Lactobacillus acidophilus or commonly known as acidophilus is a kind of bacteria which is present in the intestines and the vaginal area. The bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus helps in controlling the level of acid formation in the body and prevents the growth of any harmful bacteria in the human body. The bacteria acidophilus is used to treat a number of diseases in humans. Acidophilus is found in milk products like yogurt, kefir and is also available in pill form and powder form. Side effects of acidophilus are minimal and rare but that can be easily avoided if an individual consults a doctor before using the medications containing the bacteria acidophilus. However, a basic knowledge of the side effects will be helpful for individuals in dealing with them.
Irritation in the vagina
Women may experience irritation in the vagina when an individual consumes acidophilus vaginal tablets. These acidophilus vaginal tablets can often irritate the vaginal tissues which are sensitive and may result in a painful and burning feeling in the individual. This causes immense discomfort to the women. This irritation may subside with continual usage of the tablets. However, if the irritation persists, and the pain continues unabated accompanied with yellow discharge, fever, inflammation and pain in the abdomen, one should consult a doctor immediately.
Infection
Infection may also arise in individuals using acidophilus pills or powder containing the bacteria. Individuals may experience heart valve infections while consuming the pills or powder. Individuals with artificial heart valves, intestinal damage or those who have a weak immune system should avoid the use of the bacteria containing pills or powders. In these individuals, the bacteria can help in the growth of certain harmful bacteria which can increase the formation of certain infections in the body.
Stomach problems
Stomach problem is one of the most common side effects of the bacteria. Like human beings, bacteria also need food for their survival. The acidophilus bacteria live in the intestines and the digestive tract is a rich place full of undigested food for the bacteria to feed on. Sugars and fibers are the most common undigested foods in the digestive tract. Healthy bacteria help in breaking down and consuming these leftover foods. After an individual consumes food, the bacteria digest the food and also release small amounts of gas like carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen. Individuals who consume acidophilus pills or powders increase the amount of bacteria in the digestive tract. This leads to an increase in the amount of gas formation in the stomach. For this reason, an individual may experience bloating, fullness in excessive amount and even flatulence. These are not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing for an individual to deal with.
Medication interactions
Acidophilus may not go well with certain medications. People under certain medications should avoid taking pills or powders containing acidophilus. Antibiotics should not be taken with acidophilus. Antibiotics work in the human body by destroying both the good and the bad bacteria present in the human body. Using an antibiotic with acidophilus pills may deter the work done by the pro biotic supplement. For individuals who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, should avoid the taking of acidophilus pills or powders. If your immune system cannot protect you from the infection, consuming acidophilus will simply increase the infection level in your body, which is not at all desirable for individuals with a weak immune system.
Avoid during pregnancy
Various research have been conducted on the various side effects of the bacteria, acidophilus. However, very little research has been done with relation to pregnant women and the effect of the bacteria on the unborn baby. With the minimal research that has been conducted, it has been found that avoiding the bacteria during pregnancy is the best option for women. There are often quality problems associated with the bacteria. For the bacteria to work effectively, the bacteria should live. However, in many cases it has been found that the product is improperly stored or may be old enough to keep the bacteria alive for effective treatment of the ailment for which it is consumed. This may cause complications in the body of the pregnant woman and may also harm the unborn baby.
If you are lactose intolerant, avoid acidophilus
The main source of the bacteria acidophilus is dairy products such as yogurt, enriched milk or kefir. There are many individuals who have problem with the compound called lactose found in dairy products. They develop problems of infection when they consume such dairy products. Individuals who are lactose intolerant should also avoid acidophilus containing powders or pills. It has been found that they also develop problems when they consume acidophilus pills or powders. Hence, if an individual is lactose intolerant, he should avoid dairy products and all those compounds containing acidophilus to avoid the chances of an infection from spreading in their body.
Diarrhea
Using acidophilus may increase the chances of formation of diarrhea in many individuals. This happens when individuals take acidophilus in doses which are more than required by their body. This causes problem in their stomach leading to diarrhea. For preventing the formation of diarrhea, an individual should consume in recommended doses acidophilus pills or powders. Consulting your doctor and stating your medical history before starting the consumption of acidophilus pills is always a safe option.
Other side effects
Apart from the above mentioned side effects, some other side effects are also found to be occurring in individuals who consume acidophilus pills and powders. Developing chest pain is one such side effect. This may be due to the gas that has been formed due to the increase in the number of bacteria in the digestive tract of an individual. Breathing trouble may also develop in an individual. When individuals will develop any of these problems, they should immediately consult a doctor to prevent the issue from turning towards something of a greater dimension and avoiding complications in the body of the individual.
