On a more health related note:
For over a century, people have been aware of the beneficial health effects found in live bacteria, thanks to Metchnikoff’s analysis of people consuming fermented milk products, but the term ‘probiotic’ only become widely used as recently as the late 1990s. The definition of probiotics is live bacteria which provide health benefits when ingested.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most widely researched strains of bacteria and is the most often found in probiotic foods and supplements. Health professionals often recommend acidophilus supplements in order to combat the negative effects antibiotics have on the healthy bacteria in the gut. As more and more information about the natural bacteria found in our bodies comes to light, the use of probiotic supplements is on the rise with many people now taking these supplements on a regular basis, just as regular as some of the same use their wheelchair accessories.
There are some things to keep in mind if you are interested in purchasing acidophilus supplements:
- As you are buying a live bacterial product, it’s important to choose a supplement that is sold using good quality packaging (like our cup holder, *shameless plug*). Glass bottles are preferable to plastic as they provide more protection from heat and moisture.
- Most of the supplements available today require refrigeration.
- Probiotics that are freeze dried according to strict guidelines have an improved stability.
- Dosage amounts of live bacteria can range between one and three billion colony forming units (CFUs). This information should be printed on the label.
- Some brands of supplements provide a blend of different bacterial strains. Not all are compatible with one another, so research is important before making a purchasing decision.
- Pills surrounded by an enteric coating are resistant to stomach acid. It’s possible that not all probiotics are susceptible to acidity, but choosing a brand with enteric capsules is a good precaution.
- Even though acidophilus yogurt is a source of acidophilus, it may not contain sufficient quantities of the live bacteria needed to provide you with a meaningful health benefit.
