L.P. asks from Uniontown, PA on July 22, 2010
Yeast Infection Sufferers... Do Probiotics Help?
I would like to add probiotics to my and my son's daily regimen. I tried doing some internet research, and I can't make heads or tails of what I'm reading. SOOO, I'm turning to you moms for your wisdom.
I am prone to yeast infections. I know probiotics can help to regulate the production of yeast by promoting the growth of the 'good' bacteria. I believe I need this. Also, my son has mild eczema, and what I'm reading is that probiotics can also assist in moderating eczema, as well as allergies, which we both suffer from. I have also learned that probiotics, in general, boost your immune system.
I am inclined to think that a supplement would be best for both of us, rather than the yogurt-types of probiotics, as my thinking is that the supplements would contain a higher concentration of the probiotics. Is that true? Also, I know that the probiotics need to make it through the acid in your stomach and make it into your intestinal tract to be effective, so the method of delivery into your system also plays a part.
So my questions are (in regard to me, age 37, and my son, 4 1/2):
Do you use probiotics regularly, and if so, what type/form/brand, etc. do you use/recommend?
What type/form/brand do you give your children, or what would you recommend?
What has your experience been using probiotics?
What effect, if any, did you see when you started using them?
How long until they take effect?
Yogurt type vs. supplements?
Any side effects?
Thank you for any and all info and recommendations as we delve into the world of probiotics...
1 mom found this helpful
Featured Answers
C.P. answers from Provo on July 22, 2010
My son and I both take Primadophilus original that we get from the health food store. His is children's chewable and I give it to him every morning. He does not get sick in the winters anymore. I had a yeast infection that was really bad and nothing seemed to get rid of it for very long until I started taking Candex and probiotics. Both are from the health food store. I have not noticed any side effects.
1 mom found this helpful
More Answers
D.W. answers from Indianapolis on July 22, 2010
Yeast are actually fungi, so balancing the good bacteria may or may not be effective.
I did a little research on MayoClinic.com and even in their "Alternative and Home Remedies" section, there is no mention of probiotics.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yeast-infection/DS01182
They also have a section on probiotics:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactobacillus/NS_patient...
Before you start any probiotic regimen, you should really have an indepth conversation with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure you don't have a medical condition that could be worsened by this (there's a mention in the probiotic section of MayoClinic.com that discusses this).
Good luck.
As a biologist and a 10 year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, my concern is that you'll be taking them without any current clinical trial data to show they're effective for what you're wanting to accomplish.
2 moms found this helpful
D.W. answers from Philadelphia on July 23, 2010
Well for relief from the yeast infection try some baking soda in water and take a bath. I think that will help at least with the irritation. I do not think it is a bad idea to eat yogurt. It is good for us. For kids the yobaby is good and also activia is good. Activia you could both eat. Unfortunately the eczema is a trigger of having allergies and or asthma. You can take probiotic acidophilus. It has all the goodness of yogurt. Natures bounty makes one. It is also supposed to be good for your digestion. I would ask the doctor if it is safe for your son to take. I know they say activia takes two weeks to regulate your digestive tract. I would think the same with the probiotic pills. Another thing that may be good for the eczema and the skin in general would be some flax oil pills. I would say the only side effects is that you may poop a little more and easier from these abovementioned things. Good luck
1 mom found this helpful
D.S. answers from Allentown on July 22, 2010
Hi, L.:
Go to your local health foods store and look up in the books they have on the shelves.
Look on the web the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach, VA
Good luck. D.
1 mom found this helpful
M.S. answers from Pittsburgh on July 23, 2010
We swear by probiotics* and coconut oil! We take probiotics daily, but bump it up whenever antibiotics are in the picture (if anti is 3x/day, so is the probi). My friend's son's yeast infection on his bum would not go away, after a year of ointments from peed and dermatologist - she added probiotics to her breasts when breastfeeding and sprinkled them on his bum each diaper change - the infection was gone in 3 days and never returned.
Coconut oil has cleared up a ton of skin ailments within days (baby eczema, cradle cap, blemishes, heat rash, my sister's eczema, baby acne) and its all we use for sunscreen.
Good luck!
*Probiotics are from local compounding pharmacists - in a capsule form and easily dissolved in 2yo's food/milk.
1 mom found this helpful
A.S. answers from Denver on July 22, 2010
Yes on the priobiotics, it's good gut flora.
For the yeast...it takes sugar and moisture to grow no matter if it's your body or some bread you're baking: warmth, sugar and a little moisture and you've got yourself a nice yeast colony.
Try cutting down on sugary foods: fruit, sugar itself, sodas, cookies, etc. Switch to cotton only underwear and wear loose clothing to let some air circulate. GL!
1 mom found this helpful
T.F. answers from Dallas on July 22, 2010
My daughter (15) and I drink DanActive daily. It is the first thing we do when we get up.
I have not had an infection since I started it and I've been doing it a couple of years. Daughter has never had a yeast infection.
I buy it at Costco. You get 24 bottles for about $12. I buy 48 bottles at a time so we are both covered.
1 mom found this helpful
L.S. answers from Los Angeles on July 22, 2010
Yes, they work. I take Azo Yeast tablets daily and have not had an infection in I don't know how long. No side effects.
http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?N=0&am...
1 mom found this helpful
E.M. answers from Johnstown on July 22, 2010
I have atleast 1 serving of regular yogurt daily and then take the Azo tablets. Before I started doing this, I would have atleast 1 infection a month. Now, I don't remember the last one I've had. I started noticing a difference within about 3 days. Good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
Email