Acidophilus Side Effects

Although the term 'acidophilus' might be difficult to pronounce, one will certainly not mind, once the benefits of this medicine are known. Acidophilus is basically the name of a bacteria that grows in our body. More precisely, it is a 'friendly' or 'good' bacteria that chooses the intestines as their home ground. These micro-organisms (probiotics) are also found in a large number in the digestive tract and the vagina. Cultured dairy products like yogurt, and fermented products such as sauerkraut are natural sources of acidophilus.

Benefits of Acidophilus
Acidophilus, available at various health stores in the form of tablets, pills or capsules, is prescribed to keep the intestines healthy, and free from harmful bacteria. Many doctors recommend the use of acidophilus supplements (tablets) along with antibiotic treatment, as oral antibiotics cause significant reduction in the friendly bacteria (acidophilus). Acidophilus, also referred to as L.acidophilus, is also used in the treatment of yeast and urinary tract infections. Read more on probiotic acidophilus supplement.

Acidophilus Side Effects
Probiotic acidophilus side effects are few and not at all life threatening. In other words, side effects associated with acidophilus, is a minor issue and not a cause for great concern. Most importantly, experiencing lactobacillus acidophilus side effects is a temporary phase that goes away, once the dosage is reduced. Some of these side effects are listed below:

Abdominal Discomfort: This is the most common problem faced by many, when taking this product. The abdominal pain is mild, that lasts for a short duration.

Bloating: Some people taking this product complain about stomach bloating, which is a minor problem and gets resolved on its own without any medical treatment.

Digestive Issues: People using acidophilus also complain about gas buildup in the stomach. This increase in gas, accompanied by stomach discomfort, may be experienced initially but these side effects last only for a short time.

Diarrhea: One of the acidophilus side effects, diarrhea, may occur for a few days. However, there is nothing to worry about, as it indicates that medicines is working by retarding the growth of 'bad' bacteria in the intestine.

Things to Keep In Mind
Though the benefits of acidophilus outweigh the potential side effects, there are a few instances when this treatment option can be harmful or dangerous to undergo. The following things should be kept in mind before opting for acidophilus use, in order to avoid serious health issues.

• Infections involving the heart valves have also been reported. Doctors assert that people who have artificial heart valves are likely to suffer from this type of infection.
• Some women have experienced a burning sensation near the vagina when using this medicinal product.
• People allergic to acidophilus should not consume it. This is because allergic reactions caused by acidophilus can bring about serious damage to the skin. Serious side effects include the presence of rashes or hives on the skin. The itchiness and dryness of the skin may go away only when the medicine is discontinued.
• People with impaired immune system or who have just recovered from a serious illness need to stay away from this product.
• A suppressed immune system due to diseases or treatments like chemotherapy, may be not be able to tolerate acidophilus, leading to serious infections. Research is also yet to prove the safety of this medicine for pregnant women. So avoiding this product during pregnancy would be the best option.

A point to note is that acidophilus supplements haven't yet received an FDA approval. So before using these medicines, consultation with a doctor is essential. Overall, acidophilus side effects are mild but people with existing health problems such as intestinal damage or stomach problems, need to avoid intake of acidophilus tablets or capsules. Also, purchasing these medicines from a reliable source can significantly decrease the risk of side effects.