Can Probiotics Give You A Yeast Infection

Yeast Infections And Antibiotics

by Eric Bakker N.D.

Candida Yeast Infection & Antibiotics Connection: Can Antibiotics Cause Candida Yeast Infections?

Yes, it is true that antibiotic use can lead to candida infections, I have done a video on the topic which you can watch here. This article will discuss antibiotics, ways in which you can get exposed to them knowingly or unknowingly, and detail all that you need to know about antibiotics and candida connection.

Antibiotics what these are?

Antibiotics are exactly what the name says they are: Anti = against, biotic = living component these are chemical compounds, some of which kill good and bad bacteria, others kill fungi, while some others kill protozoans . Generally, these are medications that are used to treat infections. In some instances, certain antibiotics can be used to even kill cancer cells and form a part of chemotherapy for cancer. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses and are of no use against viral infections.

Related articles:

• Geotrichum and Yeast Infection: Are They Connected?

Fungi and soil bacteria produce these compounds naturally to compete against other microorganisms. Historically, antibiotics were obtained from these microorganisms. Now there are methods that modify these natural antibiotics to produce what are known as semisynthetic antibiotics. There are also chemical methods to synthesize antibiotics from scratch and these are called as synthetic antibiotics.

How antibiotics cause candida infection?

When we unknowingly take antibiotics

Can Amoxicillin Cause Yeast Infections

by Eric Bakker ND

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, meaning that it is made from the same type of mold as penicillin. It fights bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall formation. This type of antibiotic is most effective against actively growing bacteria. We did numerous case studies which you can watch on our youtube channel or below.Before I continue with this article, you should know I’ve recently compiled a list of science-backed ways to get rid of candida yeast infections. You can if you haven’t yet.Case Study #1

Case Study #2

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, gonorrhea, ear infections, as well as urinary tract infections. Dentists commonly prescribe it to prevent complications after dental or gum surgery for people with heart valve abnormalities.

Related articles:

• Recurring Ringworm: Can It Be Candida?

Standard dosing of Amoxicllin for adults is 250 to 500 mg orally three times a day for 7 to 10 days or 500 to 875 mg orally twice a day.

Many people have severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to oral penicillins. Make sure you tell your doctor if this is the case for you.

It is also common to experience Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea after taking antibiotics because antibiotics alter normal gut flora. You must follow a proper diet during the course of antibiotics and even after.

How does Amoxicillin cause yeast infections?

Related articles:

Which Probiotics Help With Thrush

Thrush is a very common health issue which affects 130 million women worldwide every year1. It can be a source of discomfort and frustration for many women. As such, more individuals are looking for natural options to help manage their symptoms and prevent recurrent infection. Probiotics have become a popular option. However, identifying the right probiotic to help combat thrush is important as some are much more effective than others. Find out more about the best strains for female intimate health in this article on our Probiotics Learning Lab ‘Which Probiotics are best for Women?‘

Some of the most well researched probiotic strains shown to help with thrush in clinical trials are Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®. These interesting strains are discussed in detail below.

In this article we will look at:

• Summary

Also Check: Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics Probiotics Reviews

Symptoms Of Candida Overgrowth

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth differ depending on where the overgrowth is happening. Oftentimes, symptoms for Candida overgrowth could also indicate other health issues. This is why it is critical not to self-diagnose and to consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional if you think you may have a Candida Infection.

Probiotics For Yeast That Work

Reportssuggest that probiotics can help in negating these yeast infectionsto a certain extent . Probiotics are a group of microorganismsregarded as a normal flora which helps in masking binding sites ofpathogens, inhibiting their colonization. Most common probioticspecies include Bifidobacterium spp.,Lactobacilli, andthe yeast Saccharomycesboulardii .

1. Superti, F. De Seta, F. Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli. Microorganisms, 2020, 8.2. Ghasemian, A. Eslami, M. Shafiei, M. Najafipour, S. Rajabi, A. Probiotics and Their Increasing Importance in Human Health and Infection Control. Rev. Med. Microbiol., 2018, 29, 153158.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lacidophilus,originally named as Bacillusacidophilus was first isolated fromthe human gastrointestinal tract in 1900 by Moro. They are 210mshort, gram-positive bacillus that grow optimally from 37 to 42°Cand at temperatures as high as 45°C . L.acidophilus is shownto lowerC. albicans burden .

Lactobacillusrhamnosus

Lactobacillusrhamnosus GG , ATCC 53103 wasinitially isolated from faeces of a healthy human adult . It isprotective against vulvovaginal candidiasis. It colonizes the vaginaand restores the urogenital flora in women with a history ofbacterial or yeast vaginitis, or urinary tract infections. Moreover,a combination of L. acidophilusand L. rhamnosuswith bovine lactoferrin are able to prevent vaginal infections ofdifferent origins .

Lactobacillus plantarum

You May Like: Best Probiotics For Hashimoto’s

Do Probiotics Cause Yeast Infections

Considering probiotics comprise various strains of bacteria, you may be asking yourself, do probiotics cause yeast infections? The answer is no. The vast majority of yeast infections are caused by overgrowths of the fungus Candida. The most common strain of Candida that causes yeast infections is Candida albicans. Bacterial vaginosis is typically caused by a strain of bacteria known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Considering probiotic supplements do not contain strains ofCandida or Gardnerella vaginalis, you dont have anything to worry about. Simply put, probiotics do not cause yeast infections.7

The best probiotic to prevent yeast infection will usually contain varying strains of Lactobacilli. Your vaginal microflora should naturally be rich in Lactobacilli, which helps to maintain a healthy pH to prevent yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and other common urogenital issues.8

Reducing The Risk Of Thrush

Other lifestyle factors may need to be considered when managing or reducing the risk of thrush

Try to avoid:

• Perfumed soaps and shower gels including products marketed specifically for the vagina
• Alcohol and high sugar foods.

Choose:

• A good quality probiotic specifically researched for womens intimate health
• Cotton underwear rather than synthetic materials
• To wash the intimate area with water alone or with a clean, wet cloth

Recommended Reading: Do Pre And Probiotics Help You Lose Weight

How To Try Probiotics

Probiotics come in several forms that you can use in different ways. You can find them in the form of capsules or suppositories, which you insert into your vagina. When choosing a capsule or suppository, look for one that includes a list of the bacteria it contains. Most products will list them based on how many are in each dose. Try to find one that lists Lactobacillus near the top, such as these capsules or this suppository, both available on Amazon.

For a more cost-effective option, you can also use yogurt. Just make sure you choose one with a label that mentions live cultures and Lactobacillus. Avoid yogurts with added sugar or flavoring. Yeast feeds on sugars, so plain yogurt is best for a yeast infection.

To use the yogurt, remove a cotton tampon from its applicator and refill the applicator with yogurt. Lay down while inserting the applicator and releasing all of the yogurt into your vagina. Wait a few minutes before standing up to give it time to settle in.

As with other creams for yeast infections, the yogurt will eventually start leaking out of your vagina. You may want to consider apply it right before bed or when you wont be standing for long periods of time. If you need to apply it during the day or before being active, you may want to use a pantyliner or a pad to protect your clothing and provide extra comfort.

You can also apply yogurt to your vulva, which is the outer part of your vagina, to relieve itching and burning.

Ways Youre Unknowingly Causing Yeast Infections

Learn what they are and how to avoid them.

Itching, burning, and discomfort are only a few of the symptoms associated with yeast infections. Womens bodies have a biome stacked with good bacteria that keep our pH levels downstairs in check and running smoothly.

However, sometimes, yeast buildup of a fungus called candida can overpopulate our lady bits. This eventually causes yeast infections.

According to the Office on Womens Health, three out of four women will experience a yeast infection during their lifetime. The facts are statistically against us, assuming that 75 percent of women will have to deal with the uncomfortable infection.

Below, weve listed ten ways that you may be unknowingly building candida downstairs. Read on as Aaptiv dives into each cause and provide ways to avoid, or reverse, the potential development of yeast infections.

Read Also: Best Probiotic For Women And Weight Loss

How Do Probiotics Help With Candida

Probiotics can help with Candida in various ways, depending on the individual properties of that specific probiotic strain. Some strains can help to inhibit the growth of Candida, others can help to prevent Candida from colonising the gastrointestinal tract, whilst others can produce anti-fungal substances effective against Candida. These strains are discussed in more detail below.

Candida albicans

Other Tips For Prevention

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection, regardless of whether youre taking antibiotics:

• Change out of wet bathing suits and underwear as soon as possible. Yeast thrives in moist environments.
• Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths. The only thing yeast loves more than a moist environment is a warm one.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. While theres no clear link between tight clothing and yeast infections, tight pants can increase heat and moisture around your vulva.
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear. Cotton underwear can help keep things cool and dry down there.
• Never douche.Douching removes healthy bacteria.
• Avoid vaginal deodorant products. This includes sprays, powders, and scented pads and tampons.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.High blood sugar levels encourage yeast growth.

Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic For Child Constipation

How To Treat A Vaginal Yeast Infection

There are many effective over the counter medications that you can use to treat a yeast infection. Some of them carry a high risk of developing an allergic reaction or irritating your vaginal area, while others get fewer complaints and are very effective at the same time.

One of my favorite remedies for yeast infection that gives almost immediate results are boric acid suppositories. By inserting one suppository in the morning and one in the evening for 7 consecutive days youll get rid of your symptoms in no time.

One of the best probiotic suppository brands on the market is BoriCap Suppositories. They contain finely ground medical grade boric acid which is less likely to cause irritation.

If you order before 2 pm, theyll ship it on the same day so you can start your treatment promptly. This product is really amazing as its 100% natural, safe and inexpensive. Check their reviews on Amazon.

How Many Probiotics Do I Need

It is advised to take probiotics that contain at least 1 billion colony forming units . These assist in establishing and further growing the amount of healthy bacterias in your body. Any decent probiotic will have between 1-10 billion CFUs, but the particular dose will depend on the unique probiotic and how it was manufactured.

Natural probiotics are also an excellent source if you would prefer to forego supplements. However, this option will make it significantly more difficult to get enough CFUs, as supplements are specially designed to administer a large, concentrated dose of the best probiotics for your body.

Don’t Miss: Men’s Multivitamin With Probiotic

So Are Vaginal Probiotics The Solution To Yeast Infections And Bv

They might be in the future. But the pills and suppositories available today have not yet been proven to work.

Based on what experts know, vaginal probiotics must satisfy two criteria to be effective: They should contain a vaginal strain, like Lactobacillus crispatus, that has been shown to protect against infection and they should be inserted directly into the vagina.

Most of the products on the market, however, dont check both of those boxes. Many oral and suppository probiotics contain bacterial species cultivated from the gut or from fermented foods that arent natural inhabitants of the vagina. Biologically, I dont think it makes a whole lot of sense, said Catriona Bradshaw, a sexual health expert at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, who researches bacterial vaginosis.

And the majority of vaginal probiotics on the market are oral capsules, which studies suggest are unlikely to alter vaginal flora. Thats because the bacteria would have to make the treacherous journey down through the gut, out the anus and then crawl their way over to the vagina.

That is not happening, said Jacques Ravel, a microbiologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who studies the vaginal microbiome.

A few products are meant to be taken vaginally including FloraFemme vaginal probiotic suppositories , VagiBiom suppositories and Physioflor vaginal tablets .

Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth

A good portion of people with uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms that cannot be explained by other diagnoses may be suffering from small intestinal fungal overgrowth. SIFO is a condition characterized by bloating, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, or gas. Its not clear what exactly causes SIFO, but people who use proton pump inhibitors may be at a higher risk for it.

To diagnose SIFO, a small sample of fluid from the small intestine is taken via endoscope. Blood or stool tests may also be used, but they are less accurate. For treatment, two to three weeks of antifungal medication are usually prescribed . More research into SIFO is needed to determine the causes and most effective treatments.

Whats the Difference Between SIBO and SIFO?

While SIFO refers to fungal overgrowth in your gut, a similar condition called SIBO refers to bacterial overgrowth in the intestine. Some doctors believe that one may lead to the other as the gut microbiome becomes dysregulated and allows fungus and bacteria to overgrow. SIBO appears clinically similar to SIFO with symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and gas.

Recommended Reading: Is Probiotic Acidophilus Good For You

What Is Candida Overgrowth

Almost all of us carry Candida yeast on our skin, in our gastrointestinal tract, and in our mucous membranes, including in the vagina, mouth, and nasal passages. Even when were healthy, Candida is the major fungus in our mouths. 1 Lucky for us, normal immune system function and the other microorganisms making up our microbiomes help to keep Candida in check. The trouble starts when something upsets this balance and/or suppresses immune system function. Almost 50% of females of reproductive age experience vulvovaginal candidiasis , typically caused by C. albicans, and Candida can also affect the penis, resulting in inflammation, itching, and urinary and sexual discomfort.2 There is even strong evidence linking Candida to prostate inflammation.

Candida albicans is, by far, the most common cause of yeast infections in humans, although C. glabrata is increasingly responsible for yeast infections. 3 Together, these two pathogens cause around 65-75% of all systemic Candidiasis infections.4 As the rate of C. glabrata infections rises, it is important to find ways to inhibit the growth of both kinds of Candida.

Effective Ways To Treat A Yeast Infection

Right off the bat, Dr. Goebel spots a problem with treating yeastinfections at home. The biggest issue is that self-diagnosis of yeastinfections is not very accurate, especially if you havent had one before, shesays.

Bacterial infections, allergic reactions and some skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so its important to have a doctor confirm your diagnosis.

What if youve had yeast infections before, and theres nodoubt what youre dealing with? Dr. Goebel says your best bet is actual yeastinfection medication:

• Fluconazole is a prescription pill thatcan treat most yeast infections with a single dose, though it might take a fewdays for symptoms to clear up.
• Miconazole is an over-the-counter topicalcream. It comes in a variety of formulations, including one-day, three-day andseven-day options. The cream can be a little messy, but it can also bringfaster itch relief than oral fluconazole does, she says.

Also Check: When Taking Antibiotics When Should You Take Probiotics

They Can Increase Infection Risk For Some

Probiotics are safe for the vast majority of the population, but may not be the best fit for everyone.

In rare cases, the bacteria or yeasts found in probiotics can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in susceptible individuals .

Those at greatest risk for infection from probiotics include people with suppressed immune systems, prolonged hospitalizations, venous catheters or those who have undergone recent surgeries .

However, the risk of developing an infection is very low, and no serious infections have been reported in clinical studies of the general population.

It is estimated that only about one in one million people who take probiotics containing Lactobacilli bacteria will develop an infection. The risk is even smaller for yeast-based probiotics, with only about one in 5.6 million users getting infected .

When infections do occur, they typically respond well to traditional antibiotics or antifungals. However, in rare cases, deaths have occurred .

Research also suggests that people with severe acute pancreatitis should not take probiotics, as this may increase the risk of death .

Summary

People with compromised immune systems, venous catheters, recent surgery, acute pancreatitis or prolonged hospitalizations should avoid taking probiotics.