The human body contains many microorganisms, including bacteria, fungus and yeast. In a healthy individual, helpful organisms prevent the overgrowth of organisms that can cause illness, including candidiasis. However, stomach upset, chronic digestive problems and antibiotics can disturb this balance. According to a 2006 study by Dr. Matthew E. Falagas, taking probiotic supplements that contain the "good" microorganisms is an effective method of treating candidiasis.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an overproduction of yeast, most commonly Candida albicans, in the digestive system and genitals. It leads to an infection of the skin and mucous membranes, usually in and around the mouth or genitals. Candidiasis in the mouth is often referred to as thrush, while Candidiasis of the genitals is commonly called a yeast infection. The symptoms of candidiasis include skin redness and itching. Women with candidiasis may also experience vaginal discharge and soreness. Men with candidiasis can experience any of these symptoms but many have no symptoms at all. In the mouth, candidiasis has a white, patchy appearance.
Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful bacteria and yeasts that live in the digestive system. These microorganisms provide protection from invasions of harmful bacteria and keep the pH level of the stomach, intestines and genitals balanced. The most common probiotic strains include Acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and L casei. Many foods, such as yogurt, cheese, buttermilk and sauerkraut, contain these good bacteria. People can also buy probiotic supplements from grocery and health stores in powdered, liquid, capsule or suppository form.
Probiotics Treatment for Candidiasis
A 2003 study conducted by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Washington found that probiotics can be an effective measure to treat candidiasis. Probiotics work against a candidiasis infection by populating the gut and reproductive tract, displacing the harmful yeast. Probiotics also produce acidic waste that creates an inhospitable environment for candida organisms, which thrive in low pH. According to the health website The Healthier Life, it can take from one to four weeks to completely treat a candidiasis infection, depending on the number and type of probiotics and the severity of the infection.
Dosage
There is no official dosage standard for probiotics. Dr. Jason Hawrelak of Southern Cross University in New South Wales, Australia, recommends at least one billion colony forming units, or CFUs, per day but many probiotic supplements provide 30 to 50 CFUs per dose. Taking more than this is not life threatening but can cause nausea, diarrhea and headaches.
References
- Oxford University Press; Probiotics for Prevention of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis; Matthew E. Falagas, et al.; June 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
- Huntington College of Health Sciences; Probiotics; Gene Bruno, MS, MHS; 2009
- Pubmed.gov: "Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review"; Dr Jason Hawrelak; 2004
- The Environmental Illness Resource: Treatment of Candida and Yeast Overgrowth; Dr Rodger Murphree
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology; pH-, Lactic Acid-, and Non-Lactic Acid-Dependent Activities of Probiotic Lactobacilli against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Domitille Fayol-Messaoudi, et al.; October 2005
