Acidophilus Benefits and Food Sources

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Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is part of a group of bacteria that live in the small intestine and vagina. Acidophilus is considered a probiotic. As a natural probiotic, acidophilus helps to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive and intestinal tracts, encourages proper nutrient absorption and promotes immune health. There are as many as 100 trillion bacteria belonging to more than 400 species in the intestinal flora.

Natural Food Sources

The main dietary sources of Lactobacillus acidophilus include milk enriched with acidophilus, yogurt containing live L. acidophilus cultures, kefir, fermented soy products, tempeh and miso. L. acidophilus can also be taken in powder, liquid or capsule form as dietary supplements. A cidophilus is usually combined with bifidobacteria, and the resultant combination is commonly referred to as Acidophilus bifidus.

Acidophilus Benefits

With more than 400 different bacteria living in the human gastrointestinal tract, the most common forms of intestinal probiotics are Bifidobacteria bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria act as balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut-bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Candida. When the “friendly bacteria” are not present enough, a number of bacteria-related health problems such as digestive upset, headaches, sluggishness, irritability, cadidiasis can ensue. Yogurt, which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, is usually recommended by practitioners to help reduce the adverse effects of oral antibiotic treatment.

AcidophilusL. acidophilus supports a favorable environment for the absorption of nutrients, encourages intestinal microflora balance, and promotes the healthy functioning of the intestinal system. Acidophilus has been used to treat or prevent vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections of the mouth, urinary tract infections and diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. Some research has showed that acidophilus may provide additional health benefits, including improved gastrointestinal function, a boosted immune system, and a decrease in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial, as it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin.

A high acidophilus level creates an environment that is fatal to other dangerous bacteria such as streptococcus, salmonella and Escherichia coli. In one of the many research reports on acidophilus and gastrointestinal tract health, acidophilus was showed to have antimicrobial activities against pathogens and fungal microorganisms. Also  since  acidophilus is able to survive in environments of pH 4-5 or below, it is able to survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and pass through to the small intestine. A University of Nebraska study found that feed supplemented with acidophilus and fed to cattle resulted in a 61% diminution of Escherichia coli 0157:H7. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria which infects just stomach tissues. This bacterium are responsible for more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers. The presence of acidophilus appears to decrease H. pylori density in the human stomach and could enhance antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori  eradication. According to a study reported in the June 2002 edition of the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, the use of acidophilus preparation reduced the density of the Helicobacter pylori colonies in the stomachs of patients with stomach ulcers.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most important cause of vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by alteration of the normal vaginal microflora, in which a mixed anaerobic bacterial flora becomes prevalent over the population of lacobacilli. Tablets or suppositories containing live acidophilus cultures may help treat the problem of bacterial vaginosis. A study reported in the October 2012 edition of the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology demonstrated that slow-release vaginal tablets containing acidophilus and another probiotic reduced symptoms of yeast infections in a group of women. In a study, women who consumed 8 ounces of L. acidophilus -containing yoghurt per day had a threefold decrease in the incidence of vaginal yeast infections and a reduction in the frequency of Candida colonization in the vagina. In another study, women with vaginal Trichomonas infection received vaginal L. acidophilus suppositories for one year.  Over 90% of them were reported to be cured of their clinical symptoms in that time.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest important amounts of lactose the major sugar found in milk and milk products. Acidophilus milk has been used to treat people with lactose intolerance. Active bacteria cultures, such as acidophilus, may  help treat lactose intolerance by producing an enzyme that helps digest the lactose sugars in intestines.A study in the “Journal of Family Practice” reviewed information on this and other probiotics as a potential therapy for lactose intolerance . The review suggested that acidophilus may work. The hydrogen breath test is the standard tool for diagnosing lactose intolerance. Strains of L. acidophilus demonstrated reduced amount of hydrogen. The authors concluded that, “…probiotics in general do not reduce lactose intolerance… However some evidence suggests that specific strains and concentrations are effective…”

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common functional condition. Many studies have found that probiotics may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A review of previously published studies that appeared in the Aug 2009 edition of the “Revista Espanola de Enfermedades Digestivas” found that supplements with probiotics, (such as acidophilus), improves symptoms of IBS.

Some research suggests acidophilus may be useful when used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. A mix of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces boulardii) helped treat traveler’s diarrhea in one study. Taking acidophilus supplements may help maintain the health of gastrointestinal system, especially after taking a course of antibiotic drugs. While they can be efficacious at killing the “bad” germs, unhappily, antibiotics also destroy the “good” bacteria in our bodies as well. For years, acidophilus has been recommended by doctors to help control certain types of diarrhea, in particular diarrhea caused when oral antibiotics destroy the normal flora of the intestine. In an article in the May, 2012, edition of Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers reported that sufficient evidence exists to indicate that probiotics such as acidophilus can help treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Mullein Benefits and Health Effects

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Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) is widespread throughout the US.  This herb is classified in the literature as both an expectorant, to promote the discharge of mucus, and a demulcent, to soothe and protect mucous membranes. Traditionally, it has been used to treat respiratory illnesses and coughs  with lung congestion. According to the Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) monograph, the recommended daily dose of mullein is 3-4 g.

Mullein Benefits

Mullein contains a high proportion of mucilage; mucilage is usually thought to have a soothing effect.  Mullein may act as an expectorant for clearing mucus from bronchial airways. The saponins are responsible for the expectorant action of mullein. On this basis, mullein has been suggested as a therapy for asthma, colds, sore throats, and coughs. Traditionally, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, especially in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Other herbs commonly used as expectorants in traditional medicine include elecampane, lobelia, yerba santa, gumweed, wild cherry bark, eucalyptus, and anise.

Mullein is traditionally combined with other herbs in oil preparations to soothe the pain of ear infections. In a 2003 study of 171 children with otalgia, those who used ear drops containing mullein had a statistically important improvement in ear pain over the course of 3 days. (Oil preparations may obscure a doctor’s view of the ear drum and should just be used with a healthcare professional’s directions). The compounds mullein might be able to fight herpes and influenza viruses, and some bacteria that cause respiratory infections.In laboratory experiments reported in 2002, scientists found that mullein helped kill certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli.

Tyrosine Dosage and Food Sources

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L-tyrosine (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) is a nonessential amino acid that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine. This amino acid is necessary for making the brain neurotransmitters dopamine,  epinephrine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood.  Tyrosine is made in our bodies and is also found naturally in animal protein  and plant protein.

Natural Sources

Tyrosine is found naturally in soy products, fish, turkey, chicken, almonds, peanuts, bananas, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, lima beans, oats, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Tyrosine Benefits and Health Effects

Tyrosine is the precursor of the catecholamines; alterations in the availability of L-tyrosine to the brain can influence the synthesis of both dopamine and norepinephrine in experimental animals and presumably in humans. In animals, stress increases the release of catecholamines, which can result in the depletion of their levels, an effect that can be corrected by giving tyrosine. Some studies show that tyrosine supplements boosts mental performance under stress. In a study, tyrosine was given at a dosage of two grams per day for five days during a demanding military combat training course; it improved various aspects of cognitive function relative to placebo. A 2010 study reported in the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition” found that tyrosine supplement led to significantly greater improvements in focus and alertness after exhaustive exercise. In a study, a protein drink containing 10 g per day of tyrosine was more powerful than a carbohydrate drink for improving mental performance scores in a group of cadets taking a stressful 6-day combat training course. In another clinical trial found that one-time administration of 150 mg of tyrosine per 2.2
pounds of body weight helped prevent a decline in mental performance for approximately 3 hours during a night of sleep deprivation.

In a study, alcoholics treated with tyrosine combined with other supplements had reduced withdrawal symptoms. In this clinical trial, a group of alcoholics were treated with 1.5 g of D,L-phenylalanine, 400 mg of  tryptophan, 300 mg of glutamine and 900 mg of L-tyrosine  per day, plus a multivitamin-mineral supplement. This supplement regimen led to a important decline in withdrawal symptoms and decreased stress in alcoholics compared to the effects of placebo.

L-tyrosine reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. A study reported in 1982 in “Life Sciences” demonstrated that tyrosine may benefit patients with Parkinson’s disease. Scientists administered 100 mg/kg of tyrosine to each of the 23 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Evaluation of tyrosine’s effect in 23 Parkinson’s disease patients showed 100 mg/kg tyrosine daily raised plasma and cerebral spinal fluid tyrosine and homovanillicacid levels, indicating increased catecholamine synthesis and release. In a small study showed  that some patients with Parkinson’s disease who supplemented with tyrosine for 3 years had better clinical results and fewer adverse effects than did patients using L-dopa.

Tyrosine Dosage

As reported in the literature, the recommended daily dosage of tyrosine is 100-150 mg/kg body weight. Some health professionals recommends taking tyrosine supplements 30 minutes before meals in three daily doses between 500 to 1,000 mg each. L-Tyrosine may need to be supplemented with its synergistic amino acids including 5-Hydroxytryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Methionine. Also, vitamin B6, B9, and copper are necessary for conversion of tyrosine into neurotransmitters.

Side Effects

Tyrosine is usually safe with infrequent reports of adverse effects. Occasional nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, or insomnia are reported by those taking higher doses of tyrosine (>150 mg/kg daily). Tyrosine can interact with certain other drugs. Before adding tyrosine supplements to drugs such as Levothroid , levoxyl, unithroid synthroid, or consult with your doctor. Tyrosine may cause a severe increase in blood pressure in people taking antidepressant drugs known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Tyrosine should not be taken at the same time as Levodopa (L-dopa).  The use of tyrosine with L-dopa may lower the effectiveness of L-dopa because they compete for absorption in the small intestine.

Tulsi Benefits and Dosage

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Tulsi (also known as Ocimum sanctum, or Holy Basil), is an Ayurvedic herb historically used for general health and a long life. While basil is found on every continent, holy basil (tulsi) is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Scientific findings are available on various medicinal aspects ie adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, neuro-protective, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic.

Tulsi Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

In traditional systems of medicine, different parts of tulsi, have been recommended for the therapy of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic fever, malaria, dysentery, arthritis, skin diseases, painful eye diseases. Eugenol, the active constituents present in tulsi have been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic effects. Results from various researches indicate that holy basil might have effects as a painkiller, a COX-II anti-inflammatory agent, an antioxidant, and as a therapy for bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Tulsi helps fight inflammation since it contains strong anti-inflammatory agents called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors, which inhibit COX-2 inflammatory enzymes. In vitro research shows the ursolic acid in tulsi inhibits COX-2.

Asthma

This herb supports healthy pulmonary function. Animal-based studies have found that extracts of tulsi help keep the bronchial airway passages clear. Two clinical trials treated asthma patients with 500 mg of tulsi 3 times daily for one month. Breathing function improved and the frequency of attacks was reduced.

Stress

Tulsi, especially, is an efficacious way to both prevent and combat the damaging effects of everyday stressors. As an adaptogen, tulsi improves the body’s natural protective response to physical and emotional stress. Studies examining this effect of tulsi have found that supplementation with various extracts of tulsi decreases stress hormone levels, corticosterone especially.  Holy Basil Anxiety

Hepatoprotective

There is a lack of safe hepatoprotective medications in modern medicine to prevent and treat drug-induced liver damage. New research on holy basil indicate that holy basil contains potent antioxidants and it may be liver protecting. Holy Basil seems to be beneficial in preventing toxin-induced harm to the liver in doses of 100-200mg/kg bodyweight. Synergism was noted on hepatoprotection when paired with silymarin (milk thistle). The agent used in the study to induce hepatic harm was acetaminophen.

Immunity

Holy basil is considered as a sacred herb and traditionally it is believed that consumption of holy basil leaf on empty stomach increases immunity. Experimental studies have shown that alcoholic extract of holy basil modulates immunity. In a 2011 clinical trial in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, twenty-four healthy participants were given either holy basil extract (300mg ethanolic extract of tulsi leaves – empty stomach) or a placebo. After 4 weeks, results demonstrated important improvements in interferon and T-helper cells in the holy basil group compared to the placebo.

Diabetes

Tulsi may have blood sugar lowering properties and may be beneficial as an adjunct to dietary therapy and medication treatment in mild to moderate diabetes. In a animal-based study, holy basil was administered orally to diabetic rats, resulting in reductions in plasma glucose levels of 9 % by day 15 and 26 % by day 30. An uncontrolled study reported that 1,000 mg per day of tulsi lowered blood sugar. A controlled trial investigated 2,500 mg per day and found similar changes in blood sugar. In a clinical trial, 40 patients (type 2 diabetes) were treated. Participants were asked to stop their diabetes drugs 7 days before the start of the study. Then all participants  were given tulsi leaves for a run-in period of 5 days. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to take 2.5 g of powdered tulsi leaf, and 20 were given placebo for 4 weeks and then were crossed over to the other treatment group without a washout period for another 4 weeks. In the first group, average fasting glucose declined from 134 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl after 4 weeks of therapy with tulsi. After being crossed over to placebo for 4 weeks, it increased to 115 mg/dl. In the placebo-first group, average fasting glucose declined from 132 mg/dl to 123 mg/dl after 4 weeks and then declined even further to 97 mg/dl after being crossed over for 4 weeks to tulsi.

Anti-inflammatory

Holy Basil contains the natural compound ursolic acid, which has proven beneficial in dealing with the inflammatory producing enzymes Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) responsible for joint pain and stress conditions. Research performed by the College of Pharmacy in New Delhi, found that an extract of Holy Basil (ursolic acid) inhibited arachidonic acid and leukotriene-induced edema. On the basis of the results it was proven that standardized Holy Basil extract may be effective as an anti-inflammatory agent, which blocks both inflammatory pathways, ie Cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-Lipoxygenase, as well as arachidonic acid metabolism. A study reported in “Phytomedicine” measured the activity of Tulsi’s phenolic compounds and found the COX-2 inhibitory activity of these compounds to be comparable to aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Anticancer

Preclinical studies have shown that Holy basil and some of its phytochemicals eugenol, apigenin, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, myretenal, ß-sitosterol, and carnosic acid prevented chemical-induced liver, lung, oral, and skin cancers and to mediate these effects by increasing the antioxidant activity, altering the gene expressions, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. In a 2007 study reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers examined the effectiveness of tulsi extract in rats who exhibited oxidative stress, DMBA-induced cancer. Four different concentrations of tulsi extract were fed to rats over a five day period, then were injected with DMBA. At a dosage of 300 mg per kilgram of body weight,tulsi extract significantly reduced the formation of cancerous micronuclei, enzymes which metabolize toxins in the body, and oxidation in both proteins and fats.  A number of studies of animals have shown that holy basil protects healthy cells from the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation.Tulsi has also been shown to protect the heart from damage caused by a widely used chemotherapy medication, adriamycin.

Dosage

For general preventive treatment, the dosage range recommended in review literature is 300 mg – 2,000 milligrams of tulsi extract for a single dose on a daily basis. 600-1,800 mg divided doses has been used daily for curative  treatment. In a clinical study used 2.5 grams tulsi leaves as dried powder in 200 mL water daily for two months for hypoglycemic effect.

Side Effects

Tulsi seems to be well tolerated in most people, and it has usually recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the United States. Tulsi can have a blood-thinning effect and may increase the effect of blood-thinning drugs. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix®). Caution is advised when using drugs that may lower blood sugar. Theoretical interactions would be possible hypoglycemia when taken by diabetics treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas, Prandin or Starlix.

Holy Basil Anxiety Benefits

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Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is an Indian herb known for its beneficial effects on conditions such as stress and depression. Holy basil is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses.

Holy Basil Anxiety Benefits

Stress is associated to many aspects of both physical and mental health. Over time, stress can negatively affect the health of the nervous, immune and digestive systems. Holy basil has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogenic herb to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. According to a research reported in the Sep 2008 edition of the Nepal Medical College Journal, 500 mg of tulsi extract taken two times a day can significantly reduce the intensity of generalized anxiety disorder. A 1991 study reported in the “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” compared anti-stress effects with those of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus ), found that tulsi was a more powerful herb. A study reported in the 2011 Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences showed that mice given a holy basil extract experienced important reduction in stress levels when compared to mice given ginseng.

In a study reported  in the Nov 2003 edition of the “Indian Journal of Experimental Biology,” tulsi was showed to have calming propertieson the central nervous system that may benefit panic disorder. Holy basil may impact the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are used in coping with stress. In a study found that animals that received the extract demonstrated significant normalization of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and MAO. Tulsi herb exerts a calming effect by preventing elevations in the cortisol. Nicknamed the ‘stress hormone’,cortisol production increases in response to chronic stress. A notice reported by the California Naturopathic Doctors Association in 2007 describes tulsi as an helpful factor of reducing the cortisol in individuals experiencing cancer and related depression.

Alcohol extracts of this herb demonstrated important anti stress effects in mice exposed to acute and chronic noise stress. A study using male albino rats, via intraperitoneal administration of 70% ethanolic extract of tulsi, dosed at 100 mg/kg body weight, were able to withstand sub-chronic broadband white noise exposure at 100 dB for 4 hours a day for a total of 15 days. This application of the extract prevented noise-induced  increases in the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin turnover in specific brain regions.

Dosage

Holy basil standardized extract, 400 milligrams daily, for stress and adrenal health. Studies show that taking holy basil at 500 mg twice daily after meals has a important effect in reducing generalized anxiety and depression. Because multiple constituents of holy basil have been shown to combat stress, an efficacious supplement must provide each of these important active components at therapeutic dosages. Researches have shown that eugenol, especially, helps to combat stress and enhance mental clarity.  Also, research has shown that the triterpenoic acids isolated from holy basil effectively improve the body’s response to stress. Holy basil supplements are available as tea, tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. The best holy basil supplements are in soft-gel capsules.