{"id":60049,"date":"2023-08-24T15:19:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T19:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60049"},"modified":"2024-11-14T09:22:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T14:22:53","slug":"benefits-of-acidophilus-probiotics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benefits-of-acidophilus-probiotics\/","title":{"rendered":"10 benefits of acidophilus probiotics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe you\u2019ve heard that acidophilus is excellent for your gut health. Or perhaps a friend has recommended it as an immunity booster for fighting the cold or flu. The truth is that acidophilus\u2014a beneficial bacteria found in your body, certain foods, and most <\/span>probiotic supplements<\/span><\/a>\u2014has many health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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L. acidophilus probiotics can help your body in several ways, including aiding in weight loss, reducing cholesterol levels, and helping to treat vaginal infections. Learn more about how to use this probiotic to improve gut health and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are acidophilus probiotics?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Acidophilus<\/span><\/a>, or Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a naturally occurring bacteria in the human digestive system and vagina. It\u2019s considered a probiotic, also known as a \u201cgood bacteria,\u201d according to <\/span>Jodie Pepin<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., the clinical pharmacy program director at <\/span>Harbor Health<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can find acidophilus outside the body in fermented foods, such as kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh, says <\/span>Vicki Shanta Retelny<\/span><\/a>, RDN, author of <\/span>Total Body Diet for Dummies<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s often added to yogurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acidophilus is one of many probiotic strains, part of a larger group of beneficial living microorganisms in the intestines. Many probiotic supplements include acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria strains, says <\/span>Amy Lee, MD<\/span><\/a>, RDN, chief medical officer at <\/span>Lindora Clinic<\/span><\/a> in California.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10 health benefits of acidophilus<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you consume probiotics through food, supplements, or both, it can benefit your health by fueling the body with good bacteria. <\/span>Here are 10 benefits of probiotic strains such as acidophilus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Improves female reproductive health<\/span><\/h3>\n

Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are often triggered by an imbalance of good and bad microorganisms in the vagina. Nearly <\/span>70%<\/span><\/a> of women get vaginal <\/span>yeast infections<\/span><\/a>. Acidophilus supplements in pill or suppository form can help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Studies<\/span><\/a> have shown that acidophilus creates an acidic environment in the vagina and can prevent and treat vaginal infections such as yeast infections or <\/span>bacterial vaginosis<\/span><\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Pepin. \u201c[It] also may improve the progression of cervical cancer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Supports immune health<\/span><\/h3>\n

What do the experts say about lactobacillus acidophilus warding off ailments like the <\/span>common cold and seasonal flu<\/span><\/a>? \u201cL. acidophilus has been shown to boost the immune system,\u201d says Dr. Pepin. \u201cThis aids in the prevention of viral infections such as the common cold and flu. The addition of some other strains of acidophilus can increase this immune boosting effect.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a <\/span>2013 analysis<\/span><\/a> of 10 studies, researchers found that probiotics (including acidophilus) have a minimal impact on cold prevention but a noticeable effect on reducing the duration of a cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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