Yogurt and Yeast Infections

Dr. Greene's Answer

Although yogurt has been offered as a remedy for vaginal yeast infections for decades, the jury is out on whether it is truly effective. The published studies in this area are inconclusive and poorly controlled. Two studies have shown that women with recurrent vaginal yeast infections have fewer episodes when eating yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus on a daily basis. Although the evidence is poor, yogurt may still be recommended by some doctors to prevent yeast infections because the adverse side effects are negligible and there may be some benefit. That being said, yogurt is not a good therapy for women or teens with lactose intolerance or an immunodeficiency.