Thrush can affect the mouth or throat, causing oral thrush, or the genital area, leading to yeast infections. Targeted probiotics can help prevent thrush and fight yeast infections by restoring the body’s beneficial microflora and supporting immunity.
Thrush is a frustrating, often stubborn health issue that can occur when the body’s microbiome is out of balance. Imbalances in the microflora of the oral cavity can lead to oral thrush, while those in the genital area can cause yeast infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem with a variety of causes. While oral thrush shares some of the same risk factors, there are also causes that affect the mouth or throat more specifically.
Addressing the root causes of thrush can help protect against future infections. There’s evidence that adding probiotics can benefit both your body’s microbiota and immune system.
What is Thrush?
Candida yeast (a type of fungus) normally inhabits our bodies and skin without issue, but if something disrupts the good bacteria in our bodies, Candida can multiply, leading to infection. Common infection sites include the mouth/throat and the genital area.
Thrush is another term for a Candida infection and typically refers to oral Candida, but it may also describe genital Candida, or yeast infections. Candida albicans is the most common species found in both the mouth and the vagina.
Oral Thrush
Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts. The issue arises when it grows unchecked. This can contribute to problems such as dental plaque, cavities, and oral infections. Oral thrush is a Candida infection occurring in the mouth or throat, also termed oral candidiasis.
Symptoms include white patches on the tongue and in the mouth or throat that may be accompanied by burning, pain, redness, dry mouth, foul taste, and cracking at the corners of the mouth. In severe cases, oral thrush can cause bleeding in the mouth and difficulty eating.
Oral thrush is uncommon in healthy adults but occurs more frequently in young infants, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions. The frequency of oral thrush is increasing due to the rising use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive medications, and higher rates of immune-related chronic illnesses. Oral thrush is particularly common in people with HIV.
In some cases, especially when immunity is compromised, thrush can spread to the esophagus and cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and decreased appetite. More severe infections can occur if thrush is left untreated, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Vaginal Thrush
Vaginal thrush refers to a yeast infection of the vulva and vagina. Also called vaginal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, vaginal thrush is most commonly caused by Candida albicans, although other Candida species can occasionally cause infections that may be more difficult to treat.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include white, curd-like or watery discharge, itching, burning, soreness, discomfort when urinating, and pain during intercourse.
Vaginal thrush infections are common. Worldwide, 70-75% of women will experience at least one infection in their lifetime, with about 40-45% having multiple occurrences.
If untreated, vaginal Candida infections can spread, causing infection in other parts of the body, generally in individuals with compromised immune systems. During pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections have been linked to a higher risk of preterm labor.
Men can also experience genital thrush. Symptoms include redness or rash, a white curd-like discharge, burning, itching, irritation around the head of the penis or under the foreskin, and pain during urination.
Causes and Risk Factors for Thrush
Thrush can occur when something disturbs the beneficial bacteria in the body, leading to an overgrowth of Candida. Risk factors include:
- Lowered immunity due to HIV, some types of cancer, or the use of corticosteroid or chemotherapy drugs
- Diabetes with poor blood sugar control
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill beneficial bacteria, allowing Candida to thrive
For oral thrush:
- Malnutrition
- Advanced age
- Use of dentures or orthodontic appliances
- Smoking
- Inhaled corticosteroids for asthma or medications causing dry mouth
- Heavy alcohol use
For vaginal thrush:
- Elevated estrogen levels due to pregnancy
- Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
- Imbalances in vaginal flora
How Probiotics May Help with Thrush
Treatment for thrush typically includes antifungal medications given orally or topically for up to 14 days. However, infections can recur if the underlying causes aren’t addressed.
Candida infections indicate an imbalance in the body’s microflora, affecting oral or vaginal health. Probiotics can help restore this balance and aid the body’s response to pathogens like Candida.
In oral Candida, research has found that probiotics compete with harmful pathogens in the mouth and improve immune response. They also modify oral pH and create byproducts that interfere with Candida’s growth.
One study found that oral application of the probiotic Bacillus clausii, along with antifungal medication, significantly decreased yeast count and symptoms of oral thrush.
In the vagina, Lactobacilli are the most common beneficial species. They fight Candida by boosting immunity, maintaining acidity, and interfering with Candida’s growth. There’s evidence that supplementing with probiotics for immune support can help resolve vaginal yeast infections. A review of studies found that adding probiotics to conventional antifungal treatments improved symptoms significantly.
Are Probiotic Foods or Supplements More Effective for Thrush?
While some fermented foods may offer health benefits, they may not survive the digestive process in sufficient numbers to provide therapeutic effects. Probiotic supplements, especially those with human-origin strains, are more likely to survive in the gastrointestinal tract and colonize in the intestines.
Supplement labels should list the number of viable bacteria at the end of their shelf life. For optimal effects, they should contain 107 to 1011 CFU.
What is the Best Probiotic Supplement for Thrush?
Lactobacillus strains are the most well-studied probiotics for their anti-Candida effects and are the most common species in a balanced vaginal microbiota. Omni-Biotic Balance contains four different Lactobacillus strains that can help restore a balanced gut microbiome, optimize digestion, and support the immune system. Multi-strain probiotics like this may be more effective against Candida than single strains.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Recurring Thrush
A diet high in simple sugars can disrupt the body’s microflora and fuel Candida growth, while a well-balanced diet can boost immunity. Proper oral hygiene and genital care can also help prevent thrush. Avoid scented products and tight clothing in the genital area, and change out of wet clothing promptly.
For more tips on boosting your immunity, visit our stress management page.
