I have a problem with digesting foods and also constipation. Thank you so much for the information. I don't really care for yogurt, so I am hoping that the tablets will work for me. I'll keep you posted.

I've been taking acidophilus for about 3weeks and this past week I have had a very strong metallic taste. Is this a side effect?

Thanks for the easy to understand information.

BTW: about the 8yr old grand daughter, *Parents'* get her to doctors that care!! Her condition sounds extremely dangerous.

Mike B

RPV Ca.

So many questions lol. I'll answer what I can, but note, I'm no doctor.

Regarding the 8 yr old granddaughter with the burning sensations and diarrhea. I don't think it would hurt, to get the child on a juice diet and get the child to eat yogurt. Just be conscious of the nutrition and ingredient labels; avoid juices with too much sugar, or not "complete" juice. You will find some juice that may have 100% Daily value of Vitamin C, but contains, maybe only 5 or 10% juice.

@marysun:

I'd follow the directions on the drug facts, or as advised by your doctor.

I usually take one caplet daily of the Spring Valley Acidophilus, with a meal (take the tablet with water or juice, then get my meal ready). Acidophilus is one of those things you gotta shop around for, as there are so many brands, and consistencies. Spring Valley contains 1 billion cultures, but I've seen some that tout up to 5 billion. I don't know if "more is better" though.

@anon27702

I'd recommend contacting your doctor. Most "supplements" are to only be consumed by adults 18 years of age and older. But I realize some may have directions for "youth" - check the packaging though. Though, something as simply as yogurt (make sure it has live cultures...those gogurt packets and such don't...afaik). Personally, due to the diarrhea, I'd contact the doctor and see what they suggest.

@anon26262

Taking probiotics with your antibiotics shouldn't hurt, but I would talk with your doctor regarding your experiences with the antibiotics that are being prescribed, and ask them if probiotics are recommended. As far as 3x daily...no idea there, most probiotics I've seen say one tablet daily with a meal.

@anon22277

Correct, acidophilus will aid in neutralizing the pH levels in your vaginal area. I've even read success stories of females who would take regular yogurt (containing live cultures) and would "apply" the yogurt to the vaginal area at bed time. Sure, it can get messy (my girlfriend tried it...ewww) but it did work. I'd recommend laying down a plastic mattress protector though...lol.

@anon22052

Good question, as far as refrigeration, I've found that it varies from brand to brand. Acidophilus Pearls do not need to be refrigerated, nor does the Spring Valley (walmart brand), *but*, I got a cheap bottle from CVS pharmacy, which stated it should be refrigerated...since the "damage" (may or may not) have been done, I don't think taking it would hurt any, but check the package, if it's expired, toss it out, if it's not, throw it in the fridge and take as normal.

@anon21176

This sounds odd, I would consider consulting a professional. Acidophilus is touted for aide in intestinal areas (and down the valley, thru the vaginal area, for females) - I don't think it would help any for a rash on your belly/breast area.

If your regular doctor can't diagnose it, try a dermatologist (skin doctor), it could be eczema or even dry skin? As far as acidophilus and pregnancy, I'm not sure, I'd check the packaging, most packages will say if it's safe for pregnant/lactating woman or not.

@bionic

Acidophilus may help you. Try out Acidophilus Pearls, or even a store brand Acidophilus (I like Spring Valley, from walmart when it's available) - how is your diet? I'd like to suggest taking a fiber supplement such as psyllium hust (Metamucil or equivalent). Start taking one dose daily (after a meal), preferably before bad.

Depending how that works, move up to 2 doses, maybe one in the morning after breakfast, and then one at night, after dinner but before bed.

Plain and simple, most of us do not have the perfect diets, and do not get enough fiber intake. This supplement will help you. Also, consider your water consumption. Fiber may "bloat" you, as it will "bulk up" your stool (no more loose stool), but if you don't consume enough water, it won't be able to work to it's full potential either.

@anon17471

hmm, you may want to consider seeing a doctor regarding your mouth/tongue fungus - acidophilus primarily works in the intestinal area, and don't think it may have any use for what is ailing your mouth...though then again I was surprised to see it can help stop bad breath! so who knows.

@mkearney

Check the label, I've seen "GoGurt" packages, which do not contain the words "contains live cultures" or whatever, so to answer the first question, nope, not all carry this probiotic. Not sure on making yogurt, but if the company specifically sells "another" product for probiotic starter, it's possible the "other" start kit does not contain acidophilus. I'd contact the company and get the details.

@acidophilus

Acidophilus may help with the effects you mentioned. I know it helped me. As far as the pharmacist/labeling it's a hard decision. I know most packaging will say simply "take with a meal" - you may get a better effect by taking the dose 10-30 minutes before the meal, since by the time your digested food reaches the intestines, your microflora will be set just right, to properly digest the food. So I'd go with the pharmacist.

@brendan

This had me curious too, like these "acidohilus pearls" - 11 bucks for 20 or 30 caplets seemed kind of high, and sure, they got good testimonials, but I don't know if it's worth the money. But good point. When I discovered acidophilus, I tried out the generics/store brands before the expensive ones, and found Spring valley to work just fine.

From what I've read/understand, the stomach acid is supposed to aid in breaking down the capsule's "shell" - and by the time it reaches the intestines, the acidophilus is ready to be absorbed and used.

But ya, I gotta say, acidophilus has helped my gas and constipation, and regularity.

Though, some/all of this could be attributed to my fiber supplement too, I suppose? But either way, it works, I now go at least once a day :)

Please help if you can. My 8 year old granddaughter is being treated with antibodies for a urinary tract infection. This has gone on for some time & now she has blood in her urine, intense burning on urination & extreme itching. She reported that she wet herself at school- couldn't get to bathroom soon enough. Her Dr. (not a pediatrician) referred her to a urologist who can't see her for 4 months. I'm thinking yogurt with live cultures & cranberry juice. Should we look for yogurt with acidophilus as an ingredient? I've already suggested my daughter find a pediatrician, but nobody seems to take a new patient very soon. Any help would be appreciated.

i would like to know if i should take probiotic three time a day? before or after meals. thank you marysun

Can you give a form of this to toddlers? My toddler just had antibiotics for an ear infection and has had terrible diarrhea for days.

Pooped Mom

My stomach cannot handle antibiotics, period! I become so sick I can't leave the bathroom. When I am sick, especially with something like strep, and the doctor gives me antibiotics I usually have to try about 3 different antibiotics before I find something my stomach can somewhat tolerate!

A friend recently told me to try taking acidophilus tablets 3 times a day separate from the antibiotic and see how I do. So, I have been trying it and it seems to help a lot! I am not nearly as gassy nor do I have diarrhea anymore! I say it works!!!! :)

Acidophilus also helps with parasites as it is stated above. I had a problem with Trich which was passed on to me two times by my partner. I had a hard time getting rid of it. My doctor prescribed many different oral and topical meds to no avail. I began taking Acidophilus 2 capsuls up to 3 times a day for about 3-4 days and I was totally cleared of the Trich, no more itching or foul smelling discharge and no more having to wear panty liners everyday. It really worked for me, I'm so thankful to God!!!!

Acidophilus was recommended to me by a gyno for an excessively high PH level in my female parts.. a problem I've tried to fix with diet changes for over 7months. The area was extremely salty, the consistency was not normal, and almost to the point where it could easily become a yeast infection. I started taking it and about a week and a half later, it was already a dramatic change and on it's way "back to normal." I feel like this is a testimony, haha.. but I'll be honest and admit it's helped my relationships and general health in that part of my body. HIGHLY recommended for more than your intestines. ;)

was wondering if acidophilus needs to be refrigerated? I had it out of the refrigerator for a couple months and was wondering if it's still effective even though its been out for a while...

My mother-in-law is a real health freak and she recommended acidophilus for my stomach pains after i eat and it is the only thing i've taken that really helps.

Can acidophilus help with a horrible itchy rash that started in my belly and is spreading up in my breast the doctors gave me some creams and said that I had a condition that occurs during pregnancy o yea i forgot to tell I'm pregnant. And if this could help is it safe on pregnancy? I'm desperate! please help.

I have to help my self go to the bathroom everyday with my finger i know gross. But i never feel like im done and my bowels are never really hard or formed. And also i always have gas and i am always bloated. I could really use some answers.

my dr. had me take this a few times a day.

reason? i was coming off pain killers. opiates generally constipate you but when you discontinue them, you get the opposite effect. This helped out a lot actually, i kind of thought of it as snake oil, till it really worked.

I am the daughter of a herbalist and he has healed lots of people with many infections. Some people that were on chemo. took acidophilus (along with other herbs) and are now in remission for up to 20 years.

Good work with you what are doing with this site WiseGeek. Kudos

I have a mouth/tongue fungus. Would I benefit by taking acidophilus ? I am currently using a prescription of Nystatin as a mouth rinse.

I make my own yogurt from a starter. The company I buy the starter from also makes an acidophilus starter. From my reading on this site and others it seems that all ygourt will have acidophilus in it. First question: is this true. Second question: how can I increase the amount of acidophilus in the yogurt (or can I?) I have thought of adding a capsule of an acidophilus supplement but don't know if it would be any better than just taking the supplement i.e. would it multiply and grow more cells in the yogurt culture?

Any information or guidance would be appreciated.

I was always had Stomach issues, flatulence, diarrhea, etc...I heard taking taking Acidophilus will help control it. Is this true? The label recommends to take the pill 30 minutes after I eat but the pharmacist said to take it 30 minutes before. Who is right? thanks

acidophilus' passage into the intestines can be hampered somewhat by stomach acid, but it is not a huge issues. many makers of pro-biotics overstate the case, in an attempt to promote their own 'stomach acid resistant' probiotics, or the benefits of their enteric-coated supplements.

in truth, while stomach acid can affect acidophilus somewhat, it is minimal. it is best to take your supplements before a meal, simply because at that time the stomach acid content in your stomach is at its lowest - but beyond that you don't need to worry too much about it.

as for stainless steel spoons - the only mentions of this somehow damaging acidophilus have all been colloquial. i have yet to find any study that seems to validate it, so for now i am chalking it up to urban legend. but, if anyone finds otherwise, please post something with a citation.

How well does acidophilus get past stomach acid and into the intestines?

How is an acidophilus supplement absorbed into the body. Does stomach acid destroy it?

I heard from someone that eating yogurt with a stainless steel spoon degrades or has a counter effect on the acidophilus bacteria. Is there any truth to this and what is the reaction occurring?