Vaginal yeast infections are among the most common reasons women seek medical attention. Properly termed candidal vaginitis, the condition is caused by an overgrowth of a species of fungus called candida albicans in and around the genitals. (While men can and do have...
probiotics
Fighting Superbugs: Study looks at power of probiotics
Can probiotics reduce infections in intensive-care hospital patients? This is the focus of a new clinical study at the Medical College of Georgia. Probiotics are the so-called “good bacteria” that help keep the intestinal tract and immune system healthy. They include...
Skin Sense: Probiotics may be answer to eczema
Eczema is the most common form of dermatitis, a term which literally means “inflamed skin.” The condition can affect people young and old and encompasses a number of red, itchy skin conditions. Eczema may look like a dry, scaly rash or weepy, oozing blisters. Recent...
Probiotics key in avoiding yeast infection
Dietary strategies to prevent and treat yeast infections include eliminating sugar intake while increasing intake of whole grains, vegetables, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc. Other highly recommended nutrients for yeast infections include digestive enzymes,...
Easing Irritable Bowel Naturally
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract — at least one in five North Americans suffers from it. IBS may be brought on by food intolerance, excessive stress or a sensitive colon, and may result in frequent bouts of...
Probiotics beneficial for diarrhea
Bacterial overgrowth can result in chronic diarrhea, especially for people who have undergone surgery to the intestines or bowels. Researchers from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina looked at the effects of an oral probiotic treatment versus a placebo for...
Probiotics shorten bouts of diarrhea
After a recent review of nine international studies, a researcher from the University of Washington reports that probiotics or “friendly bacteria” can shorten the duration of diarrhea in children. “Probiotics” is a general term to describe any of a number of...
Probiotics boost aging immune system
Elderly people are at increased risk of infection due to the age-related decline in immune system function. In a recent study, scientists looked into how supplementing with probiotics might help improve immunity in the elderly. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus...