Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a bacteria mainly used in the preparation of yoghurt. It is rod shaped and mainly found in milk. It is responsible for creating an acidic environment wherever it is situated. Its full names are lactobacillus acidophilus. It thrives in pH level below 5 and naturally exists in vagina, mouth and the intestinal tracts of both animals and human beings. Most of the acidophilus are probiotic meaning that they are the useful kind of bacteria that aid the body in digestion. The bacterium is responsible for fermenting lactic acid within the body by acidifying the digestive tract in the fight against harmful agents. With high temperatures, too much moisture and sunlight exposure, the bacteria cannot survive.
Bacteria are cells and they exist in our bodies. The cells of bacteria and those in our bodies differ by their shells hence since antibiotics are meant to target bacteria; they seek out the cell of bacteria with their differential properties. The problem arises when it comes to differentiating the good and the bad bacteria.
Benefits of the acidophilus
- digestion of food
- absorption of minerals and vitamins
- nourishment of the mucous membrane
- Acidophilus treated illnesses
- Problems of the digestive system
The bacteria help in clearing diarrhea especially in areas with contaminated water. The bacteria will protect you from contracting any illnesses.
Yeast infection
The friendly bacterium through the production of lactic acid terminates the yeast present in the vagina. Hence when antibiotics are taken, they end up killing the good bacteria along with the yeast leaving the vaginal area free. Therefore acidophilus should be present to ensure there is no recurrence of Candida albicans. The bacteria maintains the level of the candida albicans at per hence when bacteria is limited in supply, the pathogens multiply causing yeast infection. This is where the antibiotics come in by curing the infection. The level of acidophilus is to be restored hence you have to replace acidophilus levels back to normal.
Constipation
The movement of the feces through the large intestines is aided by the acidophilus through hydration. The bacteria maintains the colon in good condition.
Acidophilus is responsible for supporting the immune system. When course of antibiotics are taken, the immune system is usually suppressed. The antibiotics have been proven to terminate the good bacteria. Hence after treatment, you could supplement your body by consuming yoghurt, pickles etc. that have a high content of acidophilus. There are also capsules that are consumed orally (highest form you can take) so when taken with the lactobacillus acidophilus present, the microbes within the intestines are balanced. This in exchange ensures the increased production of white blood cells and antibodies in the body. Some of the reducing characteristics of the bacteria go a long way in helping the immune system against antioxidant agents.
It is advisable not to take the acidophilus supplements during the time of antibiotic treatment. The antibiotics have to suppress the immune system while killing the bacteria hence taking the bacteria supplement will interfere with the treatment regime and confuse the immune system causing an auto immune response.
Leave a Reply