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Probiotics
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are good microorganisms that have a symbiotic relationship with humans; we help them, they help us.
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Humans are more bacteria than cells, with an estimated ratio of 10:1, bacteria to cell (Sender et al 2016).
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How do good micoorganisms help us?
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Gut health & digestion
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They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which aids in digesting food and producing essential vitamins (like vitamin K and some B vitamins).
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They can outcompete harmful microbes and reduce the risk of infections or overgrowth (e.g., C. difficile after antibiotics).
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Immune system regulation
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A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics help “train” immune cells to distinguish friend from foe, lowering the risk of chronic inflammation or autoimmune issues.
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Barrier protection
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They strengthen the intestinal lining, preventing harmful substances (toxins, pathogens) from leaking into the bloodstream.​
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Metabolism and weight regulation
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Some probiotics influence how the body extracts energy from food and may help in regulating blood sugar, fat storage, and satiety.​
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Mental health (gut-brain axis)
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Certain strains produce neurotransmitter precursors (like serotonin and GABA), which can influence mood, stress resilience, and cognition.​
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How does all this relate to thrush?
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The but microbiome is intrinsically related to the vagina microbiome. This is why thrush comes on after you've eaten a load of sugar - the wave of glucose starts in the gut and flows through the blood in the body to the vagina canal.
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Competition for space & nutrients
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In a healthy microbiome, beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus in the vagina or gut) keep Candida in check by limiting its resources and growth space.
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If antibiotics, illness, stress, or poor diet reduce these “good” bacteria, Candida can flourish → thrush.
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pH balance
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Certain probiotic bacteria help maintain an acidic environment (e.g., in the vagina, Lactobacillus produces lactic acid).
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Yeasts don’t thrive as well in this acidic environment, so when probiotics are depleted, pH rises, and Candida gains an advantage.
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Immune modulation
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A balanced microbiome helps regulate immune responses, making it easier for the body to detect and limit yeast overgrowth.
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When dysbiosis occurs, immune regulation weakens, and thrush becomes more likely.
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Systemic connection
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Since humans are essentially “more microbial than human,” losing microbial diversity doesn’t just affect digestion — it impacts immunity and resistance to opportunistic infections like thrush.
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What probiotics should I be taking then?
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There's not enough research on probiotics and their positive effect on the vaginal microbiome. Some have shown little benefit, some significant benefit. Ultimately, probiotics are unlikely to harm and could help you in combination with anti-fungals to get a grip on your thrush.
Aim for a lactobacilli-dominant probiotic because this is the protective species in the vagina that keeps it a ph hostile to pathogens. Ones containing the following should be beneficial.
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
One of the most researched strains for urogenital health.
Helps prevent Candida from adhering to mucosal surfaces and restores healthy vaginal flora.
Often paired with L. reuteri.
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Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
Works synergistically with L. rhamnosus GR-1.
Produces antimicrobial substances that inhibit Candida growth.
Shown in clinical studies to reduce the recurrence of yeast infections.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus
A common gut and vaginal probiotic.
Helps maintain an acidic pH and outcompetes yeasts for space and nutrients.
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Naturopaths often recommend taking one brand for three months. Pausing any probiotics for three months to let your microbiome settle and then trying a different brand to maintain diversity.
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Links to products:
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