2021's 10 Best Lactobacillus Acidophilus
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Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common bacterium that occurs naturally in the human body. It’s known as a probiotic bacteria – meaning “pro-life” – and supports good health.(See Reference 1)

Lactobacillus acidophilus makes up an integral part of the human microbiome – the trillions of “healthy” bacteria found throughout the body, including the digestive tract, urinary tract and skin. This amazing microbiome helps with digesting food and synthesizing certain vitamins. Lactobacillus acidophilus also forms compounds like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that inhibit “unhealthy” bacteria. (See Reference 2)

You can increase your levels of lactobacillus bacteria by eating prebiotic and fermented foods such as:

• Oats
• Onions
• Garlic
• Bananas
• Artichokes
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Yogurt

We suggest adding a convenient Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement to your diet to improve the health of your microbiome.

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Health Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Antibiotic Overuse

There’s no doubt that antibiotics save lives, but over-prescription of antibiotics has become the unfortunate norm in conventional medicine. This is bad news for the gut microbiome because they kill bacteria indiscriminately, the good along with the bad. (See Reference 4) Without enough good bacteria the bad guys multiply quickly and cause side-effects and complications like digestive problems and yeast infections.

Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements should be taken during and after antibiotic use to replace the healthy “bugs.”

Digestive Function

Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus are the cornerstone of digestive wellness. Acidophilus bacteria ferment carbohydrates in the digestive tract to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate. Butyrate is the main energy source for the cells lining the gut, so it promotes healthy gut barrier function and reduces inflammation.

Many studies have found that this strain helps to manage GI conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). (See Reference 6)

Lactobacillus acidophilus is also useful for people with lactose intolerance as it breaks down lactose in the digestive tract to promote healthy digestion. A 2016 study on adults with lactose intolerance found that lactobacillus acidophilus reduced intolerance symptoms, especially diarrhea, cramps and vomiting. (See Reference 7)

Immunity

Consuming Lactobacillus acidophilus supports immunity because much of the immune system resides in the gut – a healthy gut microbiome is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Acidophilus enhances immune function by inhibiting “bad” bacteria that could lead to infections of the digestive, urinary and respiratory systems.

A 2009 study on young children found that supplementing with Lactobacillus acidophilus twice daily for six months effectively lowered the duration and occurrence of fever, cough and runny nose. It also reduced the number of antibiotics prescribed. (See Reference 8)

Allergies

A study on children with pollen allergies found that Lactobacillus acidophilus resulted in fewer nasal allergy symptoms and lowered levels of eosinophils – white blood cells produced by the immune system during allergic reactions. (See Reference 9)

Mood

Our gut and brain communicate constantly via the nerves lining the GI tract – the enteric nervous system (ENS). So, it’s no surprise that improving our gut health by taking probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus can influence this gut-brain connection and regulate mood.

A 2016 review study found that probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant overall reduction in low mood and was also associated with depression prevention. (See Reference 10)

Skin Health

Lactobacillus acidophilus is great for our skin because healthy skin needs a healthy gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria regulate inflammation and minimize the growth of bad bacteria that may be involved in the development of eczema, acne and rosacea. (See Reference 11)

Several studies have convincingly shown that taking oral acidophilus is safe and effective for treating skin complaints like red and itchy eczema in adults and children. (See Reference 3) (See Reference 12)

References

1. Heathline: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
2. Wiley Online: Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression?
3. Livescience: Probiotics hold Promise for Skin Conditions
4. NIH: Synbiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM and Cellobiose Does Not Affect Human Gut Bacterial Diversity but Increases Abundance of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Cross-Over Trial
5. NIH: Therapeutic Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus-SDC 2012, 2013 in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
6. NIH: Potential Beneficial Effects of Butyrate in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases
7. NIH: The Effects of the DDS-1 Strain of Lactobacillus on Symptomatic Relief for Lactose Intolerance – A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial
8. NIH: Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children
9. NIH: Specific Probiotics Alleviate Allergic Rhinitis During the Birch Pollen Season
10. NIH: Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
11. NIH: Efficacy of Prolonged Ingestion of Lactobacillus Acidophilus L-92 in Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatiti
12. NIH: Effects of Oral Administration of Lactobacillus Acidophilus L-92 on the Symptoms and Serum Markers of Atopic Dermatitis in Children