Probiotics are a group of friendly bacteria that reside in our intestinal tracts. They are live microorganisms that exert a beneficial affect on our immune and digestive systems, and they help produce certain vitamins. The intestinal tract is home for a variety of microorganisms. Some, such as viruses, yeasts and parasites, are harmful to our health, while others, such as the probiotic bacteria, are helpful. An imbalance between the beneficial probiotic bacteria and the harmful microorganisms causes the proliferation of yeast.
Yeast Infections
Yeast is commonly known as Candida albicans. Candida yeast thrive on sugar and an acidic environment in the gut. As the Candida yeast flourish, yeast infections result. Probiotics help keep the Candida yeast in check. An equal number of the beneficial probiotics in relation to the yeast results in a healthy immune system and a healthy intestinal tract.
Dr. Weil's Probiotics
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, probiotics are an effective treatment for diarrhea, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, Chrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Taking an antibiotic wipes out all the good bacteria in the gut as well as the bad bacteria. Thus, Dr. Weil recommends taking a probiotic supplement if antibiotics were prescribed.
Types of Probiotics
There are several strains of probiotics: Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium. Dr. Weil recommends taking a probiotic brand containing Bacillus coagulans, BC-30, or Lactobacillus GG. Probiotic supplements have an expiration date. To get the benefit of the probiotics, they should be consumed before the date of expiration. Buy a product that has "colony forming units" in the billions. After you buy them store the probiotic supplements in the fridge. This helps keep them viable.
Probiotics Treat Yeast Infections
According to Katherine Zeratsky, registered dietitian and nutritionist at Mayo Clinic, probiotics are important for a healthy diet. By adding probiotics to your diet, you can prevent and treat vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections. Probiotics are present in certain foods, such as yogurt, fermented products, miso and some soy drinks. Probiotics also come in nutritional supplement form, capsule or powder. It is important to read the product label and carefully look for the statement "live, cultured bacteria."
