If you frequently suffer from yeast infections or urinary tract infections, then you understand the pain, itching, burning and other uncomfortable symptoms that come along with these two conditions. Also, the cost of doctor visits and medications can eat away at your pocket book in a hurry!

Fortunately, there might be a solution. There's an important bacteria that's usually found in your digestive tract called acidophilus (or Lactobacillus acidophilus). Acidophilus works to fight antibiotic diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections. It is a probiotic, which simply means it helps balance and support healthy intestinal bacterial flora, or the microorganisms that reside in your body. 

Why is the Bacterial Flora of Your Body Important?

Bacteria is necessary for your body to function, but just a slight imbalance in the bacterial flora can result in headaches, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal or urinary tract infections along with many other complications. Acidophilus works to keep the bacteria in your organs balanced so your intestinal functions can operate smoothly, ridding your body of harmful bacteria in the process.

How Acidophilus Vitamin Supplements Can Benefit You

There are many possible ways you can benefit by taking an acidophilus vitamin supplement or by increasing your intake of this probiotic through natural food sources. 

Here's a list of the potential health benefits:

*Balances the bacterial flora of your digestive system, which helps improve efficiency.
*Can clear up some skin problems.
*Can aid the digestion of milk or milk products if you have a lactase deficiency.
*Can enhance your immune system.
*May lower your cholesterol.
*Can kill monilia, fungus, and yeast on contact.
*May reduce your symptoms of spastic colon.
*May reduce diarrhea that's related to the use of antibiotics.
*If you're a frequent traveler, it can help prevent diarrhea associated with food poisoning.
*Helps protect your body against colon cancer or the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Natural Food Sources of Acidophilus

Acidophilus can be found in yogurt, kefir, and other milk products. That's why yogurt is often recommended by a doctor when you have a yeast infection. As mentioned in the list above, acidophilus can kill yeast on contact.

If taking acidophilus vitamin supplements, these are usually available in the form of liquid, tablets, capsules, or as a powder.

Dosage Recommendations of Acidophilus

Though there is no set dosage for acidophilus supplements, you should start with a low  dosage to minimize any possible side effects. You can gradually increase your dosage as your body adjusts. If you're experiencing symptoms of an infection or illness, contact your physician before taking acidophilus vitamins. You should also contact your physician first if you are taking other vitamin supplements, prescription medications or non-prescription medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In conclusion, you can combat these annoying infections before they start by finding the
dosage of acidophilus that's right for you. Balancing your bacterial flora beforehand is the best way to keep your body healthy. You'll be equipped to fight infections before they begin!

By Candice Pardue (candicep)

I've been writing for the Web since 2000. I started out writing articles and content for my own Web business and then in 2005, I began writing for others on a variety of topics, from home decor to travel to classic cars! Content writing is a rewarding career that enables me to work from home full time.