From the Guidelines
For candida overgrowth, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii are considered the most effective probiotics, as they have been shown to restore the natural balance of the gut microbiome and inhibit Candida growth 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Look for a high-quality supplement containing at least 10-15 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus acidophilus, along with other beneficial strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum.
- Take the probiotic once or twice daily, preferably on an empty stomach, for at least 2-3 months for optimal results.
- Saccharomyces boulardii is particularly valuable as it's actually a beneficial yeast that competes directly with Candida for resources in your digestive tract.
- These probiotics work by restoring the natural balance of your gut microbiome, strengthening your intestinal barrier, and producing compounds that inhibit Candida growth.
- For best results, combine probiotic supplementation with a low-sugar diet, as sugar feeds yeast overgrowth.
- Also consider adding fermented foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to your diet as additional sources of beneficial bacteria.
Important Considerations
- While the evidence from 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1 provides guidance on the management of candidiasis, the most relevant and recent study for probiotic use in treating Candida overgrowth is 1.
- It's essential to prioritize the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii, as they have been shown to be effective in restoring the natural balance of the gut microbiome and inhibiting Candida growth.
- A low-sugar diet and the addition of fermented foods can further support the growth of beneficial bacteria and help to reduce Candida overgrowth.
From the Research
Effective Probiotics for Treating Candida Overgrowth
- The most studied and effective probiotic genera for treating Candida overgrowth are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces 2.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been found to be effective in reducing biofilm, filamentation, and competing for adhesion sites of Candida spp. 3.
- Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to inhibit Candida albicans filamentous growth, adhesion, and biofilm formation through the secretion of capric acid 4.
Specific Probiotic Strains and Their Effects
- Lactobacillus spp. have been found to act by competing for adhesion to the epithelium, absorption of nutrients, and modulation of the human microbiota, making them important for assisting in the host's microbiological balance and reducing the growth of Candida spp. 3.
- Saccharomyces boulardii has been found to induce a substantial but short-term increase in the intestinal lumen and does not prevent subsequent GI colonization by C. albicans 5.
Treatment of Candida Overgrowth
- Diet modification has been found to be effective in treating intestinal Candida overgrowth, with patients who adhered to a recommended diet having better outcomes and reduced symptoms 6.
- The use of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces, may be a good strategy for the treatment of oral candidiasis and other forms of Candida overgrowth 2, 3, 4.