Probiotics to Prevent Yeast Infections

The ancient, cultured food known as yogurt (sometimes spelled yoghurt) contains probiotic cultures that help the body fight yeast infections. Women are especially prone to yeast (Candida albicans) infections in the vaginal area, and taking antibiotics, including traditional penicillin in various forms, can trigger yeast infections in a this sensitive area of their bodies. Yeast infections cause discomfort that includes itching and irritation. One time-tested method, attested to by numerous women who have had the experience of yeast infections, involves eating yogurt.

Yogurt quality varies according to different manufacturing processes

It is important to read the label on a carton of yogurt prior to making a purchase. Most brands of yogurt state that the yogurt contains live, active cultures, but an occasional brand does not have this wording on the container. In order for yogurt to admit its beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract, which in turn helps to conquer yeast infections, the yogurt must have both live and active cultures, not just live or active cultures.

Eat plain, unsweetened yogurt to obtain the best results

Sugar also plays a role in triggering yeast infections. Women who eat yogurt flavors sweetened with sugar can still experience yeast infections in the vaginal area, and the infections go away by ceasing to eat sweetened yogurt and eating ample amounts of unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics. Even though yogurt has natural probiotic cultures, an occasional yogurt manufacturer actually states on the carton that its yogurt contains numerous probiotics and that these probiotics are tested. Consumers need to make sure they purchase yogurt that actually does something positive to their digestive systems.

Women can also try ingesting probiotics in the form of pills, but sometimes pills can cause stomach upsets, whereas yogurt is usually tolerated by most women. It is important to remember that probiotics not only help bodies fight yeast infections, but they also help to prevent them from occurring.