Kombucha has many health benefits, but is the treatment or prevention of yeast infections one of them? There is a lot of conflicting information, and the answer is still being explored. Simply put, kombucha can help prevent a yeast infection, but it can also worsen a current infection.
Table of Contents
What Causes a Yeast Infection?
The fungus Candida albicans is usually responsible for most yeast infections. There are a few factors that can play into the overgrowth of candida yeast, including:
- Using antibiotics, which causes an imbalance in the natural vaginal flora
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Increased estrogen levels (typically caused by taking birth control or hormone therapy)
- An imparied or weakened immune system
Although less common, a few other factors that can affect vaginal wellness and lead to a yeast infection include the following:
- Using scented vaginal products (tampons, perfumes, etc)
- Wearing and sitting in a wet bathing suit for an extended period of time
- Sweating profusely and not changing your clothing
Will Drinking Kombucha Prevent a Yeast Infection?
Kombucha contains tons of probiotics, antioxidants, and beneficial bacteria, which can effectively reduce the risk of getting urinary and yeast infections. As kombucha is typically made from black or green tea, its antibacterial properties can aid against infection-causing and harmful bacteria like candida.
Drinking kombucha regularly can help keep signs and symptoms of yeast infections away, thanks to the acetic acid. This acid, which is abundant in vinegar, can help kill harmful microorganisms (including bad bacteria and candida yeast), reducing your risk of infections.
Can Kombucha Cause a Yeast Infection?
Aside from probiotics, there are also sugars in this fermented tea, which can feed the bad bacteria, causing the growth of candida, which can, in turn, lead to a vaginal yeast infection.
SCOBYs are full of many different strains of yeast, possibly including Candia albicans. If you’re susceptible to an overgrowth of this type of yeast or currently have an infection, you should avoid kombucha, as it is nearly impossible to know the specific strains present in your SCOBY.
4 Foods to Avoid When You Have a Yeast Infection
Steering clear of certain foods when you have a yeast infection can help your body heal faster. Avoid:
- Foods that contain simple sugars (many fruits)
- White flour and gluten
- Fermented foods* (kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha tea, alcohol)
- Some dairy products (including whole milk)
Remember that fermented foods are great for preventing a yeast infection, but many have a high amount of prebiotics, which will feed a current infection and worsen it. If you have an active infection, avoid these foods.
4 Foods to Consume When You Have a Yeast Infection
On the other hand, there are some foods and drinks that can be helpful to consume when you are experiencing a yeast infection, such as:
- Yogurt with live bacterial cultures (healthy bacteria)
- Garlic
- Certain supplements that contain Lactobacillus or L. acidophilus
- Protein from animal sources
Which Probiotics Are Best for Candida Overgrowth?
Two main probiotics have been shown to help treat and prevent candida yeast overgrowth.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
- Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
These probiotic supplements contain good bacteria, which helps with overall gut and vaginal health. They differ from other probiotics in that they colonize in the vaginal tract rather than the intestines.
These specific probiotic strains may be present in your kombucha, but without laboratory testing, you can not be sure. However, Lactobacillus supplements can be bought over the counter and online, making it easy for you to obtain them.
While these probiotic supplements are a welcome addition to your diet, you should always visit your healthcare provider instead of self-diagnosing and treating. Untreated or misdiagnosed fungal infections can lead to uncomfortable side effects and serious complications.