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Soy Based Liquid Acidophilus
Facts About Intestinal Flora Specific strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, play an important role in maintaining human health and wellness. Many consumers are becoming aware of the importance of probiotics, or ‘friendly’ bacteria in human nutrition, and the several roles they play in maintaining overall health. Within the average human body, an estimated 10 quadrillion bacteria make their home in the digestive tract. These organisms are also referred to as intestinal flora. Fortunately, less than 1% of the over 400 different species of bacteria found in the intestines are potentially harmful. The majority of bacteria found in the intestinal tract are, in fact, directly beneficial, even essential for human health. Probiotic bacteria support good health primarily by limiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and facilitating good digestion.1 Typically, probiotics are consumed as part of cultured foods such as acidophilus milk, yogurt, soy tempeh, and cultured wheat (idli). Several strains of intestinal bacteria found in these foods, specifically Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. thermophilus, multiply and thrive in the moist, warm environment of the human body by feeding on carbohydrates and protein in the digestive tract. Colonies of these friendly bacteria are then established along the intestinal walls. The primary role of L. acidophilus and other intestinal flora is to reinforce protective mucosal surfaces and prevent the entrance and attachment of harmful microorganisms and allergens. According to experts, regular consumption of probiotics is the best way to maintain healthy intestinal flora, since Lactobacilli species do not survive for very long in the colon, and need to be routinely replenished.2,3 Benefits of Probiotics Healthy Digestion In addition to actually producing numerous vitamins, probiotics also support healthy digestion. Fermented foods containing probiotic bacteria are particularly healthy, since many of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are already partially digested by the bacteria. This increases the overall digestibility and nutritional value of the food; specifically the amount of B-vitamins.4,5 Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). Individuals who do not effectively produce enough lactase are referred to as ‘lactose intolerant.’ In converting it to lactic acid, lactobacilli can ferment as much as half of the lactose in milk, which results in fewer digestive problems for lactose intolerant individuals.4,6 Inhibiting Bacterial Growth Probiotics compete for space along the intestinal walls, edging out pathogens (harmful bacteria). When there are well established colonies of friendly bacteria in the intestine, potentially harmful bacteria are simply not able to multiply and establish a foothold. This action has been known to particularly inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, E. coli, and salmonella.2,3,7,8 Probiotics are also voracious ‘eaters;’ devouring nutrients that could otherwise support the growth and establishment of harmful microorganisms and, in effect, starve them out.9 Probiotics possess antibiotic properties, maintaining a low, acidic pH in the intestines and vagina that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.10,11 Lactobacilli are one of the primary kinds of bacteria found in normal vaginal flora, and their presence is believed to inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Candida.3,7,11 Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and natural antibodies known as bacteriocins and microcins.12 The acids reduce the pH of the intestinal surface area, while hydrogen peroxide inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts.13 Bacteriocins and microcins kill microbes and bacteria.14,15 Although diarrhea can have several causes, it invariably results in the flushing out of almost all bacteria living in the intestine, leaving the body vulnerable. It is important to replenish the body with probiotics during and after incidences of diarrhea. That is why probiotic supplements are especially useful for travelers.16 Recolonization After Antibiotic Use Antibiotics are given to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics indiscriminately destroy bacteria, both good and bad, leaving the intestine without its normal, probiotic flora. In this compromised state, disease-causing bacteria can multiply unhindered.17 Ironically, antibiotics can ultimately contribute to the growth of unhealthy bacteria. When taken during and after antibiotic use, L. acidophilus rapidly restores normal intestinal flora.2,17 Nature’s Life VegetariannSoy Based Liquid Lactobacillus Acidophilus Nature’s Life uses the same basic principles in producing our Lactobacillus acidophilus products that were used by prehistoric nomadic peoples. Of course, we now use modern, high volume equipment. Large fermentation tanks and freeze-driers maintain consistency in each batch. These and other improvements, along with highly trained personnel, validated scientific methods, and quality assurance practices ensure that every batch meets our high standards for quality and consistency. Nature’s Life Vegetarian Lactobacillus acidophilus is cultured on nutrient-dense soy protein. This process ensures that individuals with dairy sensitivities can benefit from probiotic supplementation by having an alternative to traditional, dairy (milk, yogurt) based Lactobacillus cultures. Only pure crystalline fructose (fruit sugar) and natural blueberries are used for flavor. Only purified, pasteurized water is used. Our growth medium has a broad range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, organic acids, and phytonutrients. Temperature and moisture are carefully controlled during the several days needed for the organisms to multiply to peak potency. Nature’s Life Blueberry Lactobacillus acidophilus differs slightly from our other acidophilus liquids in its texture and consistency. Our blueberry acidophilus is somewhat thicker, with a creamy texture somewhere between thin yogurt and a milk shake. Quality Nature’s Life acidophilus is NOT filtered, centrifuged, or otherwise concentrated or separated from its growth medium to artificially obtain higher concentrations of bacteria. Centrifuging may damage the lactobacillus by altering the natural clumping, chaining, and branching of bacteria colonies. Many experts conclude that centrifuged acidophilus products are incomplete and therfore less effective.18,19 Nature’s Life Lactobacillus acidophilus retains all the benefits of its nutrient-rich soy protein growth medium. All the nutritionally valuable by-products of the bacteria’s metabolism remain, including B-vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, antibodies and antibiotics. All of Nature’s Life Lactobacillus acidophilus products meet the acid test for effectiveness:
Safety Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and L. thermophilus are safe, naturally occurring probiotic bacteria normally found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. Mild gastrointestinal disturbance may occur in some individuals (not on antibiotic therapy) who exceed more than one to two billion L. acidophilus cells per day. There are currently no known warnings, drug interactions, or contraindications for acidophilus supplementation. References
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