Acidophilus for Yeast Infection Treatment and Prevention

Acidophilus is a commonly known treatment for vaginal yeast infection (Candida).

This natural probiotic may be able to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and the Candida fungus while also promoting better immune system functioning and good digestive health.

Although research has yet to confirm the effectiveness of acidophilus in this regard, women report it is an effective preventative and treatment for overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal region.

This article will explain the benefits of this probiotic supplement and discuss how to use Lactobacillus Acidophilus for yeast infection treatment. We will also help you decide whether it is better to take an oral supplement or a vaginal suppository.

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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What is Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Acidophilus, also referred to as Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a friendly probiotic bacterial organism.

Most people know acidophilus as an additive seen in common food products like yogurt, milk and cheese.

Research shows acidophilus works to reduce gas due to lactose intolerance, decrease bloating following meals and to ease other common digestive disorders.

Acidophilus bacteria work to prevent bad bacteria and yeast (fungi) from colonizing the intestinal tract and throughout the urogenital system.

Acidophilus for Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungal agent known as Candida. This fungus grows quickly in moist areas of the body, which is why it prefers the mouth and vaginal area.

Candida infection of the mouth is not limited to females, but can occur in both males and females. Females sometimes contract recurrent Candida infections if their partner has a yeast infection of the mouth and transfers it to the vaginal area.

For this reason, if an infection is recurrent, it is recommended that both partners be treated for the fungus.

Many reports suggest L. acidophilus may help treat vaginal yeast infection, although research remains inconclusive regarding its effectiveness and its mechanism of action. More research is needed in this area.

Despite the lack of scientific studies, women around the globe regularly use acidophilus topically, via insertion as a suppository and through oral supplementation to reduce or treat vaginal yeast infections.

Many manufacturers make vaginal acidophilus suppositories which can be inserted into the vagina, and some can be applied topically, as well. Some women report using regular acidophilus supplements in place of suppositories, but this is not recommended.

You can combine both methods of treatment, though, by taking oral acidophilus supplements in conjunction with treatment with vaginal acidophilus suppositories.

Probiotics vs. Antibiotics for Candida

Using a probiotic instead of antibiotics to treat or prevent a yeast infection has several advantages for women.

First, acidophilus is a natural method and can be used without serious safety concerns in a majority of women. Because yeast infections can arise as a result of taking antibiotics, it is safer and easier to treat recurrence with a bacteria which is natural to the human body, rather than with a prescription medication.

A second advantage is acidophilus is available without a prescription and can be found in nearly any health food store. It is also an affordable option

Lactobacillus acidophilus is also used to prevent future or recurrent yeast infections. Besides working to maintain the microflora in the vaginal area, it also works to modulate the flora of the digestive tract.

Supplementation with acidophilus usually has no side effects and is considered safe and effective for most people.

How to Use Acidophilus

When treating yeast infection, dosage will vary depending on the selected method of administration.

Vaginal Acidophilus Suppositories: These insertable tablets contain up to 1 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units). When supplementing with acidophilus, more is considered better than less because if there aren’t enough CFUs in the suppository tablet, the good bacteria will not have a chance to out-compete and kill off the harmful fungus.

Suppositories can be used 2-3 times each day and should be continued at least three days after all symptoms have ceased.

Oral Acidophilus Supplements: Oral supplements may be taken by themselves, or in conjunction with vaginal acidophilus suppositories. It is generally recommended to take 1-2 billion live CFUs twice each day.

Taking less than 1 billion will probably not provide enough live bacteria to populate the vaginal tract and enable the bacteria to win the fight against the yeast.

Taking more than 2 billion CFUs in a dose may result in abdominal discomfort, flatulence or bloating.

Side Effects

Mild side effects which have been reported when using Acidophilus for yeast infections. These can include bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort though these typically subside with continued use. Often, this is due to taking too high of a dose at initial supplementation.

Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Individuals whose immune system may be weakened should talk to their physician before taking probiotics.

People with artificial heart valves should not take acidophilus because of the rare chance of bacterial infection.

Yeast Infection Treatment and Prevention

Acidophilus is available in a variety of forms to aid in the treatment of vaginal yeast infection. Suppository tablets are recommended, and using them in conjunction with acidophilus oral supplements is often the best means of treating and preventing yeast infection.

Taking lactobacillus acidophilus for yeast infections has been reported to effectively treat the symptoms of Candida in both the vaginal area and the mouth.

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