Does probiotic acidophilus help with constipation?

Are you tired of spending hours on the toilet, straining and pushing, only to be left feeling bloated and uncomfortable? Well fear not my fellow constipated compatriots, there may be a solution that doesn’t involve chowing down on prunes like they’re going out of style. Enter: probiotic acidophilus.

What is Probiotic Acidophilus?

First things first, let’s get to know our friend probiotic acidophilus a little better. Simply put, this strain of bacteria falls under the umbrella term “probiotics”.Now before you start dismissing anything labeled “bacteria” as nasty and unhygienic, it’s worth noting that these microbial MVPs can actually be beneficial for your gut health when consumed in the right form.

Acidophilus specifically belongs to the Lactobacillus family of bacteria and can often be found in fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir. It has been shown to have potential benefits for digestive issues such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even – you guessed it – constipation.

The Link between Probiotic Acidophilus and Constipation

So how exactly does consuming more friendly neighborhood bacteria help alleviate backed up bowels? Well turns out there are a couple ways its believed to work:

1) Increasing Good Bacteria

Probiotics like acidophilus have been shown to increase populations of “good” bacteria within your gut microbiome. These good guys then produce substances called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which provide energy for cells lining your intestines (sounds important but a bit boring I know). SCFAs also stimulate colonic contractions which are responsible for moving waste along through our digestive tract quicker than Quicksilver after three cups of coffee.

2) Softening Stools

Another theory is that the bacteria can soften stools, making them easier to pass (hopefully without having to devote an entire yoga practice to it).

While more research is needed in this area and studies have produced mixed results, there seems to be potential for probiotics like acidophilus as a natural remedy for constipation.

The Benefits of Probiotic Acidophilus beyond Constipation

But wait, there’s more! While we’ve highlighted the potential use of acidophilus in treating constipation so far, it’s worth noting some other benefits supposedly associated with consuming this strain:

  • Improved Immune System: Some evidence suggests that introducing more beneficial microbes into your gut microbiome can boost overall immune function. This could help protect against ailments ranging from the common cold to infections like pneumonia.

  • Reduced Inflammation: As mentioned earlier, probiotics may be helpful in managing inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis by reducing inflammation within the gut.

  • Better Digestion: By promoting healthy digestion and regulating bowel movements (ahem), these happy little bacteria help keep things moving smoothly throughout your gastrointestinal system.

Where Can You Get Probiotic Acidophilus?

So you’re sold on at least giving acidophilus a shot – where can you get this magical elixir? Here are some options:

1) Fermented Dairy Products

As previously mentioned, yogurt and kefir are examples of dairy products that often contain live cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Be sure to read labels carefully though – not all yogurts/kefirs contain active cultures depending on how they were processed/pasteurized.

2) Supplements

You can also find L. acidophilus supplements available in many health food stores or online retailers if dairy isn’t your vibe or if you just want a concentrated dose along with some other probiotics.

3) Fermented Foods

While acidophilus itself may not be present in these foods, other Lactobacillus strains can be found in naturally fermented non-dairy products like kimchi or sauerkraut which are gaining popularity as gut-healthy snacks nowadays.

Some Things to Keep in Mind when Using Probiotics

Before you start downing gallons of yogurt and/or popping pills like there’s no tomorrow, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

1) Quality is Key

Not all probiotic supplements/yogurts/etc. are created equal. Look for ones backed by independent testing/labeled with specific strain(s)/species that have been shown to be helpful for your specific concern if possible.

2) Proper Storage

Probiotics often need to be stored at specific temperatures/conditions to maintain viability so double check recommendations on packaging before leaving anything out of the fridge/a cool place for too long (sorry guys guess we gotta actually read those labels now…).

3) Patience Is A Virtue

Unfortunately one dose of acidophilus probably isn’t going to give you instant relief from constipation/the flu/everything else under the sun (wouldn’t that be nice though). Results can take weeks/months before any noticeable difference occurs (you GOT this guys). However, if problems persist after a while it may still be worth consulting with your doctor just to rule out any underlying issues etc.

In Conclusion: Can Acidophilus Help With Constipation?

So does consuming probiotic acidophilus actually help alleviate constipation? It looks promising – but everyone’s body reacts different so as mentioned above don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work overnight/unless problems remain constant then medical attention might not hurt either. Either way adding some friendly microbes into your diet couldn’t hurt (yogurt taste-test-party anyone??).

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