ACIDOPHILUS

Acidophilus is used by many people in connection with digestive disorders, vaginal infections, and other related health disorders. Acidophilus is believed to strengthen benign bacteria while suppressing destructive bacteria, whereby enabling the body to maintain a healthy bacterial balance. Many scientists recommend Acidophilus during antibiotic therapy since the therapy can often suppress beneficial bacteria and trigger the growth of yeast infections. Acidophilus may also function as an effective immunity enhancer and may suppress the toxic effects of carcinogens.

Common Uses

• Ease irritable bowel syndrome. Acidophilus may bring relief for many people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an array of gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by abdominal bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
• Control diarrhea. Acidophilus may help to correct the bacterial imbalances caused by antibiotic use. If you are prone to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, it's probably a good idea to start both the acidophilus and medication at the same time. Acidophilus may help with other forms of diarrhea caused by bacteria picked up in foreign countries.
• Help to reduce flatulence. As it restores a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, acidophilus can keep gas-producers in the large intestine from multiplying, whereby decreasing flatulence.
• Combat Candida related yeast infections. Candida albicans, while naturally found in the body, can begin to overgrow following antibiotic therapy. Acidophilus may be particularly effective for relieving and preventing vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida.
• Treat urinary infections. Acidophilus may be powerful enough to neutralize Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria, the source of many urinary tract infections.
• Control bad breath. Adding acidophilus to your system may encourage more efficient digestion and reduce the number of odor-producing bacteria.

• For irritable bowel syndrome: On a maintenance basis, take 2 pills a day, with at least 1 billion live organisms per pill; take with meals.
• For urinary tract infections: Take 1 pill 4 times a day during the course of your antibiotic therapy.
• For Candida overgrowth: Take capsules or powder with at least 1 billion live organisms twice a day for at least one month.
• For vaginal yeast infections: Take 1 pill or capsule (with at least 1 billion live organisms per capsule) twice a day orally until the infection has cleared. For diarrhea: Take 2 pills 3 times a day with meals.
• For flatulence: Take 1 or 2 capsules of acidophilus or an acidophilus/bifidus combination between meals. Look for a dairy-free strain if you've determined that your gas may be due to lactose intolerance.
• For bad breath: Take 2 pills twice a day between meals.
• For antibiotic support: Take 2 pills three times a day with meals during the entire antibiotic course and one week afterward.