Constantly doing good work in our intestinal tracts are more than 400 species of microscopic organisms that help digest food and perform other functions. One of the stars among these so-called microflora is Lactobacillus acidophilus . And these beneficial bacteria get around. Not only are they in the intestinal tract and mouth, they may also show up in the vagina. We are not born with a ready-made supply of acidophilus or any other bacteria, for that matter but we all begin gathering herds of microflora soon after we leave the womb.
Mom can help, transferring some of the beneficial bacteria through breast milk.
Later, as soon as we re introduced to a variety of foods, the good and bad bacteria begin to colonize our bodies. Throughout our lives, we need enough of the good microflora to help keep us healthy and to keep the bad kind in check. There are times, though, when those friendly bacteria can use some help. Friendly Flora Acidophilus and other lactobacilli are considered friendly because they produce nutrients such as B vitamins . They also produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins , carbohydrates, and fats, says Khem Shahani, Ph.D., professor of food science and technology at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.