Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, which is the same unfriendly bacteria that causes athlete's foot, jock itch, diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections. You can fight a Candida overgrowth by replenishing your beneficial bacteria therefore restoring the balance of microorganisms in your body. Although there are many types of friendly, or probiotic, bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus is specifically recommended to fight Candida.
Probiotics
Over 1,000 different species of microbes live in and on your body, and each species has a unique function. There are two main groups of probiotic bacteria -- lactobacillus and bifidobacterium -- and many strains and species within each group. The word probitic comes from the Latin "pro biota" and means "for life." Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in supplements and fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir, can help treat thrush and other types of yeast infections caused by Candida.
Thrush
Thrush is most common in people with compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 90 percent of people with HIV/AIDS will develop a yeast infection at some point. Diabetes and uncontrolled high blood sugar can also lead to thrush as the extra glucose in your saliva feeds the Candida normally present in your mouth, the National Institutes of Health explains. Thrush is characterized by white patches in your mouth and on your tongue and lesions that can easily start to bleed.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Thrush
Acidophilus can keep Candida from reproducing too quickly and prevent future outbreaks. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may be able to get the necessary probiotic bacteria from yogurt, or you may have to supplement with acidophilus capsules. The NIH says that "typical doses range from 1 to 10 billion living organisms taken daily in 3 to 4 divided doses."
Other Tips
Once your thrush has cleared, you may continue to eat unsweetened yogurt to prevent a recurrence of the Candida overgrowth. Antibiotics can upset the balance of microorganisms in your system, as they can destroy both harmful and helpful microbes. Taking probiotics when you start a course of antibiotics can help replenish good bacteria and keep Candida in check. Take your probiotics at least two hours before or after your antibiotics to ensure they are effective and there are no drug interactions.
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