›› Acidophilus
Lactobacillus
acidophilus, or acidophilus for short, is one of the most useful
organisms in your body. Acidophilus is a probiotic, one of the
organisms living in the stomach and the intestines which are necessary
for the correct absorption and assimilation of nutrients, as well as
for the defense of your digestive system against harmful organisms.
These “intestinal flora”, as they are known, keep
Candida, a virulent strain of yeast which lives in the body, as well as
other harmful organisms, in balance so that they do not begin to
overgrow and cause harm.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can be thrown out of balance by many factors.
These include the use of steroidal hormones, the consumption of
excessively processed food, a depressed immune system, and even some
over the counter so-called remedies. But the most common factor is the
use and overuse of antibiotics. Broad spectrum antibiotics –
that is, antibiotics which kill not just one targeted organism, but any
bacteria which they come into contact with – devastate the
digestive system, Killing off not just acidophilus, but many other
necessary bacteria which line the stomach and intestinal walls. Once
the acidophilus is killed off, the yeast can move in, causing all
manner of horrifying health problems. Unexplained aches and pains,
nausea, depression, moodiness, sexual dysfunction, and all manner of
digestive ailments, are just a few of the countless symptoms of
candidiasis, or candida overgrowth. Once the acidophilus is depleted,
the health effects are almost inevitable.
Fortunately, Lactobacillus acidophilus is really rather easy to
replenish. There are many acidophilus pills on the market which, when
eaten with a meal, can introduce billions of live organisms back to the
digestive system, to undo some of the damages which the antibiotics
did. In addition, yogurt contains live acidophilus cultures, and when
added to the daily diet, is one of the most effective ways to replenish
acidophilus in the gut. If antibiotic use was frequent enough, however,
more most be done to fully recover from all of the damages.
One necessary step to restoring levels of friendly bacteria is to treat
the candida overgrowth. This is accomplished through a combination of
different factors. A special diet, low in processed foods and simple
carbohydrates, and high in meats and lightly cooked vegetables is an
essential first step. Probiotic supplements, as well as a medicine to
treat the fungal infection, such as Diflucan, or an herbal
supplement, will also be necessary.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
