Difference between revisions of "Buy Acidophilus"

{{fa}}Acidophilus (Lactobacillus or L. acidophilus) is a probiotic, or “good bacteria” that helps break down food in your colon. Studies show that it can curb the growth of disease-causing pathogens in the digestive tract, manage gastrointestinal conditions, reduce antibiotic-induced diarrhea, aid digestion, and help with other conditions like lung infections or skin issues.<ref name="rf1">http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lactobacillus-acidophilus-000310.htm</ref> Acidophilus is found naturally in yogurt, but it also can be purchased as a supplement at health food stores, pharmacies or online vitamin distributors. But because some manufacturers advertise their products inaccurately, it's important to know what to look for when buying probiotics.<ref name="rf2">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/790.html</ref>

#Learn what acidophilus is and what it's used for. This naturally occurring "good bacteria" helps to break down food in your colon and protect against “bad bacteria.” Though you can ingest it through food, you can't get adequate amounts that way. For the best results, you should take a supplement as well to help with various GI issues and other conditions. Though there are many types, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic.<ref name="rf3"> http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lactobacillus-acidophilus-000310.htm</ref> It's used to treat many different conditions, including:<ref name="rf4"> http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/790.html </ref>

#*Research is currently being conducted to see if probiotics are effective in treating lactose intolerance and helping the immune system.<ref name="rf5"> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/probiotics/Pages/Introduction.aspx#immune </ref>

#Talk to your doctor about using acidophilus. If you're using acidophilus as a general dietary supplement, you should take 1 to 4 billion CFU (colony forming units) per day.<ref name="rf3" /> The packaging of reliable suppliers will let you know the strength of the probiotic supplements you buy. However, your doctor may prescribe smaller or larger doses if acidophilus is being used to treat a specific condition — yeast infections, for example.<ref name="rf6">http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus</ref> When using to treat a specific condition, follow your doctor's recommended dosage rather than general dosage recommendations.

#*Acidophilus can be problematic if you have a pre-existing gastro-intestinal condition, like short bowel syndrome.<ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acidophilus/safety/hrb-20058615</ref> Discuss your options with your doctor.

#Be prepared for mild side effects.<ref name="rf7" /> The lactose intolerant may react to acidophilus because the manufacturing process can leave small amounts of lactose in the final product. However, the most common side effect is bloating and gas, though it usually tapers off with continued use.

#Buy acidophilus from a reputable supplier. Because probiotics are considered dietary supplements, the FDA does not have to approve these products. They do, however, loosely regulate them. There are standards for the manufacturing of dietary supplements, and the FDA may periodically check the facilities.<ref name="rf8"> http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194344.htm</ref> Still, there's a chance that your dietary supplement is contaminated or does not actually contain what it claims to.<ref name="rf9"> http://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DS_WhatYouNeedToKnow.aspx </ref><ref name="rf10"> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/probiotics/Pages/Introduction.aspx#immune</ref>  It's important to buy probiotic supplements from a reputable supplier who guarantees its products.

#Look for independent quality guarantees. A reputable manufacturer will allow an independent organization like U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF international or Consumerlab.com to test their product. These seals of approval do not necessarily guarantee safety or effectiveness. However, they do ensure that the products actually contain what they claims to, and that they're not contaminated.<ref name="rf9" />

#Check the packaging for a CFU count guarantee.<ref name="rf11"> http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/CompliancePolicyGuidanceManual/ucm074707.htm</ref> Each acidophilus supplement should come with a CFU (Colony Forming Units) count guarantee, which is based on the count at the time of manufacturing. Most acidophilus supplements contain between 1 to 2 billion CFU. Do not purchase products without CFU count guarantees.

#Ensure the acidophilus is correctly handled. Acidophilus supplements contain live bacteria, so they should be stored and transported in cool conditions. The ideal temperature is below 40 degrees F (4.5 degrees C).<ref name="rf12">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21118623</ref> This may be hard to verify, but it is important information to consider.

#Check the ingredients in the acidophilus supplement. Some supplement manufacturers water down their product by mixing slow-growing acidophilus with other fast-growing bacteria. This increases the CFU count and makes it appear like a more effective product to consumers. Examples of fast-growing bacteria additions include other strains of Lactobacillus and Bacillus coagulants.<ref name="rf13">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1185.html</ref> Although these may have some research behind them, most studies use Lactobacillus acidophilus.

#Consider a variety of acidophilus supplements. Acidophilus is naturally produced in the body, and is normally found in the mouth, small intestine, and vagina.<ref name="rf14"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acidophilus/background/hrb-20058615</ref> However, you can supplement natural probiotic production with a variety of products — you don't have to restrict yourself to a single form! Lactobacillus supplements are available as pills, powders, or enriched foods at most health food stores, pharmacies or online vitamin distributors.<ref name="rf1" />

#Take acidophilus capsules. Capsules are the most popular way to take acidophilus because you can swallow the pills with water. The general recommended dosage is 1 to 2 capsules taken once a day. The capsules usually have a strength of 1 to 2 billion CFU, so you should get 1 to 4 billion CFU per day. <ref name="rf15">http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acidophilus/dosing/hrb-20058615</ref>

#Chew acidophilus tablets.<ref name="rf16">http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-56365/active-chewable-acidophilus-oral/details</ref> Chewable acidophilus tablets are a good alternative for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills. Just like the capsules, you need to get 1 to 4 billion CFU per day through 1 to 2 tablets.

#Mix acidophilus powder into your food.<ref name="rf17"> http://doctorklaper.com/answers/answers06/</ref> Acidophilus powder is available in large bottles through health food stores and online vitamin suppliers. The powder can be mixed with juice or water, or sprinkled over food. It has a slightly sweet and chalky taste. About 1/4 tsp. (1.23 ml) of the powder is equal to 2 capsules or tablets.

#*As opposed to tablets or capsules, you are in charge of measuring the correct dosage with powders. Measure carefully!<ref name="rf18">http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=44536</ref>

#Drink acidophilus milk.<ref name="rf19"> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2513349</ref> Acidophilus milk is available through health food stores and some grocery stores. The milk has a tangy taste and a slightly thicker consistency than cow's milk. Unlike the advertised CFU strength in tablets, capsules and powders, the amount of the supplement in the milk usually isn't verified. It can be hard to know how much acidophilus you're actually drinking.

#Ingest acidophilus through foods.<ref name="rf20"> http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/sources-acidophilus-9578.html</ref><ref name="rf21"> http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lactobacillus-acidophilus</ref> Yogurt and soy products contain natural forms of acidophilus. When choosing yogurt for its probiotic value, look for yogurt that contains live l. acidophilus cultures and no added sugars. Some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, also contain acidophilus. However, the amount of probiotics in food sources do not meet the recommended dosages for acidophilus supplements. Therefore, while yogurt, soy products and fresh produce are helpful in increasing probiotic intake, they are not a substitute for an acidophilus supplement.