How To Use Probiotics To Beat The Yeast
Women who use probiotics to treat vaginal yeast infections either turn to probiotic-rich yogurt, probiotic capsules, or vaginal suppositories.
If youre using a supplement or OTC probiotic medication, follow the package instructions. Packaged probiotics may be intended for oral or vaginal use, so make sure you read those directions!
As for treating a yeast infection with yogurt, here are some of the options:
- Just eat it. The theory is that consuming probiotic yogurt will rebalance your microbiome. Cant hurt to try it, within moderation.
- Apply plain yogurt externally to soothe itching and burning. Its crucial that you choose a plain yogurt with no added sugar or flavorings. Sugar could really kick that yeast into high gear, and other ingredients may be irritating.
- Fill an empty tampon applicator with plain yogurt and insert vaginally. You can also freeze it before inserting it, for extra cooling relief. Note: Accounts of this are purely anecdotal and generally not recommended by healthcare providers.
The yogurt and honey study mentioned above measured improvement in symptoms at 1 and 2 weeks when the mixture was applied externally. Probiotic supplements can take 1 to 4 weeks if taken orally.
Because yogurt and probiotics are relatively safe, you can try both without much worry.
- a weakened immune system
- ulcerative colitis
- damaged heart valves
A general word of caution: supplements like probiotics are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for content and quality.
Why Do People Use Vaginal Probiotics
People may turn to vaginal probiotics because of two common problems:
- Bacterial yeast infection. A fungus called candida normally lives in balance with other microorganisms in your vagina. But in a yeast infection, the candida grows so much that it overcomes healthy bacteria. You might notice itchiness and discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
- Bacterial vaginosis . Here, certain harmful bacteria grow enough to outnumber healthy bacteria like lactobacillus. You might notice a fishy smell, especially after your period or after sex, along with a gray-greenish discharge. Scientists donât know why BV happens. Itâs the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
Others might use probiotics to maintain vaginal health, even when they have no obvious problems. But some doctors warn there could be dangers in introducing new bacteria and other microorganisms into your body.
Best Strain Of Probiotic For Vaginal Ph Balance
As has been previously discussed, changes in pH can have big implications for vaginal health. A pH that is too low can lead to yeast infections, and a pH that is too high can result in BV. By taking probiotics that contain strains of Lactobacillus, a healthy vaginal pH can be maintained. Most probiotic formulas designed for womens health contain one or more strains of Lactobacillus in order to keep the vagina at the optimal pH. However, it is important not to substitute your womens health probiotics with other probiotics, as many other formulas do not contain Lactobacillus and will likely be ineffective. Here is a list of our Favorite Probiotics for Vagina PH Balance on the market.
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Which Strain Of Probiotic Do I Need
There are several types of probiotic formulas aimed at treating various conditions that afflict the female reproductive system. However, these formulas usually have one strain of bacteria in common: Lactobacillus. There are several strains of Lactobacillus that are known to have beneficial effects on vaginal health, and Lactobacillus has shown in many studies to be effective in treating several vaginal issues, as discussed below. Many women wonder if taking probiotics is really necessary for vaginal health, because the vagina is a self-regulating organ. While this is normally the case, women today are subjected to numerous medications, supplements, and other products that can upset the balance of the microorganisms in the vagina. Depending on the condition that needs to be treated, your probiotic needs may vary. When choosing a probiotic, make sure it has the correct types of probiotic bacteria , and that it has a sufficient dose to treat the intended condition. There are various ways to use probiotics for vaginal health ranging from eating probiotic foods to supplements to suppositories. When it comes to using probiotics, the timing of consumption is also important. Luckily, probiotics are generally considered to be safe and easy to use with only minimal, if any, side effects. However, those with compromised immune systems should consult with a physician before taking probiotics.
Diet For A Yeast Infection
The foods you eat may be contributing to your recurring yeast infections. Yeast loves sugar. Avoiding the following foods can curb the growth of yeast in your body.
- White flour and rice
- Foods or drinks fermented with yeast
- Foods made up of simple sugars
Although avoiding these foods may help you avoid a yeast infection, this diet can be difficult to maintain. Fortunately, you may not need to completely eliminate these foods to see positive effects in the number or severity of yeast infections you get. Cutting back in small amounts may help.
It may also help to increase your intake of healthy proteins and fats and increase your intake of low-starch fruits and vegetables. Eating a low-sugar diet doesnt mean you have to go hungry you just need to eat more from other food groups.
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Falling Out Of Balance
This delicate balance is easily disrupted by any number of factors. Sex, semen, menstruation, vaginal washes and wipes, certain medications, and even stress are common culprits. These triggers can raise pH levels creating an environment where non-beneficial bacteria and yeast can grow and flourish throwing off your vaginas balance and making it susceptible to infection.
Sex, semen, menstruation, vaginal washes and wipes, certain medications, and even stress can trigger a disruption to vaginal microflora.
The Risks Of Probiotics
The FDA doesnât regulate probiotics that are sold as dietary supplements. That means their labels can make claims about what’s in them and how they work that may not be true. So itâs best to be cautious. We need more research on how safe probiotics are. But scientists say they may have some harmful effects, including:
- Infections
- Unlisted ingredients that could pose health risks
- Unsafe substances made by probiotic microorganisms
Your risk of harmful side effects is higher if you have a serious illness or problems with your immune system.
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Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections With Lifestyle And Diet Changes
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About 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection sometime in their life, and up to 45% of those women will have repeat yeast infections. Thats a daunting prospect if youve had one before its not something you want to do again. Thankfully, you can make lifestyle and diet changes to prevent a yeast infection.
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How To Use Probiotics To Treat A Yeast Infection
Probiotics are microorganisms in supplements and food that can benefit your health. Microorganisms naturally live on and in our bodies, helping with digestion, fighting illness, and making vitamins.
Probiotics may support health by helping to maintain a balanced microbiome and supporting your immune system.
Lactobacillus is a friendly bacteria that lives in human digestive, genital, and urinary systems. Its also found in fermented foods like yogurt.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates Lactobacillus as possibly effective for treating vaginal bacterial overgrowth, but possibly ineffective at treating vaginal yeast infections.
While ingesting Lactobacillus in supplements or yogurt may not prevent yeast infections for folks who take antibiotics, vaginal probiotic suppositories do improve symptoms when used with conventional treatment.
A Solution Springs From Frustration
But sometimes women dont respond to the standard treatments and experience recurrent problems that leave them searching for solutions. Dr. Mitchell says that some women shes encountered are trying not only probiotic supplements, but also alternative treatments theyve found on the Internet. These include putting yogurt-soaked tampons, tea tree oil, and even garlic cloves into their vaginas in an effort to introduce beneficial bacteria. These solutions, she says, are not only ineffective but highly inadvisable.
Its true that a compound in garlic, allicin, has been shown to kill yeast in a laboratory. But you cannot put enough cloves of garlic in your vagina or take enough oral garlic capsules to achieve the same effect, says Dr. Mitchell. Tea tree oil also has no demonstrated benefit and can cause irritation. Yogurt-infused tampons dont work either. Many probiotic supplements and most yogurts do contain Lactobacillus bacteria, but its generally not the same type of Lactobacillus found in your vagina. L. crispatus and L. iners are the most common species found in the vagina. Most probiotics and yogurt contain other species, such as L. rhamnosus or L. acidophilus, which are more common in the gut.
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Trial Ii: Treatment Of Bv And Yeast Infection With Increased Dose Frequency Of Ecovag
In the second trial, women were recruited in the three groups as follows group-1: 11 women with BV receiving antibiotics and EcoVag®, group-2: 9 women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis receiving anti-fungal drug and EcoVag® and group-3: 10 women with Candida infection receiving only the anti-fungal drug. Women in group-1 received a similar antibiotic treatment for BV as in the first trial and a prolonged treatment with EcoVag®. After each antibiotic course, EcoVag® capsules were given for 10 days and after the second menstruation once every week for the next four months . Patients sexual partners were also treated with oral clindamycin.
In group-2, women with Candida infection were treated with anti-fungal medication and EcoVag® capsules. They were given 28 days course of fluconazole 50 mg every day and vaginal EcoVag® capsules for 10 days from day 18 to 28 . After the first menstruation, EcoVag® capsules were given again for 10 days along with a weekly course of 200 mg fluconazole for two months. This was followed by a third course of fluconazole, where women were given 200 mg of the drug once every two weeks for the next three months. After the second menstruation, EcoVag® capsules were given once every week for four months.
Women with candidiasis in group-3 received a similar anti-fungal treatment but no EcoVag® capsules .
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Boric Acid Suppositories For Bv
Boric acid suppositories have long been used for vaginal infections, including BV and yeast infections. It is regarded as a simple, safe home remedy for vaginal infections. It is thought that boric acid may affect the biofilms of BV-causing bacterial.
One study showed that treatment with nitroimidazole followed by 21 days of intravaginal boric acid suppositories and then, if in remission, metronidazole gel twice weekly for 16 weeks. BV cure rates at 12, 16, 28, and 36 weeks were 87%, 78%, 65%, and 50%, respectively.
Though the BV cure was not permanent for 50% of women in the trial, this study indicates that boric acid , may be useful in delaying recurrence of BV. More studies are needed to determine if ongoing use of boric acid may be helpful for BV prevention, especially for those with recurring BV.
Please note: Oral use of boric acid is toxic vaginal use only. Pregnant women should not use boric acid.
You can purchase boric acid suppositories online quite easily. As always, it is best to discuss any of these remedies with your doctor before use.
Other home remedies for BV that are less studied include: herbal suppositories , tea tree oil for BV, and hydrogen peroxide for BV.
If you are considering any BV treatment over the counter or home remedies for BV, talk to your doctor.
Vaginal Community State Types: Which Of These 5 Are You
From mother to employee to wife, women are very dynamic. The vaginal microbiota that comprises their reproductive organs is just as much so. While research on the vaginal microbiome is in its infancy , all scientific evidence alludes to one thing. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus species within the vaginal microbiome heavily
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What Are Vaginal Probiotics
Vaginal probiotics are friendly live microorganisms that can be introduced to your body to boost your vaginal health. These work by providing strains of good bacteria that improve your vaginas microbiota composition. The most commonly-touted beneficial type of probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus.
Many probiotics products have been developed in recent years, marketed specifically for vaginal health. These contain a mixture of these beneficial lactobacilli bacteria strains. Most commonly, vaginal probiotics are available daily oral supplements, but some are applied to the vagina.
When it comes to their role in human health, the use of probiotics to augment our bodies bacterial populations is gradually achieving scientific acceptance. Most often, when women seek out vaginal probiotics, they are doing so to treat or prevent the two most common urogenital health problems bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Whilst you should always consult your doctor if youre concerned about vaginal health, whats the current evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing, alleviating or treating these common vaginal issues?
The Role Of Beneficial Bacteria In Womens Health
The importance of probiotics in womens health is becoming better understood. In addition to supporting a healthier vagina and urinary tract, probiotics also support digestion. As an example, irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women than men, but probiotics have been shown to help ease discomfort in women dealing with this condition.
Probiotics also keep the vaginal environment more acidic which helps promote favorable balance. Women who consume probiotics regularly and eat alkaline foods significantly increase their chances of normal, vaginal balance. If youre looking to add probiotics to your diet, a few of the best options include:
- Yogurt with live, active strains
- Kefir
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How Common Are Yeast Infections
Approximately 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least one time in their lives.
Research has shown that probiotics may support the natural balance of your microbiome and help with yeast infections. Probiotics contain bacteria that can help restore the balance of the vaginal microbiome. However, more research is needed to support this benefit.
Probiotics are found in fermented dairy products and foods, such as yogurt and kimchi. They also come in the form of supplements and suppositories.
Yogurt And Other Natural Options
Some natural options may provide relief from a yeast infection, but medical experts agree there isnt sufficient evidence to prove if theyre effective treatment options. At this point, home remedies may be best for preventing new or recurring yeast infections:
- Practice good hygiene: Change out of sweaty or wet clothing or bathing suits as soon as possible.
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton is breathable and absorbs moisture, which can help keep your vagina dry.
- Dont put foods into your vagina: Using apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, yogurt, avocado oil, or any other food in your vagina will likely cause more harm.
- Avoid scented products: Scented tampons, pads, bubble baths, and laundry detergents can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
- Do not douche: The vagina is self-cleaning, so you never need to douche. Doing so can lead to a yeast infection or other vaginal infections.
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