What is lactobacillus acidophilus good for?
Lactobacillus acidophilus are friendly, live bacteria, often found in fermented foods, that are widely known to support healthy digestion in the form of probiotic supplements.
In addition to that, there is an ever-growing body of research that indicates that they can be beneficial for other aspects of our heath too, such as facilitating weight loss, improving the immune system, and regulating cholesterol, as a few examples.
Role in the immune system
More and more studies are starting to reveal that an imbalance between the bad bacteria and good bacteria in the digestive tract is associated with an increase in overall risk of disease, with the imbalance generally meaning that you have more bad bacteria than good bacteria.
Interestingly, this imbalance often results from illness itself, from following a poor diet, or from taking antibiotics. The imbalance can then result in digestive problems, obesity, allergies, or an impaired immune system, which in turn could lead to further disease, creating a vicious cycle.
Benefits for cardiovascular health & weight loss
It is also thought that certain probiotics, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in particular, may contribute to a healthy heart by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They do this by breaking down bile in the gut and preventing it from being reabsorbed back into the body through the bloodstream once digestion is over, as bile is composed mainly of cholesterol.
In a similar fashion, these probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat via the intestines, which can be conductive to weight loss.
Role in mental health
However, it is not just our physical health that is affected by our microscopic friends, as an increasing number of studies have found an association between our gut health and our mental health. Of course, we have intuitively known for millennia that a healthy stomach is key to a good mood, but modern research now shows that probiotic supplements are able to improve several mental health conditions, both in animal studies and human studies alike.
When should I take lactobacillus acidophilus?
Some beneficial bacteria can be easily damaged by stomach acid, however some strains of probiotic bacteria are more acid-tolerant than others, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which actually means "acid loving", as it is known to thrive in acidic environments.
Research seems to conclude that survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus is highest when taken shortly before a meal.
What should I avoid taking lactobacillus acidophilus with?
Avoid with grape seed extract
It is advisable to avoid taking grape seed extract at the same time as taking products or supplements that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, as grape seed extract is known to inhibit the growth of this bacteria.
Avoid with antibiotics
It is advisable to avoid taking Lactobacillus acidophilus within 2 hours of taking any type of antibiotic medicine, as they could completely negate the beneficial effects of the bacteria.
What are natural sources of lactobacillus acidophilus?
If you are interested in achieving your daily lactobacillus acidophilus intake through your diet, rich sources of lactobacillus acidophilus include:
- Yoghurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Natto
- Kombucha
While it is generally assumed that these fermented foods have been enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus, you should always read the label to double-check. For example, some preparations of sauerkraut, kimchi, which involve the fermentation of cabbage, might have been pasteurized to increase their shelf-life, thus negating any potential beneficial bacteria.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus data sources & further reading
- https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/the-best-time-to-take-a-probiotic
- https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/about/probiotics/is-time-of-day-important-when-you-take-probiotics
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-health-benefits-of-probiotics
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/lactobacillus-acidophilus.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16759/grape-seed-extract-oral/details
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025