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.
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.
Florafemme Ph Balanced Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories
Probiotics in suppositories to be administered directly into the vagina. It has a total of 72 billion good bacteria, with a total of 11 different species, most of which are of the genus Lactobacillus, making it one of the best probiotics for womens ph balance.
It also contains Aloe Socotrina HPUS 4X, which as a derivative of Aloe, exerts an antiseptic function reducing the chances of suffering infections in the urinary tract such as Bacterial Vaginosis
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When Should You Use Probiotic Suppositories
You can use probiotic suppositories either to treat or prevent vaginal yeast infections:
- You can insert it in the vagina together with an antifungal suppository to boost its effect, speed up recovery and strengthen your defenses to avoid future infections.
- You can use it after a session in a swimming pool, to help reestablish correct pH and healthy bacterial flora.
- Use it after a night out if you drank a lot of alcohol. It will replenish the levels of friendly bacteria destroyed by alcohol.
- Use vaginal probiotic suppositories when following an antibiotic treatment and minimum one week after you finish treatment.
- Use it when youre suffering from chronic stress to prevent a vaginal yeast infection that may be triggered by increased cortisol levels.
Candida Overgrowth In The Gut
The most common signs for Candida overgrowth in the gut is severe bloating and flatulence, an intense craving for sugar and sweets, strong fatigue especially after meals, and a thick, white coating on your tongue. Candida overgrowth in the gut may also be accompanied by changes in mood, particularly increased irritability, anxiety and restlessness .
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Best For People Who Are Sensitive To Probiotics
Seeking Health ProBiota Bifido
Probiota Bifido by Seeking Health: Acid-resistant for those sensitive to Lactobacillus probiotics. Probiotic Bifido contains 7 Bifidobacterium strains and 12 billion CFUs, including Bifidobacterium longum , Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis , Bifidobacterium infantis , Bifidobacterium bifidum , Bifidobacterium lactis , Bifidobacterium lactis , and Bifidobacterium breve .
While some brands contain Bifidobacterium strains, most also contain a blend with Lactobacillus. Or, other brands often contain fewer strains than the Seeking Health brand. That is why the Probiota Bifido stands out as the best in its category.
Additionally, many people who have histamine intolerance find that this probiotic is very easy to take. This is because it also helps with IBS symptoms, including diarrhea, according to reviewers.
Formulated by Dr. Lynch, this brand is also designed by a digestive health physician.
Best Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic
Klaire Labs Saccharomyces BoulardiiOne of the benefits of using S. boulardii is that it is very well-tolerated by most people and it doesnt colonize.
This means that it works directly on fighting candida, but wont change the diversity profile of your gut.
Additionally, you can use lower doses of probiotics with this strain. Klaire Labs Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic brand that is free of harmful additives and fillers and contains 3 billion CFU of S. boulardii. The company is GMP certified as well.
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.
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Best Probiotics For Candida
Yeast infections are the norm nowadays. There are many aggravating factors and one slight imbalance can land you with a yeast infection before you know it. Whether the infection is in your mouth, your gut or down low, probiotics are some of the best treatments for Candida. In fact, probiotics help to increase the growth of normal flora which literally pushes out the Candida from your body. However, to be able to push such an infection out, the probiotic needs to be strong as well. There are many different kinds of probiotics with different benefits with different benefits, but not all of them work against Candida! Here we describe the probiotics that you can use to rid your body of this irritating yeast infection for good.
Saccharomyces boulardi This is a transient probiotic. It simply enters the body, does its job and leaves. This is why this probiotic is only effective when you actually have the infection instead of providing prophylactic protection. Kombucha, a sweet and fizzy liquid, produced by fermenting sweet black tea with a colony of bacteria contains up to one billion Saccharomyces boulardi in a single bottle, along with other healthy bacteria. It can act as a natural probiotic for your system. The probiotic is also available in tablet form for people who prefer that method of ingesting these packets of bacteria.
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Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bacillus laterosporus
Do Probiotic Bacteria Really Repopulate The Gut
You have probably read somewhere that probiotics require a supporting cast of other probiotics so they can attach to the intestinal wall to re-colonize and proliferate, which is true to a point. You may have also read that the probiotic should have FOS to feed these bacteria so they survive.
Well, I have news for you, all conventionally manufactured probiotics for yeast do not have the ability to re-colonize the human intestine. It is lost during the manufacturing process. So when you stop taking them, the benefits are lost after 2 to 3 weeks because they all die. If someone tells you different, they are lying to you! Below is a chart that shows this phenomenon.
With all that said, some might repopulate, we just don’t know for sure but this study points out that they usually don’t.
I always look at conventional probiotics as a defensive decoy. They do a job while you take them but they also act like a decoy of sorts so the bacteria you do have can repopulate on their own. In some cases, as pointed out in studies of people that have taken broad spectrum antibiotics for two weeks, it can take a year for your bacteria levels to recover.
Now if your missing entire species, you would be surprised how common this is, you should take a probiotic forever or do a fecal matter transplant.
Also, some probiotics don’t work for some people but do work for others, it is an individual thing just like doses. You have to find what works the best for you.
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Signs Of A Canine Yeast Infection
- Constant chewing, biting, scratching and licking at the skin. Scratching bouts can be frantic and lead to inflamed skin and bleeding. Dogs with a severe yeast infection may continue biting and scratching even when the area is hairless, raw and oozing blood.
- Dandruff and/or scaly skin
- Depression, lethargy, anxiety
- Acting skittish or aggressive when approached
When internal or external stressors overstimulate a dogs hair follicles, skin oil production increases significantly and exacerbate yeast infections. Bathing dogs too frequently or using incorrectly formulated shampoos can irritate hair follicles. Dogs suffering psychological problems, especially nervousness and anxiety stemming from a change in owners or residence, may also contribute to the development of a yeast infection.
Lethargy can be one of the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Best Probiotic For Vaginal Yeast Infections
Gastro Armor by Sovereign Laboratories Contains the research-backed Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and lactoferrin from its bovine colostrum. It is also enteric-coated. While this doesnt contain the highest concentration of probiotics at 5 billion per serving, this is the only probiotic on the market that contains lactoferrin from colostrum and the clinically verified spore-based probiotic called Lactospore®.
Because this product contains spore-based probiotics called Bacillus coagulans, a lower concentration can be used for and still achieve the best benefits for candida.
That is why it is the best probiotic for yeast overgrowth.
Another great feature of this product is that it contains Hidrox®, which is an antioxidant derived from pressed olives. This antioxidant may help provide neuroprotection.
Of note, this product does not contain prebiotics, which is important for people who are sensitive to prebiotics.
Another perk is that Gastro Armor product has a 45-day money-back guarantee return policy too. Other ingredients include gelatin and silicon dioxide.
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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.
Vaginal Probiotics For Women
Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are the majority in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women.
These microorganisms that form the vaginal flora live together with the rest of the microbiota in a situation of equilibrium or balance
When for some reason an imbalance in the composition of the microbiota occurs, there is an increased risk of infection (Bacterial Vaginosis BV, thrush, trichomoniasis or urinary tract infections UTI, and in this case the use of probiotics plays a very important role in rebalancing the vaginal microbiota and regulating the pH balance of the womans vagina.
Both vaginal ovuli and oral capsules have in their composition several freeze-dried species of microorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus, as this is the majority genus that needs to be repopulated.
Lets look at some of the best probiotics for women we can find in the market
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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.
When To See A Doctor
Some symptoms indicate that you should no longer rely on probiotics to prevent or treat yeast infections. For more mild yeast infections, this includes symptoms that last for more than 10 days, a worsening of symptoms, a high fever, or recurring infections.
For yeast infections that start more aggressively or that may be accompanied by pain and intense discomfort, additional treatment options should be considered if there has been no sign of improvement within three days.
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The Ability To Survive In Acidic Environments
Unlike most medications which will still perform their role even after being broken down by the stomachâs digestive enzymes, probiotic bacteria will cease to be effective. This is because probiotic bacteria works from the intestines.
At the intestine, the probiotic bacteria is able to effectively perform its functions and bring about the necessary effects by restoring the balance that your gut desires. This therefore says something about the probiotics that you should purchase.
You should lookout for probiotics that are sufficiently adapted to survive the high acidic environment in your stomach and consequently reach the small intestines. For instance, you may want to get yourself probiotics that have a BIO-tract system.
This is a technological system that ensures probiotics have a controlled release mechanism, consequently ensuring that the bacteria found in the probiotic gets to your gut and does not die as a result of your stomachâs acidity.
This will ensure maximum effectiveness of the supplements.
Causes Of A Yeast Infection
Several things can cause yeast to multiply, creating an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Some of the most common causes are:
- Antibiotic medications: These antimicrobials are excellent at killing harmful bacteria that cause infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria, which can throw off the balance of the microbiome. When this happens in the vagina , it can result in a yeast infection.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and the use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone or estrogen therapy cause hormone levels and the balance of yeast in the vagina to shift.
- Diabetes: Elevated levels of sugar in your urine and vagina can encourage the growth of yeast in this area.
- Weakened immune system: Living with a chronic disease or using medication that suppresses your immune system can cause vaginal yeast to grow.
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Azo Complete Feminine Balance Daily Probiotics For Women
Like the previous Culturelle probiotic, AZO Complete Feminine Balance is owned by the same company, i-Health, Inc. In fact, both have virtually the same probiotic formula. The AZO Complete Feminine Balance formula has 4 probiotic strains: Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV 96, Lactobacillus gasseri LBV 150N, Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116 and has 5 billion microorganisms versus 15 billion of its equivalent in Culturelle.
The properties of the product are similar to the previous one although, as it has a lower probiotic load, it is more recommendable if you have never tried a probiotic and this is the first time you are taking it.
