Acidophilus Is The Good Bacteria

Most think of bacteria as a bad thing: however, lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria necessary in the intestines and vagina to prevent growth of unhealthy organisms. This type of bacteria is attracted to acid, and certain man-made products can kill it. Contraceptive creams and oral antibiotics kill acidophilus leaving the vagina and/or gastrointestinal tract vulnerable to attack from unwanted organisms.

Breaking down food, acidophilus produces hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and other byproducts that are hostile to unwelcome organisms. Preventing those unhealthy organisms from receiving nutrients, acidophilus "eats" the same nutrients they want.

Acidophilus protects against stress and aging, as well as effects of alcohol and drugs, by producing folic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine during digestion. This breaks down bile separating amino acids that can then be reused by the body.

Where can you get acidophilus? Foods such as carrots, rice starch, bananas, soybeans, garlic and garbanzo beans provide a rich source. Many forms of yogurt also contain it, but look for "live culture" on the label. Health food stores also carry capsules, powders, liquids, and tablets of acidophilus. These may provide other beneficial ingredients like bifid bacteria, vitamin C and other nutrients. Any form is best taken an hour before meals on an empty stomach.

Yeast, or Candida, is found naturally in the intestines, mouth, and vagina. However, if an imbalance of pH occurs, it can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Acidophilus can prevent the growth of yeast, which is the cause of thrush in the mouth, esophagus and vagina. The overgrowth will cause white patches in the mouth, but the vagina will suffer from white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast infections range from uncomfortable to painful itching, burning, and irritation of the vulva, which causes problems during urination or sexual intercourse.

Many diaper rashes are the result of yeast infections. Because yeast thrives in warm, wet conditions, the diaper area is open to invasion in any area that the skin is broken. Antibiotics can upset the yeast balance, causing the rash (the same is true for vaginal yeast infections). A rash caused by yeast produces raised red patches. Either an external or internal dose of acidophilus can help. Acidophilus mixed with water to make a paste can be spread on the rash, or the powder can be mixed in the baby's bottle once a day.

Women with recurring vaginal yeast infections can reduce those outbreaks by eating eight ounces of yogurt with acidophilus every day. Research suggests that not only does acidophilus treat vaginal yeast infections but it can also better the function of the gastrointestinal system and immune system. Patients have reported that it helps with diarrhea, urinary tract infections and indigestion, as well as acne and bad breath.

Oklahoma State University studies have revealed that acidophilus may help reduce cholesterol, and the University of Kentucky supports this by finding it might help reduce heart disease due to high cholesterol.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Black Walnut Hulls

Expels parasites and tape worms. Rich in manganese which is important for nerves, brain and cartilage. Also used for many kind so skin diseases.

Blessed Thistle

Excellent for hormone balance. It helps in all types of female disorders. Good for migraine headaches by improving on taking oxygen to the brain.

Blood Root

Also known as Red Root, Red Indian Paint and Tetterwort. The part of the plant that is used is the dried rhizome (root). It is effective for the treatment of bronchitis easing the bronchial muscles. It is also proven effective for the treatment of asthma, croup and laryngitis.

Blue Cohosh

Also known as Papoose Root or Squawroot. Use the root and rhizome. It is interesting that the secondary names pertain to women and children. This is an excellent tonic for the uterus and may be used wherever there may be a weakness. Because it has a anti-spasmodic action, it will ease false labor pains. When labor does ensue, using Blue Cohosh shortly before birth will help in an easy delivery.

Acidophilus Is The Good Bacteria

Go to the new RSS page and renew your subscription.]]>

IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!

‘SIBO is a condition whereby the small intestine, which normally has very few bacteria in it, becomes colonised with ... ‘I recommend small, frequent meals, making sure you get a good intake of vitamins, and a reduction in intake of carbohydrates.’

Think you're bloated by IBS? It could just be Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and it's easier to manage

Only if you take certain antibiotics or medications, will you lose good bacteria. And in that case, you can take probiotics or acidophilus which will replace the bacteria.” Both probiotics (from $10 – $60) and acidophilus ($10 – $40 ...

Health Care Alternatives Articles

Health Care Alternatives Resource Links

Acidophilus Is The Good Bacteria