Thrush and lactose intolerance are not related, but both can be helped by the same type of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus. Thrush is a sign of a bacterial overgrowth -- specifically of the yeast-like microbe Candida albicans. Lactose intolerance is your body's inability to digest lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in dairy products. According to the National Institutes of Health, Lactobacillus bacteria can improve both conditions.
Lactose Intolerance
Dairy foods naturally contain two types of sugar: lactose and galactose. Your body must produce a specific enzyme -- lactase -- to be able to digest these sugars. Most babies are born with the ability to make lactase, which is needed to digest breast milk. It's common for people to lose their ability to make lactase, as early as 3 years old. Lactose intolerance isn't dangerous and, according to Pub Med Health, some 30 million American adults have some lactase deficiency by age 20.Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramps, diarrhea and gas.
Thrush
Thrush is an oral yeast infection; an overgrowth of the same bacteria that causes vaginal yeast infections, jock itch and athlete's foot -- Candida albicans. Normally candida lives harmlessly in your digestive tract and is kept in check by friendly bacteria, especially Lactobacillus acidolphus. But if something disturbs the balance of bacteria, such as taking antibiotics, a compromised immune system, undiagnosed diabetes, poor dietary habits or an infection, then Candida may grow unchecked. Chronic yeast infections may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Probiotics
From the Latin "pro biota" meaning "for life," probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion, helping you absorb nutrients from the food you eat more effectively, boost your immune system and treat the symptoms of IBS, traveler's diarrhea and antiobiotic-related diarrhea. There are two main groups of probiotics: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, both with several species and strains in each group -- each with it's own unique function. The type of probiotic that helps thrush and may help lactose intolerance is Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus, the type of probiotic found in yogurt, kefir and other fermented dairy products, can help treat both candida overgrowths and lactose intolerance, although it may be more effective for thrush, says the National Institutes of Health. A daily 8-oz. serving of unsweetened yogurt is effective for treating thrush, says the Mayo Clinic. A 2005 meta-study published in the "Journal of Family Practice" said that "Some evidence suggests that specific strains, concentrations, and preparations are effective" for treating lactose intolerance but more testing is needed.
References
- Pub Med Health; Lactose Intolerance; July 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Oral Thrush; August 2009
- MedlinePlus; Lactobacillus; June 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- "Journal of Family Practice"; Do Probiotics Reduce Adult Lactose Intolerance? A Systematic Review; KM Levri, et al.; July 2005
