Candida is a fungus normally found in the mouth, vagina and intestines. However, Candida sometimes overgrown, causing yeast infections which have to be treated promptly. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria naturally found in your gut. There are several strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotics are also available in supplement form, commonly used to ameliorate diarrhea, respiratory and urinary infections, as well as vaginal yeast and bacterial infections, according to Drugs.com. If you suffer from a Candida infection and consider taking probiotics, you should first talk to your doctor.
Probiotics Fight Candida
According to the results of a study published in July 2010 issue of " BMC Oral Health," probiotics do inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. This was an in vitro study which evaluated eight different strains of probiotics. Although all probiotics appear to be beneficial for stopping the fungal growth, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri displayed the strongest inhibition of Candida fungus. This study also found probiotics effective against some bacteria belonging to the streptococcus group.
Probiotics Enhance The Effects of Antifungal Drugs
A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial published in March 2009 issue of "Letters in Applied Microbiology" evaluated the benefits of probiotics in addition to anti-fungal drug fluconasole for treating vaginal infections. This study involved 55 women diagnosed with vaginal infection with Candida divided in two groups; one group received conventional therapy only, and the second group received a single dose of fluconazole along with two probiotics capsules taken daily for four weeks. The probiotic capsules contained Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. The participants who received fluconasole and probiotics showed significantly less vaginal discharge and other symptoms associated with yeast infection and also improved lab tests, compared with those subjects who received standard therapy alone. The authors concluded that probiotics can increase the effectiveness of anti-Candida drugs in managing fungal infections.
Dosage and Safety
The daily dose varies with the strain of probiotics included in the supplement and the brand used. Some products are recommended daily, others, two times a week. The strength of the supplement is defined per million or billion colony forming units, or CFU, in a capsule. Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. However, use this supplement cautiously and only under medical supervision if you have frequent infections or serious digestive problems.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health-care provider to find out which probiotic strain may help improve your condition as well as optimal dosage. Keep in mind that probiotics do not replace and should not be used to replace any prescription drugs that you are currently taking.
References
- Drugs.com: Probiotics
- " BMC Oral Health" ; Growth Inhibition of Oral Mutans Streptococci and Candida by Commercial Probiotic Lactobacilli--An in Vitro Study; P.Hasslof et al; July, 2010
- "Letters in Applied Microbiology" ; Improved Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with Fluconazole Plus Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14; RC.Martinez et al; March, 2009
