Lactobacillus Acidophilus: What It Is, Food List & How to Take

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of "good" bacteria that naturally resides in the intestines, mouth, vagina, urinary tract, and lungs. These beneficial microbes help maintain the balance of the local microbiome and protect the body against infections.

Also referred to as L. acidophilus or simply acidophilus, these bacteria are found in specific foods and probiotic supplements. They are frequently indicated to help relieve digestive discomforts, such as excess gas or diarrhea.

Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus should be used under the guidance of a doctor or registered dietitian based on your specific health goals. For the best results, they should be taken as part of a balanced and nutritious diet.

What it is used for

The main benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus include:

1. Prevent or relieve diarrhea

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lactobacillus acidophilus can help prevent diarrhea caused by the use of antibiotics. It may also help avoid the onset of diarrhea caused by chemotherapy, for example.

This occurs because acidophilus controls the growth of other bacteria that can cause intestinal infections, preventing them from multiplying excessively and causing diarrhea.

Additionally, Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can be used to help relieve symptoms of infectious diarrhea and are often found in combination with other beneficial bacteria, such as other Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium lactis.

2. Improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

Supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as excess gas, abdominal bloating, and stomach pain.

Acidophilus helps maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota and prevents dysbiosis, an imbalance commonly found in people with irritable bowel issues.

3. Strengthen the immune system

Increasing "good" bacteria in the gut, such as L. acidophilus, helps activate immune system cells found near the digestive tract, especially in the small intestine.

Consequently, using acidophilus probiotics may help prevent common infections, such as the flu or the common cold.

4. Reduce allergy flare-ups

By improving gut health, the use of acidophilus supplements also appears to reduce the frequency of allergic episodes, such as allergic rhinitis.

This is because L. acidophilus appears to decrease the production of antibodies involved in allergic reactions.

5. Prevent atopic dermatitis

L. acidophilus supplements may help prevent atopic dermatitis in infants and children when used during childhood or taken by the mother during pregnancy.

Additionally, this supplement helps prevent severe symptoms of atopic dermatitis in individuals already living with the condition.

6. Reduce cholesterol levels

Probiotics in general, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in particular, appear to reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, leading to lower levels in the blood.

In some cases, using L. acidophilus supplements can reduce LDL levels, known as "bad" cholesterol, by up to 7%.

7. Prevent vaginal infections

Lactobacillus acidophilus lives naturally in the vaginal microbiome, producing lactic acid that helps control the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi in the intimate area.

In this way, L. acidophilus helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections (candidiasis).

Therefore, consuming probiotics with L. acidophilus appears to improve overall vaginal health.

Foods containing Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus can be found in foods such as:

• Yogurt

• Cheese

• Curd

• Miso or tempeh

Additionally, L. acidophilus can also be found in kefir or sauerkraut.

How to take Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements are available in the form of oral capsules.

The recommended dosage for adults is 1 to 2 capsules taken during or after a meal.

The amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus in capsules varies by manufacturer, so usage should be guided by a doctor or registered dietitian.

If you are taking antibiotics, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after taking the medication before taking the probiotic to avoid eliminating the "good" bacteria.

Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can also be found combined with other probiotics in various multi-strain formulas.

Possible side effects

The main side effect of the L. acidophilus probiotic is the excessive production of intestinal gas.

This happens because probiotic supplements often contain fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which act as food for the bacteria but can facilitate gas production.

A good way to relieve this discomfort is to also take a digestive enzyme supplement, such as bromelain or papain.

Who should not use it

Lactobacillus acidophilus should not be used by people with an HIV/AIDS infection or those taking immunosuppressive medications.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, the elderly, people with short bowel syndrome, or those who are about to undergo or have recently undergone digestive surgery or a colonoscopy, should only use the supplement if indicated by a doctor or registered dietitian.

The use of probiotics is generally safe and carries few contraindications, provided the immune system is functioning correctly and there is no severe autoimmune disease, such as AIDS