Lactobacillus Acidophilus and its Side Effects
General Knowledge Regarding Acidophilus and its Side Effects
What is acidophilus? Simply put, acidophilus, also known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a type of bacterium which can be found inside our bodies. However, contrary to normal thinking, not all bacteria cause harm or are bad for us. Some of them are good (which are called probiotics) and one of them is the bacterium known acidophilus. What it does is maintain the balance of bacteria in our bodies.
If we suffer from unwanted infections, acidophilus can be used to eliminate these bad bacteria and regain our health. In fact, acidophilus is used in treating, or in other cases, even the prevention of, vaginal yeast infections, mouth yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTI), among others.
Sometimes, antibiotics can kill acidophilus in the body, likely paving the way for other bad bacteria to enter and cause other infections. This is why some doctors recommend patients to take acidophilus supplements in order to build up acidophilus growth in the body again for bacteria maintenance in the body. However, like most supplements, even when taken in various forms, such as pills, herbs, yogurt, milk, or others, there are possible side effects.
Allergies are possible when taking in acidophilus. Lactose intolerant people should not take acidophilus, or at the very least, consult their doctor first before doing so. If allergic reactions become evident, make sure to stop taking acidophilus at once and consult your doctor for the proper treatment. Symptoms are swelling of your facial features and even difficult breathing.
Gas and stomach pains are also side effects of acidophilus. It is actually relatively common to experience this, particularly when you are taking it for the first few times. As you get used to it however, the pain and discomfort associated with it usually passes. In fact, acidophilus can be used to treat unrelenting diarrhea, therefore, it is usually connected with stomach pains.
Women have reported feeling irritation in the vaginal area after taking acidophilus, particularly when applied directly. It is not too uncommon for direct vaginal application since treating or preventing vaginal yeast infections are one of the main health uses of this probiotic. This side effect is actually very minor compared to the benefits it produces, especially in women and in the protection of the vagina.
In very rare cases, there have been reports of serious infections due to acidophilus. However, it should be noted that is possible to happen to people with very weak immune systems, which makes it understandable. Those with really weak immune systems should consult a doctor first before taking acidophilus, or any drug for that matter, as serious side effects are more possible to break out on these kinds of people than others.
In general, and proven throughout many various studies involving many different people, acidophilus does not appear to have a great deal of side effects. If there are any, they are usually very minor, and only in extreme cases do infections occur. This makes acidophilus a recommended drug or supplement by doctors, especially for those with vaginal yeast infections, which is the main illness that it treats and/or prevents. Also, take note that the more acidophilus a person takes, the fewer side effects he usually experiences as a result, since it is most often a stomach discomfort that appears.
There are persons though that should not take acidophilus voluntarily, in spite of the health benefits it brings. If you are pregnant or are about to be, or are in the process of breast feeding, you should not take acidophilus unless your doctor gives the signal to do so. If you have any allergies, medical conditions, or if you regularly take any drug, again, you should not take this probiotic without consulting your doctor first. Why? It can be dangerous, particularly if you have allergies. You don’t know if acidophilus can trigger an allergic reaction or not, so it is important to clear it with your doctor first.
Acidophilus is generally good for the body. However, know that the FDA has not yet fully studied acidophilus, so there may be side effects that haven’t been reported yet. To be on the safe side, always consult your physician first before taking in acidophilus, even if there are a lot of health benefits, since there are always risks involved.
Acidophilus related articles;
- Acidophilus Acne: the Way to a Clear Skin
- Acidophilus Bifidus: Your Friendly Neighborhood Bacteria
- Use Acidophilus, a Bacteria, to Prevent Constipation
- Acidophilus Pearls for Healthy Intestines
- Acidophilus Plus: Living Harmoniously with Bacteria
- Acidophilus Powder: Replenishing Your Supply of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Your Body
- Acidophilus Probiotic
- How to Purchase Acidophilus Supplement
- Acidophilus Vitamin: Your Body, Your Health
- Your Body and Acidophilus with Pectin
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