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 is a specific type of bacteria that is naturally attracted to acidic substances. Many think of acidophilus as a “good” bacteria since it is helpful in many ways and can even help to maintain certain body functions. It naturally is found in the intestines and vaginal areas and can help fend off harmful organisms. Acidophilus also helps to produce many chemicals that the body needs in the digestions process.
But most importantly for you, acidophilus can stop the growth of the candida albicans fungus, which is responsible for yeast infections. This fungus can also naturally be found in your intestinal tract, mouth, throat, and genital area. Like most fungi, this grows best in warm and moist areas. The candida albicans fungus is behind yeast infections and candida overgrowth in the body. You might even be able to see it as white spots if it is left untreated for long enough.
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. Additional symptoms might include pain on urination or having sexual intercourse, or shortly following it.
Candida albicans is also the cause of diaper rash in children. 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. Often you will notice that the diaper rash starts after using antibiotics to treat an unassociated problem. A child might have a diaper rash if you notice a red or irritated area on the skin that is patchy and sometimes raised. If you make a paste out of acidophilus and water, you can apply to the affected area to help clear it up. 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 one study proved, simply eating yogurt daily containing acidophilus sharply decreased the occurrence of yeast infections in women who had previously reported suffering from recurring yeast infections. Aside from yeast infections, yogurt containing acidophilus has also been known to help with indigestions, diarrhea, and even urinary tract infections.
Yogurt isn’t the only thing you can eat to get acidophilus though. It is also available in a type of acidophilus milk. If you’re looking for even other ways of adding acidophilus to your diet, also try eating carrots, garlic, garbanzo beans, soy beans, or bananas as well. You should also be able to find acidophilus supplements in either capsule, powder, or liquid form in any health food store as well. Many of these supplements also contain other beneficial bacteria as well.
So if yeast infections are a problems for you, start adding more acidophilus to your diet and eat more of the foods listed above. To learn more check out these articles on: Yeast Infection Acidophilus and Yeast Infection Medication.