Lactobacillus acidophilus

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Other Vital Nutraceuticals & Nutrients |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a "friendly" strain of bacteria, which colonises the intestines where it helps prevent intestinal infections. Lactobacillus also flourishes in the vagina, where it protects women against yeast infections. Along with other "friendly" microbes, Lactobacillus is known as a "probiotic".

ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:

Lactobacillus and other probiotics may help to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea caused by antibiotics; there have been suggestions that it may also help irritable bowel syndrome. There is also some evidence that the bacteria may help to strengthen the immune system.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Not applicable

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

A typical daily dose of Lactobacillus should supply about 3-5 billion live organisms. As many as 30% of people taking an antibiotic will develop diarrhea (due to the drug’s creating an imbalance in natural intestinal flora). Among people who develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea, about a third will go on to develop colitis (inflammation of the colon) Lactobacillus acidophilus in two 8-oz servings of yogurt per day can reduce the rate of antibiotic-induced diarrhea by half.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not known

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Immunocompromised people should consult their doctor before taking probiotics.


Health Headlines

Gut Bacteria May Promote Weight Gain
In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
Reduce Income Inequalities to Save Millions of Lives and Improve Quality of Life
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Chocolate May Slash Stress
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
Among Youngest Older Americans, Disability on the Rise
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Living to 100 Linked to Variant of Telomere Enzyme
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Keep Muscles Strong to Slash Risk of Cognitive Decline
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cumulative Exposure to Common Infections May Raise Risk of Stroke
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
Chemical Present in Plastic Bottles, Canned Products Linked to Male Reproductive Problems
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Promote Walking to Encourage Healthy Habits
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Poor Leadership at Work Can Make Employees Sick
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »