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eLearning Series:
I Want a Natural Health Remedy
( 50 articles in this series )
What
Can Acidophilus Cure?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria
that is attracted to acid. It is often referred to
as “friendly” bacteria because of its helpful characteristics
and the importance
it has in the function of the human body. Acidophilus is found
naturally in the intestines and in the vagina, where it protects
the body from unhealthy organisms.
Certain products, such as contraceptive creams, however, can
kill acidophilus, making it easier for undesirable organisms
to attack the vagina. In addition, oral antibiotics can kill
acidophilus. For this reason, patients who undergo extensive
antibiotic therapy are often told to consume regular amounts
of acidophilus in order to re-colonize the bacteria in the
gastrointestinal tract.
When acidophilus breaks down food it produces hydrogen peroxide,
lactic acid and other byproducts. These byproducts create a
hostile environment for unwelcome organisms. In addition, acidophilus
uses nutrients that other microorganisms need. In this way,
acidophilus kills harmful bacteria in the digestive tract by
preventing these bacteria from receiving nutrients.
Acidophilus
also has been shown to assist in producing folic acid,
niacin, and pyridoxine during digestion. In addition,
acidophilus helps with bile deconjugation and separates bile
acids from amino acids. The amino acids can then be reused
by the body. For these reasons, acidophilus is thought to also
help protect the body against alcohol and other drugs, as well
as from aging and stressful living.
Acidophilus is found
in many forms of yogurt and it can also
be found in special acidophilus milk. Foods such as carrots,
rice starch, bananas, soybeans, garlic and garbanzo beans are
also rich in acidophilus. In addition, acidophilus can be purchased
in capsules, powder form, liquids, and tablets at health food
stores. Some of these acidophilus products found at health
stores also contain bifid bacteria, which is another bacterium
that is helpful to the body. In addition, many contain vitamin
C and other valuable nutrients. A drink can be made from the
acidophilus powder and it is best to drink it or take another
acidophilus supplement on an empty stomach, about an hour before
meals.
Research
has shown that acidophilus can prevent or stop the growth
of Candida, also known as candidacies or yeast. Candidacies
normally reside in the intestines, mouth, and genital area.
It lives best in warm, moist environments. Therefore, this
fungus is responsible for thrush, which is an overgrowth of
yeast, in the esophagus, mouth, and vagina. If the yeast is
left unattended, it can form into visible, white patches.
Yeast
infections of the vagina can cause a white, thick, odorless
discharge. It often resembles cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast
infections can also cause burning and itching and redness and
irritation of the vulva. In addition, a yeast infection can
cause discomfort or even pain during urination or during sexual
intercourse.
Yeast infections can also be the cause of diaper rash in babies.
A yeast diaper rash is caused by the skin being damaged and
yeast from the intestines invades the skin. This sort of rash
usually occurs after using antibiotics or as the result of
a prolonged rash. A yeast rash is red, raised and patchy. A
paste made of water and acidophilus applied to the rash can
help clear it up. Or, one teaspoon of acidophilus powder can
be added to formula once per day for a baby who is being bottle
fed.
Some reports have indicated that yogurt
containing acidophilus aides in treating vaginal candidacies, or yeast infections.
In fact, one study showed that women with recurring vaginal
yeast infections who eat eight ounces of yogurt containing
high levels of acidophilus every day have a significant reduction
in the occurrence of the infection.
In addition, research has indicated that acidophilus
helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal system
and
boosts the immune system. Patients have also reported that
acidophilus helps with diarrhea, urinary tract infections and
indigestion. They have also said that acidophilus helps sweeten
the breath and treat acne.
A further study by Oklahoma State University showed that acidophilus
might help in the reduction of serum cholesterol levels. Further
research by the University of Kentucky has shown that acidophilus
can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease for people who
have high levels of blood serum cholesterol.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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