Probiotics and Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Hi everyone. Welcome back. Probiotics, as I'm sure you all know by now, are microorganisms that, when consumed, can provide health benefits. They maintain and restore our natural bacteria in the gut, aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most commonly used probiotics, and supplementing it can offer many benefits. So in today's video, we will discuss what Lactobacillus acidophilus is, why it may be beneficial to consume, how to incorporate it, and some precautions to be aware of.
Hi, I'm Katie Bailey, and I'm a registered dietitian at Flusso Nutrients. We provide supplement education and professional-quality supplement options to make the world of nutrition supplements a little bit easier to navigate.
As always, make sure you check with your nutrition-literate healthcare provider before making any changes or adding anything new, as we can't possibly know your full medical history to provide a personal recommendation. So, without further ado, let's jump into today's topic.
Understanding Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, often simply referred to as "Acidophilus," is the type of lactic acid bacteria that's found naturally in the body, including the mouth, intestines, and vagina. It's also found in fermented foods like sauerkraut or yogurt.
It's known for its ability to survive the journey through the GI tract without being killed by our stomach acid. In the process, acidophilus produces lactic acid as a byproduct of carbohydrate metabolism.
This acid helps control the growth of harmful bacteria, thus maintaining a healthy balance in our gut. It also produces an enzyme called lactase, which aids in the digestion of lactose, making it beneficial for those with lactose intolerance.
Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus
So now that we know what acidophilus is, let's talk about the benefits.
1. Promoting Gut Health
The first benefit I want to talk about is that it can promote gut health. It aids in digestion, as we discussed with the lactase production.
It helps absorb nutrients and can fight off harmful bacteria in the gut, making more room for the growth of beneficial bacteria. It helps maintain the integrity of our gut lining, which can help prevent leaky gut, and it stimulates the production of mucus in the gut, creating a barrier against harmful bacteria.
Studies have shown that it can also help with the symptoms of IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, and can be used to treat or prevent yeast infections as well.
2. Immune-Boosting Properties
The second benefit I want to talk about is that it has immune-boosting properties. It stimulates the production of antibodies, which strengthens your immune response against pathogenic microorganisms.
Some studies have shown that it can help reduce the severity and duration of things like the common cold by boosting your immune system.
3. Preventing or Treating Diarrhea
Lastly, although there are some mixed results, some studies have shown that it can help prevent or treat diarrhea.
Incorporating Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Alright, so now let's talk about how to incorporate it.
So although acidophilus is found naturally in the body, it can be beneficial to supplement it as well. It can be found in capsule or powder form.
In the powder form, you can sprinkle it over yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or add it to smoothies, or you can simply mix it into your favorite beverage as it doesn't alter the taste of whatever you add it to. You can take it with food or before bedtime.
Considerations and Precautions
Although acidophilus is generally safe for most people, there are some considerations to keep in mind when starting probiotics for the first time.
Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, which may just be because their body isn't used to this new bacteria, and they may just need to incorporate it a lot slower and give their body some time to adjust to the bacteria.
Some acidophilus supplements also contain small amounts of lactose.
So if you have a lactose allergy, you'll need to look for a supplement that is lactose-free. Lastly, if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a good idea to check with your healthcare provider prior to starting any new supplement, including probiotics.
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Lactobacillus Acidophilus for Better Health
To wrap up our topic for today, Lactobacillus Acidophilus can provide you with many health benefits, including promoting digestion and gut health and boosting your immune system.
So whether you are dealing with digestive issues, wanting to boost your immune system, or simply wanting to improve your overall health, Lactobacillus acidophilus can be a great addition to your diet.
I've linked to quality Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements below in the description box if you're interested in incorporating it into your routine. If you like this video, please hit the like button and subscribe for more nutrition videos. Thanks for watching. I'll see you next time.