(Lactabacillus Acidophilus) Acidophilus is actually a strain of bacteria - a beneficial one that naturally inhabits the stomach and bowel - but a "germ" nonetheless. Despite its lineage, it can be helpful in a number of health situations - most of them involving digestion and bowel function.
According to the Colon Health Handbook, the healthy colon should contain at least 85 percent lactobacillus and 15 percent coliform bacteria. However, the typical colon bacteria count is the reverse, resulting in excessive gas, bloating, intestinal and systemic toxicity, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients, which leads to an overgrowth of Candida.
Acidophilus may help to detoxify harmful substances. Factors that contribute to candidiasis are recurrent use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, aspirin, corticosteroids, poor diet, sugar, yeast, and stress. These all cause an imbalance of the "friendly" bacteria.
When taking antibiotics, the "friendly" bacteria are destroyed along with harmful bacteria. Supplementing with acidophilus maintains a healthy intestinal flora. These "friendly" bacteria help digest food, produce essential vitamins and help keep bowel function normal. An unhealthy flora can lead to the liberation of large quantities of ammonia, which irritates the intestinal membranes. The ammonia can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause nausea, a decrease in appetite, vomiting, and other toxic reactions.
Acidophilus supports and maintains the growth of the Lactobacillus bifidus in the intestinal tract. Undigested food can stagnate or lead to constipation and gas. The putrefactive bacteria that is produced from undigested food may produce excessive histamine, causing an allergic reaction and additional toxic build-up. Acidophilus aids synthesis of the B vitamins by creating a healthy intestinal flora. L. bifidus is the predominant organism in the intestinal flora and establishes a healthy environment for the manufacture of the B-complex vitamins and vitamin K.
