Natural Therapy: Using Yogurt to Treat Fungal Infections

Taking antibiotics may effectively treat a bacterial infection but often causes additional problems because they will kill "good" bacteria present all over the body. Lactobacillus bacteria are present in abundance in body systems including the skin, the digestive tract and the vagina and are often lost during antibiotic treatment. This will allow an overgrowth of yeast, often called "candidias".

When a yeast infection of any type occurs, a traditional antifungal medication can be used or the problem can be treated naturally by replacing the "good" bacteria. Based on my knowledge from being a healthcare professional and personal experience, I know that replacing normal bacteria will often restore a physiological system to balance much more quickly and effectively. For many years, I have been a proponent of "probiotics", which is the use of good bacteria to combat disease. Yogurt or other lactobacillus supplements can combat yeast infections of a variety of types including thrush, jock itch, athlete's foot, diarrhea and other skin irritations.

One can ingest commercially popular brands like "Activia" or "Yo-Plus" yogurt, take supplements such as Phillips Colon Health capsules, or apply products such as Fem-dophilus, available at a health food store. The same results can often be achieved by using any yogurt which has live cultures or by purchasing a live acidophilus blend capsule or powder available from your local health food store.

All yogurt is made with lactobacillus bacteria, but in order to be effective yogurt must contain live cultures and should state such on the label. The National Yogurt Association (NYA) offers a seal of approval Live & Active Cultures which will ensure the quality of the product you are purchasing. Most nationally brands contain live cultures as do nearly all organic products, however many store brands or generic products do not so it is very important to check the label.

Lactobacillus capsules or powder supplements are generally only available in health food stores or other stores with a large selection of natural supplements. The product must be purchased from the refrigerated section and should contain a variety of strains of Lactobacillus bacteria. In this case, as in many other natural remedies, the highest priced product is not always the best so be sure to read the label closely and purchase the product that seems to be the best value.

Digestive Disorder

Diarrhea is best treated by eating yogurt containing live lactobacillus cultures or by taking a supplement of live culture lactobacillus. Flavored yogurts, while not optimal, are acceptable as is making a yogurt and fruit juice drink. At least one serving or supplement should be consumed daily until the problem resolves. This is essentially the "Activia Challenge" in generic form.

Thrush can be treated most effectively by "swishing" yogurt, a yogurt drink or a drink prepared with a lactobacillus supplement around the mouth before it is swallowed. Several small servings each day should be consumed until the problems resolves.

Skin Irritations

Skin rashes, jock itch and athlete's foot will best be treated by purchasing plain, unflavored yogurt and applying it like a cream. Yes, I did say apply it as a cream. This may seem strange but it will restore bacteria to the area and lessen the yeast growth which is causing the irritation. One must ensure that plain, unflavored yogurt with live cultures is used. Application should be done at least once daily for several days until symptoms subside.

Vaginal yeast infections may best be treated by inserting a lactobacillus capsule into the vagina each evening, by douching with a plain yogurt and water mix daily for several days, or by dipping the end of a tampon into yogurt and inserting it. Yes, I did say insert or douche. Again, this may seem strange but many people find this works much better than the traditionally available antifungal treatments for vaginal yeast infection such as Diflucan or Monistat. Most women will find a panty liner helpful during the treatment as with any vaginal treatment, leakage can occur.

Continuing to consume yogurt with active lactobacillus cultures (or lactobacillus capsules) on a daily basis after the immediate problem has been solved may prevent future outbreaks even when required to take antibiotics.

source:

National Yogurt Association, aboutyogurt.com, Live and Active Cultures