While the rate of individuals with yeast infections continues to rise, traditional methods for treating them remain under scrutiny. One such approach involves the use of live yogurt, which the individual either consumes orally or applies topically to localized sites of infection. The use of live yogurts has both strengths and limitations.
Yeast Infections
Although most yeast live inside us harmlessly, several species within this category can cause problems when allowed to overgrow. Dr Lawrence Wilson, a physician familiar with the issue, identifies the candida yeast as a particularly opportunistic species. He explains that candida can cause a wide range of symptoms, from headaches to carbohydrate cravings and from rashes to fatigue.
Live Yoghurt
Live yogurt describes a product that contains millions of beneficial bacteria. Most commercially-available yogurts do not contain any viable organisms, a small sub-section contain sufficient bacteria to have an impact on the microbial population in the intestines, helping to crowd out the pathogenic yeasts. Dr Wilson notes how lactobacillus and bifidus strains remain useful.
Microbial Competition
Jonny Bowden, a board-certified nutritionist and the author of several books on natural healthcare, explains how the microbial population in the intestines operates on a "king of the jungle" basis. Each microbe, whether bacteria or fungi, compete for dominance in this area; each secrete anti-microbial peptides to help kill off the competition, meaning that those populations that dominate tend to stay dominant. One of the goals of treating candida infections involves restoring beneficial bacteria, like the lactobacillus strains, into a dominant position in the intestines.
Anti-Yeast Program
Although a valuable aspect in treating any dysbiosis, live yogurts will rarely deal with the yeast infection when used in isolation. Dr. Rodger Murphree, the American family physician who has penned several books on medical approaches to disease, recommends not just the use of live yogurts, but also the use of a low carbohydrate diet to help starve the yeast and anti-fungal foods.
Anti-Fungals
The anti-fungal foods and herbs can help eradicate problematic yeasts like candida, paving the way for the lactobaccilus strains found in live yogurt to take up residence inside the body once more. To this end, Dr Murphree suggests the use of coconut oil, garlic, oregano, grapefruit seed extract and pau d'arco.
