Yogurt is a cultured dairy product that provides protein, calcium and a beneficial, or "friendly," form of bacteria known as probiotics. Although research is ongoing, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it is believed that probiotics reduce the harmful effects of microorganisms in the body. When the yeast-like microorganism candida growts excessively in your mouth, it causes an infection called thrush, or oral candidiasis. Probiotics in yogurt may help manage its symptoms.
Function
Although yogurt is not considered a cure for thrush, it suits an overall nutritious diet that may guard against the common symptoms, such as creamy, white lesions in your mouth and on your tongue. Consuming probiotics while you are taking antibiotics, which can trigger candida overgrowth, may help prevent recurrent infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Probiotics are also believed to restore bacterial balance in your digestive tract, which may help prevent candida overgrowth in other areas, such as your stomach, groin or vagina.
Types
Probiotic strains vary significantly in their potential health benefits, according to Gregor Reid, director of the Canadian Research and Development Center for Probiotics. In an interview with "The New York Times" published in Sept. 2009, Reid said, "To say a product contains Lactobacillus is like saying you're bringing George Clooney to a party. It may be the actor, or it may be an 85-year-old guy from Atlanta who just happens to be named George Clooney." To ensure probiotic benefits, your yogurt should contain "live-active cultures," such as lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium.
Additional Benefits
Although yogurt is usually recommended for thrush patients because of its probiotic content, it may benefit your wellness in other ways. People prone to candida infections tend to lack calcium, according to the UMMC. An 8-oz cup of yogurt provides 400 mg of calcium -- significantly more than milk, cheese and sardines, and 42 percent of adults' recommended daily intake. Chilled and frozen yogurt provide smooth, cool foods that may help soothe pain caused by thrush lesions. Yogurt topped with or containing fruit provides antioxidant benefits, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections. Particularly antioxidant-rich fruits include berries, cherries, oranges and kiwi.
Research
Thrush is particularly common among older adults. In a study published in the "Journal of Dental Research" in February 2007, 276 elderly adults consumed 50 g of cheese containing probiotics or cheese free of probiotics for 16 weeks. By the study's end, the candida content in the saliva of participants who consumed the probiotics was reduced by 32 percent, and the saliva content of candida increased in participants who did not.
References
- Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium Fact Sheet
- "Journal of Dental Research"; Probiotics Reduce the Prevalence of Oral Candida in the Elderly---a Randomized Controlled Trial; K. Hatakka et al.; Feb. 2007
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