Probiotics are microorganisms found in foods or supplements. Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, help to facilitate healthy digestion and protect you from harmful bacteria. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, there is some research that probiotics may help to treat and prevent yeast infections. Yeast infections are commonly caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans. Yeast infections are common, affecting approximately 75 percent of women at least once, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Consult your physician if you think you have a yeast infection.
Step 1
Eat 8 oz. of yogurt that contains live cultures daily. A review of research published in the "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing" found that a specific probiotic in yogurt, L. acidophilus, can help prevent or treat an existing yeast infection.
Step 2
Take a daily probiotic supplement according to package directions. Ensure that the supplement has at least 1 to 2 billion organisms, which can found on the label, to treat a yeast infection.
Step 3
Continue to take the supplement daily until your yeast infection has cleared up. Keep taking the supplement to prevent further recurrences of the infection.
Step 4
Apply 1 tbsp. of unsweetened, plain yogurt topically to treat your yeast infection. The research review in the "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing" found that applying yogurt topically to the vagina can also stop yeast infections and helps to relieve some symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Yogurt
- Probiotic supplement
References
- Mayo Clinic.com; Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- WomensHealth.gov; Vaginal Yeast Infections Fact Sheet; September 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Health Services at Columbia Go Ask Alice; Yogurt for Yeast Infections?; January 2009
- "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing"; Prevention and Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Using Exogenous Lactobacillus; Heather S. Jeavons; May 2003
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