Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Benefits of Acidophilus Milk?

Kathy Levine
Kathy Levine

Acidophilus milk may have many health benefits for individuals who consume it on a regular basis. It has been shown to help increase the body's natural immune system defense and assist in digesting food. It may also reduce vaginal yeast infections in women and may allow lactose-intolerant individuals to consume dairy products. Many individuals who have tried acidophilus milk have noticed higher energy levels, as well. In addition, this particular milk may help relieve allergy symptoms and reduce the severity of asthma, aid in vitamin production and absorption, and has been associated with both antihypertensive and anticarcinogenic effects.

This particular milk is cultured with the friendly bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. It works by improving the balance of intestinal microflora and creating a hostile environment for bad bacteria in the digestive system. This action helps prevent or control intestinal infections and aids digestion in general. Specific gastrointestinal conditions the milk may help include diarrhea, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and colic in babies. It may also alleviate the unpleasant side effects of antibiotic therapy, including diarrhea, upset stomach, and yeast infections in women, as well.

Acidophilus milk.
Acidophilus milk.

By aiding the digestive process in the body, acidophilus milk may also improve vitamin absorption, leading to better overall health. It is reported that the milk can actually aid in the production of several necessary vitamins and substances, too. Specifically, the vitamins K, A, B6, B12, folic acid, and niacin are produced by Lactobacillus. In addition, anti-microbial substances and lactase are produced by consuming the fermented milk, too.

Acidophilus milk may help relieve colic in infants.
Acidophilus milk may help relieve colic in infants.

Regular consumption of acidophilus milk may also help to relieve the symptoms of allergies and reduce the severity of asthma. It may be helpful in treating respiratory infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis, as well. In addition, the probiotic in acidophilus milk may allow some lactose-intolerant individuals to consume dairy products without suffering from any digestive side effects. Findings suggest it can be helpful in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and diaper rash in babies.

Drinking acidophilus milk regularly may help reduce the severity of asthma.
Drinking acidophilus milk regularly may help reduce the severity of asthma.

L. acidophilus milk has been associated with lower blood pressures in both animals and adults with mild hypertension. In addition, it may detoxify ingested carcinogens and inhibit the growth of tumor cells, creating a lower incident of cancer in individuals who enjoy it. It has been shown to help regulate cholesterol levels and support healthy bowel function, too. The fermented milk is believed to be safe for babies and small children who can tolerate whole cow's milk.

Discussion Comments

B707

I can't believe all the ailments that fermented milk, acidophilus, can help. This is a long list. I wonder if all these claims can be backed up by good studies.

It sounds similar to natural yogurt. Does anyone

know if yogurt is about the same as acidophilus milk?

I'm quite sure it helps with digestion problems and that it is effective in replacing the good bacteria after taking a round or two of antibiotics. I'll have to wait to see more evidence about some of the other claims about the benefits of fermented milk.

SteamLouis

I have a mild lactose intolerance, do you think I can have acidophilus probiotic milk without problems?

When I have regular milk, I experience some gas and bloating. I heard from my friend that acidophilus milk is not entirely lactose-free, but if individuals with lactose intolerance can have it, I'm sure I can have it too.

Aside from this, my friend also claims that acidophilus milk is beneficial for women's monthly period symptoms. She said that since she's been having this milk, she experiences less bloating and discomfort during her period and even has an easier time during PMS.

Has anyone experienced the same benefits with this milk?

fify

I love sweet acidophilus milk! I use it regularly for general stomach health, and I also give it to my son because he's not fond of yogurt.

I first bought sweet acidophilus milk when my son was having diarrhea and I couldn't give him regular milk because it was making it worse. My sister-in-law, who had used acidophilus milk with her kids before told me to try it.

I did, and it actually helped the diarrhea. I was just trying to get him to have milk, and sweet acidophilus milk is just cow's milk with acidophilus. But I realized that in several hours, his diarrhea slowed down and completely stopped by the next day.

I've been using acidophilus milk ever since then.

discographer

My doctor recommended acidophilus milk to me after an intense antibiotic treatment I had for stomach bugs. I was sick for over a year until I was diagnosed with a nasty stomach bug that was causing so much nausea that I couldn't eat anymore.

I had to take between 6-9,000mg of antibiotics daily in order to kill the stomach bug. But apparently, these antibiotics also kill the good bugs in our stomach and intestines that help us digest food. So immediately after my antibiotic treatment ended, I started taking probiotic supplements and acidophilus milk to help replace the good bugs.

I was so happy with the results. I went back to being a healthy person that eats whatever she wants!

ElizaBennett

I just want to be clear that when the article talks about "babies," it means big babies! Babies under a year should not have cow's milk. But if you want your younger baby to get probiotics like acidophilus, you can ask your pediatrician about starting them on whole milk yogurt. My babies both loved yogurt.

I've actually never heard of acidophilus milk before, but it sounds interesting. I'll have to see if my local store carries it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Acidophilus milk.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Acidophilus milk.
    • Acidophilus milk may help relieve colic in infants.
      By: Dmytro Panchenko
      Acidophilus milk may help relieve colic in infants.
    • Drinking acidophilus milk regularly may help reduce the severity of asthma.
      By: auremar
      Drinking acidophilus milk regularly may help reduce the severity of asthma.