Acidophilus & Friendly Bacteria

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of two common bacterial cultures which can have a beneficial effect on our health.

It can be found in fermented foods and yogurts as well as supplements like the Holland & Barrett Mega Potency Acidophilus capsules.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is sometimes referred to as L. acidophilus or even just acidophilus. Acidophilus is naturally found in the gut, mouth and vagina.

The other most common bacterial culture is called Bifidobacterium bifidum and this is also found in yogurts, fermented foods as well as cured meats and certain wines.

We should not underestimate the importance of good gut health. A healthy gut is the key to overall health.

A healthy gut is full of good bacteria and immune cells.

The gut also communicates with the brain through our nerves and hormones, which maintains our general health and wellbeing.

Acidophilus is found naturally in a number of fermented foods including sauerkraut, miso and tempeh, as well as in sourdough bread.

It is also added to cheese as well as yogurts, to give them a thicker texture and to give it its sour taste.

If you are not getting enough of this good bacteria through your diet then you can choose to add a daily supplement to your routine.

Holland & Barrett Gut Powered Immune Support Capsules help to ensure that your gut gets everything it needs to stay healthy.

When you ferment milk to make yoghurt, you create live bacterial cultures, however only some types of yoghurt have added probiotics.

Check the label on the yoghurt as it will tell you if and what probiotics are in the yoghurt. Some yoghurts have the National Yoghurt Association's “Live and Active Culture” seal, but if not, check the ingredients.

Bananas are high in prebiotics, which activate friendly probiotic bacteria often found in yoghurt and kefir.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, commonly referred to as L. acidophilus, is a live bacterial culture often chosen as a gut health aid.

Commonly taken as a supplement or in fermented foods such as yoghurts, miso, kefir and sauerkraut, L. acidophilus is safe for the most people to consume daily.

However, those with compromised immune systems should consult first their GP.

Each L. acidophilus product is unique and so we recommend checking packaging carefully for dosage recommendations.

It is also important to be aware that consuming L. acidophilus daily can cause minor side effects such as bloating, gas and increased thirst.

With billions of bacteria, good and bad, residing in your gut, it is almost inevitable that these will have some sort of effect on your weight.

Many live bacteria strains, including L. acidophilus, have been loosely linked to both weight loss and weight gain.

Some scientific studies have observed that L. acidophilus, along with other Lactobacillus species, can cause weight gain.

These studies also conclude that alternative Lactobacillus species, including L. Plantarum, are associated with weight loss.

However, more data is required to definitively judge the effect these strains of friendly bacteria might have on weight.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, commonly referred to as L. acidophilus, is a live bacterial culture naturally found in the gut.

Commonly taken as a supplement or in fermented foods such as yoghurts, miso, kefir and sauerkraut, L. acidophilus is safe for the most people to consume daily.

However, those with compromised immune systems should consult first their GP.

Each L. acidophilus product is unique and so we recommend checking packaging carefully for dosage recommendations.

It is also important to be aware that consuming L. acidophilus daily can cause minor side effects such as bloating, gas and increased thirst.

With billions of bacteria, good and bad, residing in your gut, it is almost inevitable that these will have some sort of effect on your weight.

Some scientific studies have observed that L. acidophilus, along with other Lactobacillus species, can cause weight gain.

However, more data is required to definitively judge the effect these strains of friendly bacteria might have on weight.