A guide to probiotics for yeast infection prevention

In this guest post, Dan discusses the role of probiotics for yeast infection prevention. By citing research, Dan brings a cohesive list.

There is limited research available on the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing and treating yeast infections, especially recurrent yeast infections. However, data has emerged that probiotics, especially Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, may be an effective preventive and treatment option. The reason is that Lactobacillus is a predominant bacteria in vaginal microbiota, but levels get reduced during infections like a yeast infection. Therefore, some studies have found that taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 probiotics may boost lactobacillus levels, rebalancing the vaginal microbiome.

Top probiotics for yeast infection prevention

Probiotics can help with Candida infections in a number of different ways, depending on individual probiotic strain qualities. For example, some strains can help inhibit the growth of Candida.

Other strains help prevent Candida from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, while others still can produce antifungal materials that can combat Candida more effectively. The next section will take you through these strains in greater detail.

1. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis

This bacterium is found in the large intestines of most mammals and humans. It is a rod-shaped, anaerobic, and gram-positive bacterium.

Studies have shown that B. animalis creates a tenfold increase in immune function when combating Salmonella typhimurium bacterium. In this particular study, it inhibited the infections spread to the spleen and liver.

In this same study, it also increased lymphocyte and phagocyte action and stimulated intestinal antibodies to the bacterium. Studies have also proven that when B. animalis comes to combating Salmonella typhimurium bacterium, it produces a tenfold increase in immune function.

2. Lactobacillus acidophilus

This bacterium is usually found in most people’s intestinal tract. It is a gram-positive bacteria. As depicted by various studies, it does affect controlling yeast within the human body. It also affects Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella Typhimurium

L. acidophilus can also be found in the human vaginal tract and does help prevent the adherence of Candida cells to the vaginal epithelial cells. In addition, one of the well-researched strains of Lactobacilli, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, has been shown in studies to prompt the production of antibodies to C. Albicans antigens.

3. Bacillus subtilis

Certain antifungal compounds are produced by this bacterium that is famous for being effective against Rhizoctonia (Loeffler et al., 1986), A. parasiticus (Kimura and Hirano, 1988), Aspergillus flavus, and Monilinia fructicola (McKeen et al., 1986). In addition, bacillus subtilis is a proven fungicide used on vegetables, soybeans, peanuts, cotton, flowers, and ornamental seeds.

A study that has since been published in the Microbiological Research Journal in March 2018 noted that Bacillus subtilis inhibited the biofilm formation of Candida albicans. It also inhibited Candida albicans from shifting from spore to hyphal form and inhibiting its enzyme activity. In addition, it caused a reduction in ergosterol content which resulted in down-regulating its drug resistance abilities.

4. Bifidobacterium breve

It is a significant bacteria species found in infants. It is a non-motile, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. It is present in the vaginal tract and prevents the overgrowth of Candida yeast.

In 2010, a study was performed on mice infected with MSRA, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. Most of the mice were saved from death from the infection by Bifidobacterium Breve. Moreover, when it was combined with the antibiotic injection on the seventh day, it assisted in saving them all.

Another study in 2010 was carried out on cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy. B. breve intensified the intestinal immune system, which resulted in having to administer fewer antibiotics to combat intestinal infections.

5. Bifidobacterium longum

It is an habitant of the female vaginal tract where it assists in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. In addition, it has been found to inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria, boost the immune system, reduces cholesterol, and relieve diarrhea.

Finally, it is a lactic acid-producing bacteria that assists in balancing the intestine’s pH. It thereby creates a habitat that does not suit bad bacteria and other harmful pathogens.

6. Lactobacillus casei

It was found in a study performed in 1997 that L. casei was more efficient than Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri against Candida albicans in the intestines of mice.

It can also produce amphiphilic molecules, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriocins, propionic, acetic, and hydrogen peroxides and eliminate disease-producing microbes in the body.

Find out more about probiotics in this fitness-focused guide.

7. Lactobacillus plantarum

It is found in the intestines and mouths of animals and humans. It is a rod-shaped, gram-positive lactic acid bacterium. It ferments sugars, transforming them into hydrogen peroxides and lactic acid.

These chemicals help establish the right pH in the intestine for beneficial bacterial growth, which subsequently causes the inhibition of bad pathogens from surviving. A study carried out with L. Plantarum in 2010 has demonstrated complete growth inhibition of Candida albicans invitro.

8. Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is in essence a yeast. But it is one with probiotic potential that has actually shown anti-Candida qualities in applicable scholarly studies.

S. boulardii has been known to inhibit populations of Candida and deter them from establishing themselves in the intestines. The idea that S. boulardii may also help reduce the risk of Candida yeasts translocating from the digestive tract has also been suggested.

Other helpful probiotics for yeast infection prevention

As well as treatments to expel Candida yeast from the intestines, your situation may also call for managing certain symptoms of yeast overgrowth. Due to the fact that S. boulardii can sometimes cause constipation at high doses, it can be helpful to start the program by trying to improve regularity in patients.

An advisable combination could be Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Another thing to note is that B. lactis BB-12® has recently been the subject of one of the world’s largest clinical trials on probiotics, and through this trial, has been found to promote regular bowel movements.

About today’s writer

Dan Jackowiak, Nc, HHP, is the Founder of Yeast Infection Advisor. Dan is a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant that personally suffered from yeast and bad bacterial overgrowth of the gut for most of his life.

The information on his website is a combination of his own nutrition and holistic training, life experiences, collaboration with fellow experts on his team, and over 18 years of studying medical research on candida yeasts infections of all types, which has allowed him to take his life and health back help others overcome yeast-related health problems and digestive problems of all kinds.