powder. Acidophilus contains one or more types of good bacteria like lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bulgaricus, streptococcus thermophilus and bifidobacterium bifidus.

The gastrointestinal tract contains more than 400 different kinds of bacteria. Our bodies need beneficial bacteria to be able to manufacture B vitamins, antibacterial substances, and to produce lactase.

The human digestive tract maintains a balance of good and bad microorganisms. Microflora are healthy microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract. As people grow older, the proportion of healthy microflora declines and can't effectively protect us from certain diseases. That is why we need more acidophilus.

Probiotics is the supplement form of microflora, and for many years, it was used to increase the number of good/healthy bacteria to prevent and even treat health conditions.

Probiotics works by producing hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid, through spatial exclusion. Spatial exclusion simply means that probiotics crowd out other bacteria, as they compete with bad bacteria for nutrients needed for growth.

If the microflora's balance is disturbed, and dysfunction occurs, probiotics can be used.

Acidophilus treats different kinds of ailments, including:

• Irritable bowel syndrome -- acidophilus relieves bloating, diarrhea, and cramping
• Flatulence -- the gas producers found in large intestines are reduced or prevented from multiplying
• Vaginal yeast -- acidophilus can combat the overgrowth of Candida
• Bad breath
• Urinary tract infections
• Helps in producing immune system cells to fight viral infections
• Improves hypersensitivity among infants with food allergies
• Other health conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, constipation, colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, thrush, and ulcerative colitis.

Some people taking acidophilus report allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat, or hives. Consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

If you're taking acidophilus, you may be able to feel an increase in gassiness for a few days. This usually happens because the intestines need to adjust with the bacterial shift.

Pregnant women should not take acidophilus.

Scientific studies have proven that acidophilus contains bacteria that have a mutual relationship with the stomach. These bacteria aid in breakdown of food molecules and inhibit growth of bad bacteria.

People with digestive or bacterial problems or yeast infections find acidophilus quite useful. With the many uses of acidophilus, and with many people becoming aware of its benefits, demand for such a helpful product will surely increase.

About the Author:
Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.acidophiluseffects.com, a website about lactobacillus acidophilus.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Benefits and Effects of Acidophilus