Top 10 SuperFoods

Top 10 Superfoods

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is often used in the production of yogurt. It lives mostly in acidic environments and grows best at 30 degrees Celsius. It develops naturally in the human and other animal gastrointestinal tracts and mouths. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic, or "friendly bacteria.” It can be used to benefit those who are lactose intolerant as Lactobacillus Acidophilus produces lactase, a component that breaks down lactose into simple sugars during digestion. Lactobacillus Acidophilus has been known to aid the digestion process and relieve a host of different digestive disorders.

Potential Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

May improve gastrointestinal function
May provide relief from yeast infections, diarrhea, and indigestion
May reduce serum cholesterol levels
Works as an antibiotic against some infections
Reduces diarrhea associated with some antibiotics
Treatment of irritable bowels syndrome
May treat lactose intolerance because lactose intolerant individuals do not produce this hormone naturally
Reduces the risk of atopic dermatitis in infants
Replaces the "friendly" intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics
Aiding digestion and suppressing disease-causing bacteria
Treating overgrowth of "bad" organisms in the gastrointestinal tract
Preventing and/or reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and cystitis (bladder inflammation). The best scientific evidence exists for vaginal infections
Improving lactose absorption digestion in people who are lactose intolerant
Enhancing the immune response
Aiding the treatment of respiratory infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia
Lowering risk of allergies
Cholesterol lowering properties

Citations & Studies

Show/Hide Citations & Studies

de Roos N, Katan M (2000). "Effects of probiotic bacteria on diarrhea, lipid metabolism, and carcinogenesis: a review of papers published between 1988 and 1998". Am J Clin Nutr 71 (2): 405–11. PMID 10648252.
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Anderson J, Gilliland S (1999). "Effect of fermented milk (yogurt) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus L1 on serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic humans". J Am Coll Nutr 18 (1): 43–50. PMID 10067658.
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Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, et al. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Ann Intern Med 1992;116(5):353-357.
Ishida Y, Nakamura F, Kanzato H, et al. Clinical effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 on perennial allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Dairy Sci 2005;88(2):527-533.
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Salazar-Lindo E, Figueroa-Quintanilla D, et al.. Effectiveness and safety of Lactobacillus LB in the treatment of mild acute diarrhea in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2007 May;44(5):571-6.
Saltzman JR, Russell RM, Golner B, et al. A randomized trial of Lactobacillus acidophilus BG2FO4 to treat lactose intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69(1):140-
Sazawal S, Hiremath G, Dhingra U, et al. Efficacy of probiotics in prevention of acute diarrhoea: a meta-analysis of masked, randomised, placebo-controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 2006 Jun;6(6):374-82.
Taylor AL, Dunstan JA, Prescott SL. Probiotic supplementation for the first 6 months of life fails to reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and increases the risk of allergen sensitization in high-risk children: a randomized controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007 Jan;119(1):184-91.
Vivatvakin B, Kowitdamrong E. Randomized control trial of live Lactobacillus acidophilus plus Bifidobacterium infantis in treatment of infantile acute watery diarrhea. J Med Assoc Thai 2006 Sep;89 Suppl 3:S126-33.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lactobacillus-000310.htm

Supporting Research

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Donnet-Hughes A, et al. Modulation of nonspecific mechanisms of defense by lactic acid bacteria: effective dose. J Dairy Sci . May 1999; 82(5):863-869.
Elmer GW, Surawicz CM, McFarland LV. Biotherapeutic agents. A neglected modality for the treatment and prevention of selected intestinal and vaginal infections. [Review]. JAMA . 1996;275(11):870-876.
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