What is the link between acidophilus and yeast infection?
What is the role of acidophilus in the body?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a “healthy bacteria” that lives in the gut. The word acidophilus means “acid loving” as it thrives in an environment with a ph of 4.5 or less. It lives in the mouth, gut and vagina and because of the “friendly” reputation of L.Acidophilus is is sometimes referred to as a probiotic.
So what do aciduphilus and yeast infection have to do with eachother?
Thinking about the areas where L.acidophilus exists in the body (mouth, gut and vagina), if acidophilus levels are high and keeping candida growth at bay, the relationship between acidophilus and yeast infection is one of opposition. If candida levels in the body thrive to such a level that acidophilus levels are insufficient to fight against it, reduced acidophilus and yeast infection are more likely to go hand in hand. Similarly, a compromised immune system may make an individual more prone to candida overgrowth due to either the demise of healthy bacteria in the body to fight against it or conditions that encourage candida to grow.
Where can acidophilus be found?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is the “friendly bacteria” that can be naturally found in the digestive system. Acidophilus can be derived from live yogurt or from nutritional supplements and is believed to be very effective in the treatment of oral thrush, esophageal yeast infection and vaginal candidiasis.
How much yogurt should I eat for the acidophilus to fight yeast infection?
It is believed that eating just an 8oz portion of live yogurt is helpful in re-populating the gut with the proper intestinal flora that has been damaged by yeast overgrowth. This amount can also significantly reduce vaginal thrush symptoms.
How much acidophilus as a supplement do I need to fight yeast infection?
If taking acidophilus as an over the counter supplement, you would typically need a supplement of 1 – 10 million live bacteria per day. If the dose is too low it has insufficient impact to reverse the symptoms of yeast infection. If too high a dose is taken mild gastrointestinal disturbances may occur. It is also possible to obtain lactobacilus suppositries to use against vaginal candidiasis. For those susceptible to yeast infection due to being HIV positive this can be an effective part of a holistic approach to treatment.
A combined approach to boost acidophilus to fight yeast infection
Acidophilus supplements and the eating of live yogurt can be an effective preventative measure when taking antibiotics as, for people susceptible to recurrent yeast infection, antibiotics and yeast infections can go hand in hand.
For treating vaginal thrush please see our post on using yogurt for the treatment of yeast infection. Lactobacillus acidopholus suppositries can also be used as part or your armoury against vaginal yeast infection.
What else do I need to know?
It needs to be remembered, however, that the actual candida overgrowth needs to be dealt with alongside recolonising the gastrointestinal tract with friendly bacteria. For a holistic approach to conquering your yeast infection and preventing recurrence, Linda Allen’s book is highly recommended. CLICK here for details.
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