A reader wrote:

“Ken, I need to repopulate my microbiome. I have been treating candida overgrowth on my own and it is working but I think I need to take more or different probiotics. I have used a number over time in and effort to get a variety into my system but I can’t get rid of the candida to the point of normalcy. 

I can’t eat the anti candida diet due to gastroparesis. Is there a specific product or strain and what find of Dr might deal with this. None of the drs I see think it is a real thing. The 100lbs I have lost with the only change being natural anti fungals says otherwise. Thank you.”

There are actually two questions:

• Controlling candida
• Restoring a microbiome.

So today, I will review what we know from studies on PubMed on the first one. For the second, I suggest getting a ubiome done and then reviewing the suggestions (which will likely include probiotic suggestions).

Studies

• “Thirty Lactobacillus strains were isolated and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against in vitro C. albicans biofilms. L. paracasei 28.4, L. rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 isolates exhibited the most significant inhibitory activity against C. albicans” [2018]
• ” In conclusion, L. plantarum 59 and L. fermentum 137 were confirmed to have an anti-inflammatory effect against G. vaginalis and C. albicans and they were able to influence signalling in NF-κB pathway, making them interesting candidates as probiotics for the prevention or treatment of BV and VVC.” [2018]
• Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 reduces in vitro hyphae formation of Candida albicans and prevents the filamentation in an experimental model of Caenorhabditis elegans [2018].
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus intake can prevent the development of Candidiasis.[2018]
• Antifungal defense of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is mediated by blocking adhesion and nutrient depletion. [2017]
• The In Vitro Effectiveness of Lactobacillus fermentum Against Different Candida Species Compared With Broadly Used Azoles. [2016] “The use of beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, could be regarded as a good alternative for the prevention and treatment of Candida infections.”

Bottom Line

Three specific genus of Lactobacillus seem to be demonstrated to be effective.

• Lactobacillus paracasei [high potenancy, lowest $ per CFU: CustomProbiotics]
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus [high potenancy, lowest $ per CFU: CustomProbiotics]
• Lactobacillus fermentum [See this post  for sources]

Remember, we are likely talking therapeutic dosages.

This is an education post to facilitate discussing this approach with your medical professionals. It is not medical advice for the treatment of any medical condition. Always consult with your medical professional before doing any  changes of diet, supplements or activity. Some items cites may interfere with prescription medicines.