Lactobacillus acidophilus...

Lactobacillus acidophilus in Yogurt: There are many microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract and while some are good for our health, some are not. Lactobacillus bacteria are considered good bacteria, since they are good for body metabolism, inhibit the growth of pathogenic or the harmful bacteria and stimulate the immune system of the human host. Lactobacillus bacteria are found in the human body, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the oral cavity.

The Lactobacillus acidophilus is also found in many dairy products like yogurt. Yogurt is very easy on your stomach since it gets digested easily. All those who cannot consume milk because of protein allergy or lactose intolerance, easily digest yogurt. Yogurt provides them with the enzymes that help a lactase deficient person in digesting.

The colon needs yogurt the most, since yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, the intestine-friendly bacteria. It fosters a healthy colon and lowers the risk of colon cancer. It also helps to reduce the conversion of bile into carcinogenic bile acids.

Yogurt is a rich source of calcium that helps to fight colon cancer, by checking the excessive growth of cells lining the colon. It also reduces the secretion of cancer producing bile acids. Research reveals that those who have at least two cups of yogurt a day produce higher levels of immunity boosting interferon or glycoprotein.

In addition to this, yogurt is known to heal intestinal infections and minimize the harsh effects of antibiotics on the friendly bacteria of intestines. Yogurt helps you to maintain healthy level of proteins in your body. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and acts as a growth stimulant food in children. It specially benefits children with poor appetites and irregular eating habits. It helps in digestion and its lactic acid content increases the absorption of minerals.

More about Lactobacillus Acidophilus bacterium: Lactobacillus acidophilus got its name from ‘lacto’ or milk and ‘bacillus’ or rod shaped. Acidophilus means ‘acid loving’. It thrives best in acidic environments than most microorganisms and grows best at 45 degree Celsius. Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including dairy products, grain, meat and fish.

This bacterium absorbs lactose and metabolizes it into lactic acid. It inhabits and protects the intestines and vagina. The breakdown of nutrients produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other by-products.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus: the Pro-biotic bacteria: The bacterium in lactobacillus acidophilus acts as a probiotic. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria or yeast which act as dietary supplements or probiotic. Lactic acid bacteria are used in food industry because they are able to convert sugar, including lactose and other carbohydrates into beneficial lactic acid that gives the food products like yogurt the sour taste.

Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic is sometimes prescribed by doctors and frequently prescribed by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics or as a part of the treatment for diseases like candidiasis or the yeast infection in exposed and moist parts of body, like the mouth.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidus digestivum: Many bacteria flourish in the digestive tracts of human beings, including the lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium varieties. A probiotic product like yogurt contains active lactobacillus acidophilus, which is now marketed as Bifidus digestivum.