What Are The Best Probiotics for Candida?

A woman smiling after her mouth sore was treated.

Published June 11th, 2020 / Updated February 12, 2021

Probiotics for candida? Does it really work?

People with candidiasis can attest to the inconvenience caused by this fungal infection. Aside from your genital area, it can also appear in your mouth, throat, and tongue. To top it off, it can enter deep into your body and cause various illnesses.

Candidiasis is caused by Candida Albicans, a type of yeast that normally resides in our gut. In normal circumstances, our immune system can keep it in check so it doesn’t cause any problem. You’ll hardly even notice that it’s there.

But stress, illness, and medications throw your body’s bacterial population out of balance. This is when Candida Albicans grows out of control. Unfortunately, some species of candida are resistant to drugs and antifungal treatments.

Recent research, however, is turning to probiotics as a potential treatment for candidiasis.

Probiotics For Candida: How It Works

Before anything else, you need to know that candidiasis often has similar symptoms with other types of infections. The itching, soreness, and discharge are also characteristics of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So it’s important to talk with your doctor first before looking into probiotic treatments.

We’ve already established that Candida Albicans are microorganisms that naturally live within you. They form part of your microbiota – the body’s microbial population. Aside from the harmful microorganisms like candida, beneficial ones also reside in your body. These “good bacteria” are what we also call probiotics.

These good bacteria strains are essential in several bodily functions. In particular, it keeps the bad bacteria in check. When there are fewer good bacteria, the bad ones will dominate. This includes Candida Albicans which, when left unchecked, can cause yeast infections and thrush.

This is how probiotics work against candida. It replenishes the good bacteria population in your body thus restoring balance to your microbiota. With enough good bacteria, harmful ones like Candida albicans will not proliferate.

Best Probiotic Strains for Candida

One way to ensure the effectiveness of probiotics is to take the right strain. You see, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of probiotic strains out there. Each of them has a different function.

So what is the right probiotic strain to get rid of candida?

In general, all types of probiotic strains offer some sort of protection against candida. But studies made on the following strains showed that they are more effective against candidiasis.

1. Saccharomyces boulardii

Just like C. Albicans, S. boulardii is a type of yeast. It’s known to prevent and treat various intestinal infections caused by bacterial infections.

A study conducted in Poland demonstrated the inhibitory effect of S. boulardii on C. Albicans culture. Researchers found out that this probiotic strain reduces the adhesion capability of candida. It does this by creating a biofilm that coats the surface thereby preventing adhesion of C. Albicans.

2. Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus bacteria have traditionally been used to treat vaginal yeast infections. But a 2005 study revealed that L. acidophilus also works against oral thrush. The study fed candida-infected mice with L. acidophilus. By day 6, the yeast in their oral cavities was reduced to an undetectable number.

3. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1

In a clinical trial conducted on 80 premature infants, the effect of L. rhamnosus on candida infection was ascertained. The infants received L. rhamnosus for six weeks. Results showed that they are significantly less likely to have their intestines colonized by C. Albicans compared to those who are not receiving probiotics.

4. Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14

Various studies have confirmed the antifungal properties of L. reuteri. A study in 2017 showed that L. reuteri wiped out five of the six most common oral Candida species. It’s especially antagonistic towards C. Albicans.

In Sweden, a study investigated the effects of L. reuteri on the prevalence of oral candida in elderly patients. 215 residents from 20 nursery homes received daily doses of L. reuteri for 12 weeks. Results showed up to 53% reduction in Candida counts in the subjects’ saliva.

Top-Rated Probiotic Supplements For Candida

To help you decide which probiotic supplement to purchase, we’ve scoured online review sites and forums. Here are the most recommended probiotics for candida infections:

For continued reading on this topic check out the best probiotics according to science.

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About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the health benefits of probiotics and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about healthy foods and other healthy living tips.

What Are The Best Probiotics for Candida?

Probiotics For Candida: How It Works