Choosing Acidophilus Supplements and Knowing How Much You Should Have

If you've decided to give supplements a shot, due to any of the aforementioned-ahem-yeast issues, get ready to learn just a bit more about the different types of supplements, how they work and how much is too much. Acidophilus supplements come in two forms, powder and capsules. Both of which can be conveniently picked up for purchase at the local Joe Smoe's Health and Nutrition Store.

What Is Acidophilus?

Acidophilus is a dietary supplement. Actually, acidophilus is the byproduct of one of six intestinal bacteria, that's added to milk and sold in as a powder or liquid. In a nutshell, the function of acidophilus supplements is to reintroduce beneficial bacteria into the system. These bacteria apparently flew the coup when Louis Pasteur came up with the idea of heating milk to keep it from spoiling-oh, and to keep the harmful bacteria from killing people.

If you slept through Biology class during your freshmen year of high school, that process is called pasteurizing. The next time you're boringly tuning out your mother's breakfast time conversation, read all about it on the side of your milk carton. Back to acidophilus.

Acidophilus is also a probiotic. As trusty as they are, antibiotics have a way of killing good and bad bac. Acidophilus supplements try to replenish the good bacteria. The problem with some of the commercial processing methods that kill viable bac, is that the loss of these elements make it more difficult for the body to maintain it's intestinal flora. Again for those who are a little dusty with high school science trivia, intestinal flora keeps yeast from growing in the body. Ladies, you know "fishy" that can be.

In addition to yeast infections, a build-up of yeast can cause: yeast diaper rash, diarrhea, or a bad yeast infection. It's times like these when you need acidophilus, and in walks the supplement to save the day.

Choosing Acidophilus Supplements

If you've decided to give supplements a shot, due to any of the aforementioned-ahem-yeast issues, get ready to learn just a bit more about the different types of supplements, how they work and how much is too much. Acidophilus supplements come in two forms, powder and capsules. Both of which can be conveniently picked up for purchase at the local Joe Smoe's Health and Nutrition Store.

Make an infomed decision based on your lifestyle and what type of yeast build-up related issue you're dealing with.

• Adults – Can take capsules or powder-most adult have mastered swallowing.
• Children – Capsules or powder will work. Just make sure the child has mastered swallowing if you're going with caps. Or you can go with one teaspoon of the powder once a day in milk, juice, or food.
• Infants – Infants need the powdered form of the acidophilus supplement. Make a paste using water or milk. Rub once a day into the baby’s mouth. You can also put one teaspoon of the powder in formula once a day if bottle feeding.

Begin taking the supplements once your notice any yeast related problems or while taking antibiotic treatments. Continue the routine for one week after the problem subsides, or seven days following the end of antibiotic treatment.