Thrush, a common infection caused by Candida albicans, affects both the mouth (oral thrush) and the genital area (vaginal yeast infections). Probiotics can play a crucial role in both treating and preventing thrush by restoring balance to the body's microbiome and supporting immune function.
Oral thrush presents with symptoms like white patches in the mouth, burning sensations, and dry mouth. It tends to occur in people with weakened immune systems, including infants, the elderly, and individuals on antibiotics. Meanwhile, vaginal thrush causes itching, burning, and discomfort and affects a large percentage of women during their lifetimes.
Candida overgrowth happens when the body's healthy bacteria are disrupted, allowing the yeast to proliferate. Antifungal treatments help reduce infections, but probiotics offer additional benefits by addressing the underlying imbalance in the microbiota. Specifically, Lactobacillus strains are well-researched for their ability to fight Candida and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vaginal and oral areas.
Research shows that taking probiotics, especially multi-strain supplements, can reduce Candida counts and improve symptoms. Including probiotics for immune support may be an effective strategy to reduce the frequency of thrush infections.
For further support in managing stress and improving your immune health, check out our stress management page.