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Out of the hundreds of strains of bacteria resident in the human gastrointestinal tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus is but one -- but an extremely important one.
Around 500 species of bacteria, as well as many species of yeast and other organisms, inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract and make up the "gut flora". In an average adult the bacteria weigh about 1kg and the number of individual organisms easily outnumbers the total number of cells in the human body.
Luckily for us a large number of these organisms don't cause disease -- instead, they help protect us from disease. The gut flora perform many functions that contribute to the health of the human host; "friendly bacteria" mostly have names beginning with 'Lactobacillus' or 'Bifidobacteria'. You may have noticed food products like yogurt that contain these bacteria. It is becoming more common for them to be added, just as vitamins and minerals are added to some food products.
The friendly bacteria aren't the only type of microorganism present in the human gastrointestinal tract however. There are also a number of organisms that don't provide the human host with any benefits; these include coliform bacteria, yeasts and bacteroides. Usually these other organisms are kept in balance with the friendly bacteria.
Function; Reasons For Use
Lactobacillus type strains are capable of fermenting food stuffs to lactic acid. L. acidophilus and similar strains are used in cultured dairy products such as yogurt. Other major useful functions of friendly bacteria include:- Producing short chain fatty acids which supply a valuable proportion of human energy requirements
- Producing a number of valuable nutrients notably B vitamins and vitamin K
- Participating in the metabolism of drugs, hormones and carcinogens
- Protecting the host from infection by pathogenic bacteria (through competing for space and production of anti-bacterial substances amongst other methods.)
- Maintaining a healthy intestinal pH
- Enhancing immune function.
For many years, the addition of these "good" bacteria to our intestinal tract has been used to promote health. As a class, they have been referred to as probiotics, since they stimulate organismal growth is the intestines. Uses of probiotics have been especially helpful when antibiotic use kills many of the good bacteria, allowing other less beneficial bacteria to take up residence in the gut.
Lactobacilli have active anti-microbial characteristics and are able to kill various pathogens such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. coli and the yeast Candida. The benefits of lactobacillus and other probiotics are only now coming to full light, so expect much more research to be forthcoming in the next few years.
Illness can occur when the amount of friendly bacteria is reduced and the other organisms are able to increase their numbers and become the majority. There are a number of factors that can disrupt the balance of organisms in the intestines and lead to overgrowth of the less desirable species.
The most important factors are:- Antibiotic use
- Use of the birth control pill
- Use of other hormones, especially immunosupressants like steroids
- Diet
- Alcohol
- Stress.
Probably the most important factor is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. These medications don't discriminate between friendly and unfriendly bacteria. This means that every time you take one of these drugs for an infection your are wiping out large numbers of the friendly bacteria in your intestines that give protection from other, potentially harmful, intestinal residents. This fact has long been known by researchers and is taught to microbiology students.
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Lactobacillus Acidophilus can help with the following: | | | | | Digestion |  Lactose Intolerance | Adding sufficient acidophilus bacteria or commercial preparations of the enzyme lactose to milk-containing meals will prevent symptoms and improve nutrient absorption for individuals with lactose intolerance, but not for those allergic to milk. |
 Poor Small Intestine Health| | Acidophilus is essential in the absorption of nutrients from our food. It colonizes the walls of the small intestine, secretes substances that help maintain a balance of intestinal microflora (by creating a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial flora), and helps keep the intestinal wall functioning properly by keeping clear the spaces between the microvilli so that they can function efficiently. Acidophilus also promotes proper peristalsis - the normal movement of food through the small intestine. The beneficial flora dramatically influence metabolism and overall health. |
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Infections |
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)| | Acidophilus/bifidus consumption has been found to be useful for the prevention of canker sores in some individuals. Topical use, by chewing lactobacillus tablets several times each day, may also reduce the soreness in some cases. [CIBA Clin Symposia 1967;19: pp.38-64, Oral Surg 1970;30: pp.196-200] |
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Organ Health |
 Hepatitis| | Supplementation with Acidophilus (one capsule with meals) helps keep healthy levels of the "good" bacteria in your body. |
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Uro-Genital |
Premenstrual Syndrome |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acidophilus
A microflora (good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping your body fight disease.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers, Apthous Stomatitis)
Small, painful ulcers that occur on the inside of the cheek, lip or underside of the tongue. Caused by an assortment of viruses, doctors call this condition aphthous stomatitis. Canker sores usually clear up by themselves within a week or so, but they often recur, sometimes in the form of multiple sores.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Lactobacillus
A genus of gram-positive, acid-resistant bacteria in the Lactobacillaceae family. We know of lactobacillus because of its use in making yogurt and the conventional wisdom of taking it in one form or another after antibiotic therapy, but it is an integral part of the colon and mouth flora, and is the critical acidifying agent in vaginal flora. There is a growing body of rather ignored data showing the value of regular consumption of a lactobacillus-containing food in immunosuppression, slow virus, and candidiasis conditions.
Lactose Intolerance (Lactose Intolerant)
A condition caused by a lack of an enzyme called lactase, which, in turn, causes the body to be unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk products. Common symptoms, which begin about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose, may include: nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount that an individual can tolerate.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Peristalsis
Movement characterized by alternate circular contraction and relaxation of the intestine or other tubular structure which propels the contents onward.
pH
A measure of an environment's acidity or alkalinity. The more acidic the solution, the lower the pH. For example, a pH of 1 is very acidic; a pH of 7 is neutral; a pH of 14 is very alkaline.
Probiotic (Probiotics)
Derived from the Greek word for "life." Probiotic refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Staphylococcus (Staph, Staphylococcal)
A genus of micrococci bacteria with many members that can cause disease. They are gram-positive, nonmotile bacteria
that are aerobic-(unless they need to be anaerobic). Staph of various types are responsible for boils and carbuncles; they may be involved in impetigo, toxic shock syndrome, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections, as well as some food poisoning. They stay around hospitals and veterinary clinics waiting to get you. They are also a normal part of the mouth, throat, and skin flora in a third to a half of all of us, causing no problems, but just waiting. Staph has always been with us. Some even eat our antibiotics for breakfast.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Streptococcus (Strep)
A genus of gram-staining chain-forming cocci bacteria. Some are responsible for common and potentially serious human infections, ranging from scarlet fever and strep throat to bacterial endocarditis and pus pockets. Most of the disease-potential streps are also a normal part of the skin, mouth and upper respiratory flora.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Villi (Microvilli)
The villi are small but significant structures of the mucosal layer of the small intestine. They are finger-like (or hair-like) projections, 0.5 to 1mm in length, that cover the mucosal surface and increase its absorptive area. Each villus contains a capillary network, a lymphatic vessel, and smooth muscle fibers. The villi are covered with absorptive cells that have cytoplasmic extensions known as microvilli; the microvilli serve to further increase the absorptive surface. The total increase in absorptive surface provided by the villi and microvilli is some 600-fold. The microvilli form what is known as the brush border; the cells that make up the brush border contain many enzymes and carrier substances that facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Vitamin K
Helps the blood clot when the body is injured.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Nov 21, 2008
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