Lactobacillus Acidophilus for Candida Overgrowth Treatment

With proper use, Acidophilus is an important part in the successful treatment of the yeast known as Candida albicans.

Yeast overgrowth can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is the use of antibiotic medications.

Women who experience chronic vaginal yeast infections often report good results when using the probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus for Candida yeast overgrowth, especially when it is combined with an antifungal medication like Fluconazole.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Preventing Candida Overgrowth

Candida albicans is a fungal agent found naturally in the mouth, vaginal canal and on most of the mucous surfaces in and on the human body. In a healthy person, its growth is kept under control by beneficial microorganisms called probiotics which allow the yeast to live in harmony with the other bacteria in the body.

Probiotic bacteria and yeast are defined as those which, when present in adequate amounts, produce a positive effect on their host–the human.

In essence, as long as enough probiotic organisms exist within a healthy system, overgrowth of other pathogenic organisms is constantly kept in check.

When the balance between healthy microbes (probiotics) and unhealthy microbes (like Candida albicans) becomes disrupted, unhealthy fungal organisms like Candida can cause infection and illness due to unregulated overgrowth.

Controlling overgrowth of harmful organisms like Candida is key to preventing Candida infection. Research suggests that supplementation with probiotic bacteria, particularly lactobacillus acidophilus, contributes to the regulation and decreased colonization rates of Candida.

How Acidophilus Controls Candida

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterium particularly geared toward the breakdown and conversion of lactose, a sugar commonly found in dairy products.

Through a unique fermentation process, lactose is quickly converted into hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and other chemical byproducts which effectively lower the overall pH within the immediate environment.

By creating an acidic environment, many pathogenic and other potentially destructive microorganisms are unable to survive.

When Candida albicans doesn’t encounter this type of harshly acidic environment, it can begin to proliferate and eventually causes thrush or vaginal yeast infections. Many people who are prone to overgrowth of Candida take a daily supplement containing acidophilus as a preventative measure.

Having a steady supply of these beneficial bacteria available enables the body to constantly prevent pathogenic microbes from taking over and causing infection.

Most doctors who prescribe lactobacillus acidophilus, do so alongside an antifungal medication like fluconazole, voriconazole or caspofungin. Studies show that when acidophilus is added to an antifungal regimen, most people experience relief from yeast infection symptoms sooner than those who are only taking the antifungal medication.

Women who experience chronic yeast infections consistently report that taking a daily dose of acidophilus results in a decline in number of overgrowth occurrences and a decrease in the duration of vaginal yeast infections when they do occur.

Using Acidophilus for Yeast Infections

Acidophilus for Candida can be taken in supplement form as pills, capsules, chewable tablets, powders or liquids.

These healthy probiotic bacteria can be taken as a stand-alone supplement, or can be combined with other probiotic organisms in specialty formulas designed specifically to target an individual’s symptoms.

For maintenance and regulation within a healthy body, eating several servings of yogurt or other food product containing acidophilus will sometimes be enough to keep the growth of unhealthy yeast in check.

Unfortunately though, food products rich in probiotic bacteria like yogurt, tempeh, miso and sauerkraut usually do not contain a large enough dose to have an impact on an active infectious process.

Overgrowth Prevention: If taking a daily supplement but not experiencing any symptoms of yeast infection, the recommended dosage for adults is 2 billion to 10 billion colony forming units or CFUs per day.

There are numerous probiotic supplements for women that can be taken on a daily basis to improve immunity and contribute to better bacterial balance in the vagina. If eating foods containing acidophilus (rather than taking a supplement), it is recommended to eat at least two – three servings each day.

Active Vaginal Yeast Infection or Thrush: Candida albicans overgrowth in the form of vaginal yeast infection may require substantially higher doses.

Many women report good outcomes through the application of liquid acidophilus supplement directly to the vulva and inserted into the vaginal canal. This is not recommended by doctors, however, and may cause unknown issues for some women.

Research shows that taking oral supplements in doses of 10 billion – 15 billion live cultures, 1-2 times each day, appears to have the same results as topical application for vaginal yeast infection and should be adequate supplementation for Thrush.

Safety Information

Most people can take acidophilus without experiencing any side effects. Those who do usually report mild symptoms including gas, bloating or mild abdominal discomfort. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor.

Conclusions

Acidophilus for Candida albicans overgrowth is reported to be an effective treatment, particularly when combined with an antifungal medication like fluconazole.

For vaginal yeast infection, topical lotions are available, but oral supplementation is reported to produce the same effect.

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