If you are struggling with Candida, you might be wondering what the best probiotic strain is to help get rid of it. While there are many different strains of probiotics, some research suggests that certain strains may be more effective than others against Candida. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best probiotic strains for fighting Candida and discuss how they can help improve your overall health.
Candida is a type of yeast that can cause infection in the body
Candida is a type of yeast fungi that can potentially cause infection in the body, especially when Candida cells multiply rapidly and become too numerous for the body to handle. This widespread yet serious problem is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, which ironically is usually a part of our regular body environment, hosted within the digestive and other tracts. Symptoms include red and itchy skin, persistent coughing and respiratory infections, tiredness, mental fogginess, and thrush. If left untreated, Candida infections can develop into more severe forms such as systemic Candidiasis with life-threatening consequences.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help fight Candida and other infections
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria strains that offer many health benefits. They can help to improve the balance of intestinal microbiota, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. The natural flora produced by probiotics helps control the growth of harmful microorganisms like Candida, as well as guard against other infections. Probiotics are found in different forms including capsules, fermented foods, like yogurt and miso, as well as liquid drops or sprays. Supplementation provides an excellent way to increase the good bacteria in the body, helping to maintain optimal gut health and protect against Candida Overgrowth.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is effective against Candida but is very susceptible to heat
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract and can be a valuable tool to help combat Candida Overgrowth. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a powerful agent in the battle against this pathogen. It generates lactic acid, which can be detrimental to other organisms, and it has been proven especially effective in treating vaginitis caused by Candida albicans (1). Unfortunately, Lactobacillus acidophilus has a weakness- it is very susceptible to high temperatures.In order to be sold in US stores, all dairy products must undergo pasteurization – a process that unfortunately renders Lactobacillus acidophilus inactive by the time you consume it. To address this issue, the manufacturer often incorporates live probiotic cultures after the pasteurization process is complete. Additionally, most Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements are not shelf stable and require refrigeration (2). This limits the potential applications of Lactobacillus acidophilus for treating Candida as heat exposure would likely kill off the good bacteria before it can start fighting the infection.
Saccharomyces boulardii is another effective strain against Candida but doesn’t colonize gut flora
Saccharomyces boulardii is a unique type of yeast strain that has been proven to be effective against Candida infection. Unlike other Saccharomyces yeasts, this strain does not colonize gut flora, so it can be a great choice for those dealing with recurrent Candida outbreaks (3). This probiotic strain stands out due to its distinct mode of action: instead of fighting for space in the digestive system, it binds itself to detrimental organisms like Candida albicans. Saccharomyces boulardii contains Capric Acid which inhibits Candida albicans growth, reduces adhesion to intestinal walls by Candida, and suppresses biofilm formation (4). One major benefit of Saccharomyces boulardii is its heightened tolerance to stomach acids and digestive bile salts compared to Lactobacillis acidophilus (5). Saccharomyces boulardii is a highly effective and dependable way to reap the health rewards of probiotics while preserving your body’s natural balance of gut microbiota.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 provides a wide range anti-Candida treatment
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 is becoming increasingly popular in the realm of antifungal treatments, specifically for Candida. Not only does Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 helps combat Candida albicans, but it also provides a defense to gut flora from these fungal infections in the presence of pathogenic organisms (6)(7). L. rhamnosus has been proven to be incredibly powerful in preventing the formation of Candida biofilms during its early stages (8). When used as part of an anti-Candida treatment plan, Lcr35 can provide innumerable benefits, which makes it an ideal choice for addressing common Candida issues and improving overall health.
It’s best to use multi-strain probiotics as opposed to a single strain
To optimize your Candida Overgrowth treatment, consider mixing and matching probiotic strains. Adding several different kinds can provide a complete set of health benefits that you won’t get from using one strain alone. If there is one particular health issue you would like to address with a probiotic, it is essential to use an individual strain that targets that condition. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used to treat vaginitis, while utilizing either or a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii is effective in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
