While it may not prove effective in all cases, there is some evidence that supports using yogurt for yeast infection treatment. Some research studies have demonstrated that eating yogurt to treat a yeast infection may not only treat the condition, but also prevent it. Likewise, applying yogurt vaginally can be helpful for the treatment and prevention of yeast infections. In order for this remedy to work, however, a person must ingest or apply yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus. Essentially, this works by making the vagina an unfriendly environment for yeast.
Yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of bacterium, can be effective for treating vaginal yeast infections because it helps to restore balance to the vaginal environment. Candida, which is a microorganism that causes yeast, may normally exist in the vagina without causing problems. Sometimes, however, the balance of Candida and other microorganisms that exist in the vagina is upset. For example, antibiotics and stress may contribute to the disruption and allow Candida to multiply too much and cause a yeast infection.
Consuming or applying yogurt for yeast infection may prove helpful because Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid. The lactic acid works to lower the pH level of the vagina. Candida find it difficult to thrive in this type of environment, so balance is restored.
It is important to note that some yogurt may not prove helpful for a person who has a yeast infection. To effectively use yogurt for yeast infection treatment, it has to contain live cultures. Some studies show that eating one cup (250 milliliters) of yogurt for yeast infection daily may provide effective infection treatment and prevention if the yogurt contains live cultures.
When a woman wishes to use yogurt vaginally, she may not need to use very much. Some experts recommend inserting one tablespoon (14.78 milliliters) of plain yogurt into the vagina each day until the symptoms of the yeast infection subside. A woman may use a vaginal applicator, such as the type used for traditional yeast infection medication, to insert the yogurt.
Plain, unsweetened yogurt may be best for insertion vaginally. If a woman chooses to consume yogurt for this purpose, on the other hand, she may choose plain or sweetened yogurt. Some women find that cutting back on their consumption of sugar helps to reduce the number of yeast infections they develop, however. As such, many women also opt to consume plain, unsweetened yogurt when they need to treat vaginal yeast infections.