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Lactobacillus acidophilus: The Health Benefits of Probiotics

Published October 12, 2015

Thanks to advances in the understanding of the human body and bacteria, the incredible list of benefits that probiotics offer has been brought to light! Knowing if probiotics are right for you specifically might be a challenge, but knowing a little bit more about the family of lactic acid (including the individual strains) will provide the best results. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a strain you've probably seen in commercial yogurt and probiotic supplements. It turns out that its health benefits are numerous and promising, particularly in the areas of lactose intolerance, cardiovascular health, digestion, and immune health. ^[1]

Lactobacillus Acidophilus: The Health Benefits of Probiotics

One of the best strains of probiotics out there is Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Much like Lactobacillus Brevis, this strain of probiotic occurs naturally within the body. Not only does it promote digestive tract and immune system health, it also helps in the production of lactase. ^[2] This could provide some benefit to those with lactose intolerance. Some research suggests L. acidophilus may also provide some benefit for cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol. ^[3]

It helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive tract by producing vitamin K, lactase, acidolphilin, acidolin, bacteriocin, and lactocidin. In doing so, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps your body naturally break down lactose into simple sugars. It even modulates immune system function. ^[4] Some research even suggests it may provide some help with urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and bacteria deficiencies caused by antibiotics.

Sources of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus can be found in a variety of food sources, from yogurt and kimchi to sauerkraut and kombucha. A good-quality supplement that contains high volumes of probiotic bacteria will often contain L. acidophilus. To maximize the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement, look for one that contains prebiotics. In addition to this, don't forget to also include prebiotic-rich foods in your diet. Prebiotics are found in foods high in fiber like asparagus, beans, and garlic. They act as food for probiotics and promote the health and growth of any probiotics in your body.