Lactobacillus acidophilus, or acidophilus for short, is one of the most useful organisms in your body. Acidophilus a beneficial bacteria, 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. Acidophilus or lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used good or friendly bacteria. These bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against the entrance and proliferation of harmful organisms that can cause diseases.

Acidophilus aids digestive system, because different factors decrease the number of lactic acid producing bacteria that live and work in the gastrointestinal tract and protect us from harmful disease-causing bacteria. Among these factors, it is possible to find narcotics, alcohol, diet deficiencies, aging, antibiotics, drugs, medications, nicotine, and stressful living.

Acidophilus is a drug that helps us to maintain intestinal health, to prevent vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections of the mouth, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. Moreover serves as a natural antibiotic against principally harmful organisms. If you take acidophilus as a nutritional supplement, it will help maintain the normal balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and vagina. Acidophilus is also used for different diseases such us: Acne, AIDS, Bacterial overgrowth in the bowel, Cancer, Canker sores, Cardiovascular disease, Colon cancer, Constipation, Crohn's disease, Diverticulitis, Fever blisters Heartburn, Hives, Immune system stimulant, Indigestion, Infections, Stomach ulcers, Thrush, Ulcerative colitis, Urinary tract infection, Vaginal yeast infections.

Acidophilus may provide additional health benefits, including a boosted immune system, improved gastrointestinal function, and a decrease in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Acidophilus may also provides relief from indigestion and diarrhea. Research at University has indicated Acidophilus may be helpful reducing serum cholesterol levels. Studies also indicated that treatment with Acidophilus resulted in a 10 to 12% reduced risk of coronary heart disease in persons with high blood serum cholesterol levels.

Acidophilus protects the body through different aspects. One mechanism is through the breakdown of its food. When food is brokedown, it leads to production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other by products that make the environment hostile for undesired organism. Acidophilus also produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into simple sugars. People who are lactose intolerant do not produce this enzyme. For this reason, Acidophilus supplements may be beneficial for these individuals.

Acidophilus offer a variety of potential therapeutic uses. These include the following:

• Acidophilus aids in digestion and suppresses disease-causing bacteria.
• Acidophilus helps in replacing the "friendly" intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics.
• Acidophilus may be used for preventing and treating diarrhea, including infectious diarrhea, particularly from rotavirus, a virus that commonly causes diarrhea in children.
• Acidophilus helps in preventing and/or reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and cystitis (bladder inflammation). The best scientific evidence exists for vaginal infections.
• Acidophilus lowers risk of allergies. Examples include asthma, hay fever, food allergies to milk, and skin reactions such as eczema.
• Acidophilus helps to treat high cholesterol.
• Acidophilus enhances the immune response. Studies have suggested that the consumption of yogurt and milk that contains specific strains acidophilus supplements improve the natural immune response.

Acidophilus may increase gassiness for a few days. This effect is because your intestines adjust to the bacterial shift. No serious effects are reported.