Acidophilus for Gas & Bloating

Acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria that lives inside your intestines. Also found in cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, you can take acidophilus in pill form to replenish the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system. Gas and bloating can be caused by many factors, most of which lead to an imbalance of the bacteria in your stomach and intestines. Acidophilus supplements are safe to take every day and are very helpful to people who suffer from chronic and reoccurring gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and bloating.

Function

Lactobacillus acidophilus aids in digestion by promoting the growth of health bacteria in the stomach and intestines. You can find acidophilus capsules at any health food or drug store and many grocery stores. Most types of acidophilus require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive. Acidophilus aids in the production of enzymes that help digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats, according to Khem Shahani, a professor of food science at the University of Nebraska.

Use

What Is the Daily Dose of Acidophilus?

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Your digestive system is full of beneficial bacteria that help your body digest food. Sometimes the good bacteria can be destroyed, allowing harmful bacteria to take over, which can lead to stomach upset, including painful gas and bloating. An imbalance of bacteria can be caused by stress, illness and poor diet, but is most frequently a side effect of taking antibiotics. According to dietitian Gale Maleskey in her book “Nature's Medicines,” taking acidophilus capsules can restore the balance of good bacteria in your intestines.

Benefits

Acidophilus can be taken in pill form for ease of use, but is also present in a variety of foods including yogurt. According to Maleskey, eating yogurt that contains live acidophilus can reduce the symptoms of gas and bloating. Maleskey claims that taking acidophilus can ease the pain of gas and bloating caused by lactose intolerance, since acidophilus contains large amounts of the enzyme lactase, which helps the body digest lactose.

Expert Insight

Should I Take a Probiotic Every Day?

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The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 5 billion to 10 billion colon forming units (CFUs) of lactobacillus acidophilus per day to aid in proper digestion. Taking daily doses of acidophilus can help reduce gas and bloating in patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or any recurring intestinal upset.

Considerations

Maleskey warns that anyone suffering from severe gastrointestinal illness should consult a doctor before taking acidophilus supplements. She also claims that taking more than 10 billion CFUs of acidophilus per day could lead to mild stomach upset.