The lactobacillus acidophilus and its functions

The lactobacillus acidophilus gets its name from lacto. Lacto means milk and bacillus means rod shaped, and acidophilus means loving acid. The lactobacillus acidophilus survives and lives in more acidic environments than most of the other micro organisms. It has a pH 4-5 or even lower. The lactobacillus acidophilus grows the maximum in 45 degrees Celsius.

The lactobacillus acidophilus grows naturally human beings and animals in the gastro-intestinal tract, mouth, and vagina. The lactobacillus acidophilus ferments lactose into lactic acid. The lactobacillus acidophilus is a homo fermentative micro organism that is capable of producing only lactic acid. The lactobacillus acidophilus can be easily killed by excess heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and prevention of diseases

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic and friendly bacteria. The Lactobacillus acidophilus stays in the intestines and vagina of human beings and animals. The Lactobacillus acidophilus protects against the entrance and proliferation of harmful bacteria and other organisms that can cause disease. The Lactobacillus acidophilus follows certain patters for this. The break down of food by Lactobacillus acidophilus leads to production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and various others by products. The release of these chemicals makes the region hostile for undesired and disease causing organisms.

The Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to produce the lactase which is also the enzyme that helps in breaking down milk sugar or lactose in to simpler forms of sugar. However those who do not tolerate lactose do not produce this enzyme. Hence the Lactobacillus acidophilus is beneficial for those people who are incapable of producing this enzyme.

Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus

The Lactobacillus acidophilus replaces the friendly intestinal bacteria that are destroyed by various anti-biotic. It helps in digestion and also to suppress various kinds of bacteria that cause diseases. It prevents and treats diarrhea. The infectious diarrhea from viruses is treated by the Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Lactobacillus acidophilus also prevents the over growth of infectious bacteria which stay in the gastrointestinal tract. It alleviates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases. The Lactobacillus acidophilus also helps to prevent and reduce the re-occurring vaginal infections, urinary tract infections and bladder inflammation.

Lactobacillus acidophilus an aid to the immune response system

The Lactobacillus acidophilus also improves the absorption of lactose in people who cannot tolerate lactose. It also improves the immune response system. Having yogurt or milk, which has some Lactobacillus supplements, helps in improving the natural immune response.

The Lactobacillus acidophilus helps in treating respiratory infections like sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. It also helps to lower the risk of allergies. There have been instances of asthma, hay fever, allergies to milk and skin reactions where the regular in take of Lactobacillus acidophilus has proved to be preventive and healing. There have been recent studies that also say that the Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to treat high cholesterol levels.

How to have Lactobacillus acidophilus in food forms

The best way to have Lactobacillus acidophilus is through dietary forms. These forms include milk rich in acidophilus, yogurt that has live Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures, miso and tempeh. The Lactobacillus acidophilus is also found in breast milk, onions, tomatoes, bananas, honey, barley, garlic and wheat.

The other forms of Lactobacillus acidophilus are dry or liquid cultures that also have living bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus is available in frozen or dried granules, frozen or dried powders, frozen or dry capsules. These products should always be refrigerated. Though Lactobacillus acidophilus is available in frozen forms the dry and concentrated sources are better supplements of this substance.

However there may be side effects of dietary supplements so they should always be taken under the medical guidance of a doctor or physician. Though these cases are rare it always a safer option to take precaution. The Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly probiotic bacteria that helps us in various ways.