If you have a yeast infection or some other kind of Candida infection, you may have heard that acidophilus can help you get rid of the infection. Acidophilus happens to be a bacteria that is drawn to acids and acidic substances. It is considered a “good” bacteria since it is helpful in maintaining and promoting body functions. Acidophilus is naturally found in the digestive tract and in the vagina where it will protect your body from harmful organisms. It also has been known to aid in the production of folic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine in the digestive process.
But most importantly for you, acidophilus can stop the growth of the candida albicans fungus, which is responsible for yeast infections. You’ll find candida albicans occurring naturally in your digestive system, mouth and throat, and even in the pubic area. In other words, it thrives in warm and moist conditions. The candida albicans fungus is behind yeast infections and candida overgrowth in the body. If you don’t treat it, it can become noticeably visible as white spots.
You might also experience a white-ish or grey discharge from the vagina. Other signs may include burning, itching, or other forms of irritation and discomfort. You might even notice pain during urination or during sexual activity or shortly afterward.
Babies may also get yeast infections in the form of diaper rash. Due to the fact that young children may not have fully developed immune systems yet, they are more susceptible to yeast infections and diaper rashes. The diaper rash often follows a period of treating some other problem with antibiotics. A child might have a diaper rash if you notice a red or irritated area on the skin that is patchy and sometimes raised. Applying a mixture of water and acidophilus mixed into a paste to the afflicted area, you should be able to easily get rid of the diaper rash. You can make the recovery even faster if you add a teaspoon of acidophilus to baby formula or any kind of baby food that the child eats.
In the cases of vaginal yeast infections, you may want to try using yogurt containing acidophilus to help get rid of the yeast infection. As a matter of fact, one study even found that simply eating a small cup of yogurt containing acidophilus every day can help to reduce the occurrence of yeast infections in women that reported having difficulties with chronic yeast infections. Aside from yeast infections, yogurt containing acidophilus has also been known to help with indigestions, diarrhea, and even urinary tract infections.
Acidophilus can also be found in special kinds of milk in addition to yogurts. Food like carrots, bananas, soybeans, garlic, and certain beans are also great sources of acidophilus. You can also get capsules or powders of acidophilus at most health food stores too. Many of these supplements also contain other beneficial bacteria as well.
So, if you are looking for a natural way to treat yeast infections, consider eating foods that contain acidophilus. To learn more check out these articles on: yogurt cure yeast infection and Yeast Infection Creams.