What Does Acidophilus Do to Digestion?
-
What is Acidophilus?
-
Acidophilus is a bacteria known as a probiotic that occurs naturally in the digestive tract. It exists not only in the gut, but also in dairy products and the environment. Acidophilus facilitates the body's use of of essential fatty acids and vitamin K, but its claim to fame is helping synthesize B vitamins.
Digestion
-
Probiotics, such as acidophilus, improve food digestion by helping normalize the gut transit time---slowing in the case of diarrhea and speeding in the case of constipation. Gary W. Elmer, professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Washington and co-author of "The Power of Probiotics," says the mechanisms of how probiotics act are still not completely understood. However, he indicates that evidence shows probiotics elaborate enzymes that help digest food, much in the way that gut bacteria aid digestion.
-
Blocking Pathogens
-
Acidophilus also keeps away pathogenic bacteria. It shuts out bad bacteria by maintaining a pH level in the colon that's inhospitable to pathogenic organisms. Elmer adds probiotics also can produce products, such as actic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and protease enzymes, that make the environment unfavorable for growth of pathogens.
Balances Effects of Antibiotics
-
Since antibiotics destroy the normal protective flora in the digestive tract, or at least throw them out of balance, this leaves the system vulnerable to infection. So while on antibiotics, you should also consider consuming acidophilus, which will help rebalance the digestive environment.
-
