Probiotics and yeast are two types of different organisms that reside in your digestive tract. Both good and bacteria and yeast occur naturally in your body. Probiotics are referred to as "good" organisms because they help prevent the overgrowth of "bad" bacteria and yeast. Thus, probiotics can help prevent yeast infections. Consult a doctor for more information.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses and yeast, that can be seen only with the help of a microscope. To be considered a probiotic by the World Health Organization, a live microorganism must provide a health benefit. Probiotics help keep your immune system healthy and aid digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Yeast
A yeast infection, or candidiasis, usually involves an overgrowth of naturally occurring "bad" yeast. Candida albicans is a fungal yeast that can thrive in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin and other parts of the body. When the yeast growth exceeds your body's ability to keep it in check, an infection can occur. Probiotics can be added to your diet through food and supplements to help reduce the overgrowth of yeast.
Where Probiotics are Found
Probiotics are taken as supplements in capsule, tablet and powder forms. Probiotics also occur naturally in many fermented and other foods, such as yogurt, miso, tempeh. Supplemental probiotics are similar to the kind found naturally in the body. Probiotic supplements are often from two specific groups of bacteria: Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium but there are many bacterial species and strains within these groups, according to the National Center for Complementary Medicine.
Considerations
Probiotics are different from prebiotics, which are ingredients in food or food additives that are used to stimulate microorganisms in the digestive tract. Prebiotics are also called "fermentable fiber." Probiotics use prebiotics as an energy source.
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