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Lactobacillus Acidophilus
	Out of the hundreds of strains of bacteria resident in the human gastrointestinal tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus is but one -- but an extremely important one. Around 500 species of bacteria, as well as many species of yeast and other organisms, inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract and make up the "gut flora". Luckily for us a large number of these organisms don't cause disease -- instead, they help protect us from disease. You may have noticed food products like yogurt that contain these bacteria. It is becoming more common for them to be added, just as vitamins and minerals are added to some food products. Usually these other organisms are kept in balance with the friendly bacteria. L. acidophilus and similar strains are used in cultured dairy products such as yogurt. Other major useful functions of friendly bacteria include: Producing short chain fatty acids which supply a valuable proportion of human energy requirements Producing a number of valuable nutrients notably B vitamins and vitamin K Participating in the metabolism of drugs, hormones and carcinogens Protecting the host from infection by pathogenic bacteria (through competing for space and production of anti-bacterial substances amongst other methods.) Maintaining a healthy intestinal pH Enhancing immune function. For many years, the addition of these "good" bacteria to our intestinal tract has been used to promote health. Uses of probiotics have been especially helpful when antibiotic use kills many of the good bacteria, allowing other less beneficial bacteria to take up residence in the gut. Lactobacilli have active anti-microbial characteristics and are able to kill various pathogens such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. coli and the yeast Candida. The benefits of lactobacillus and other probiotics are only now coming to full light, so expect much more research to be forthcoming in the next few years. There are a number of factors that can disrupt the balance of organisms in the intestines and lead to overgrowth of the less desirable species. Probably the most important factor is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. These medications don't discriminate between friendly and unfriendly bacteria. This means that every time you take one of these drugs for an infection your are wiping out large numbers of the friendly bacteria in your intestines that give protection from other, potentially harmful, intestinal residents.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus benefits or hinders:
	Lactose Intolerance Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers) Hepatitis Poor Small Intestine Health