How Yogurt Can Provide Effective Prevention Against Yeast Infection

Yogurt is one of the most commonly recommended home remedies for yeast infection. But why is yogurt considered to be so helpful? That is because the yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of beneficial bacteria that exists in a live culture inside the yogurt.

Yeast infections are often caused by a hormonal imbalance in women that decreases the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the body, allowing the yeast organisms known as Candida albicans to grow and spread more rapidly than normal. It is a common fungal infection of the vagina, characterized by itching, burning, or redness of the vaginal area. The yeast organisms exist naturally in women's bodies and are harmless under normal conditions. It is only when there is a significant imbalance that the yeast infection will occur. But the addition of live bacterial culture to supplement the body's beneficial bacteria can help to drive back the excessive yeast growth and reduce the level of the yeast infection.

Studies show that daily consumption of at least 8 ounces of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus can be effective in reducing the presence of the yeast organisms and prevent a vaginal yeast infection. It is also very possible, although clinically unproven, that such daily consumption can help to clear up an existing case of vaginal yeast infection. It probably is very helpful, although I have not been able to find a specific medical science study that would confirm that to be true. There are also options available besides consuming yogurt. For example, you can drink acidophilus milk or take acidophilus tablets.

I have heard that some women actually recommend applying the yogurt directly to the afflicted vaginal area. This can be done by applying the yogurt using a douche or tampon. However, there is as yet no way of knowing just how effective this method is, and it would seem to be rather controversial among medical experts, many of whom are likely to discourage such a practice. Anecdotes indicate that some women do benefit from such a method and that others do not. That is also possible as there are differences of genetics and body chemistry that must also be taken to account in using such types of treatments.

If you do decide to use yogurt, then make sure to use yogurt that is non-flavored and free of sugar or fruit. Yeast organisms thrive in sugar, so applying anything that contains sugar can make an existing vaginal yeast infection become even worse.