
So, you’ve been learning about the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Perhaps you’ve seen some of the many studies done on bacteria that sound like they’re from outer space: lactobacillis acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum. You may have read about the health benefits of these guys with weird names.
The natural outcome of this kind of discovery is to determine that you will pay attention to getting these good bacteria everyday. You arm yourself with a supply of yogurt. You cautiously decide to try something called sweet acidophilus milk. You commit to choking down some kefir every day. Maybe you’re even one of those people who likes the taste of kefir! You’re all set, right? Well, if the goal is to get the good guy bacteria to the place in your body where it will actually do some good, while your efforts are well-intended, they are far short of meeting the goal. How can that be? These foods contain lactobacillis acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum, don’t they?
The answer to that question is a qualified yes. What that means is that, while the food source itself does contain the good bacteria these little guys are surprisingly fragile. They are actually destroyed by exposure to air! So, when the container is taken off the food products, the good bacteria content starts to dissipate. (Don’t you wish the bad bacteria that make us sick were this delicate?!)
Then what happens? Well, you eat the foods, right? Therein, the good bacteria meet an even stronger foe – your stomach acid. That’s right. The stomach acid that we need to properly digest our food kills the good bacteria. Sure, some gets through to its intended destination – the colon – but there are many, many casualties along the way. So is it impossible to get a healthy serving of lactobacillis acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum every day?
Thankfully, no. It is possible to get full power lactobacillis acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum through what is commonly referred to as acidophilus capsules. OK, I know what you’re thinking. Capsules might provide protection against air, but doesn’t the stomach acid still get to the good guys when the capsules are swallowed? With many acidophilus capsules, the answer is yes. And in fact, even exposure to air can decrease the number of live good bacteria in those capsules. So those are no more effective than the food sources at supplying the wanted good bacteria to the colon.
But there are patented acidophilus capsules that have medical technology to enable them to withstand the offenders and reach the colon alive and well, ready for action. These advanced acidophilus capsules have a triple coating, protecting the contents from air, moisture and stomach acid. You can meet your goal! Go ahead and have your yogurt and even kefir if you’d like, but don’t rely on them for your daily supply of lactobacillis acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum.
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When is the best time to take Acidophilus, before, after, during meals? Is it better on an empty stomach?
Good question, Hedy. Testing has shown that some acidophilus products retain a higher percentage of good bacteria survival when taken on a full stomach than on an empty stomach. That would suggest maximum effectiveness if taken after meals. Even on a full stomach, however, these products deliver only about 40% or less of the probiotics that were present before ingestion. The stomach acid destroys the micro-organisms.
There is an acidophilus capsule, however, that is not affected by stomach acid. These patented acidophilus capsules have a triple coating, protecting the contents from air, moisture and stomach acid. This advanced medical technology means you get full delivery of the helpful bacteria no matter when you take them – before, after or during meals, empty or full stomach. And you get 100% of the live micro-organisms delivered to your colon where they can provide the desired health benefits.
WHY DOES IT SAY “REFRIGERATE AFTER OPENING”? WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT REFRIGERATE THESE CAPSULES. I AM GOING ON A TRIP AND I NEED TO KNOW.
THANKS
Good question, Mary, especially at this time of year when travel is so common. Many acidophilus supplements do say “refrigerate after opening”, and this is because the delicate shelf life of the good bacteria can use all the help it can get.
So, what happens if you do not refrigerate those products that recommend it, is that the product efficacy is even lower than when refrigerated. You will not be getting the levels of acidophilus stated on the label to be present at the time of manufacture.
There ARE acidophilus products that do not require refrigeration, however, and these are ideal for travel (as well as a better buy to begin with because of how they are formulated). I’m talking about patented acidophilus capsules that have a triple coating, protecting the contents from air, moisture and stomach acid. This advanced medical technology means no refrigeration is necessary.
Hope you have a good trip!
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