The gut is populated by bacteria. However, the vast majority of people also have fungi in their gut. This may sound strange at first, but under certain conditions it's not a problem at all.

Problems arise when these fungi multiply and become predominant. But what exactly is an intestinal fungus? What symptoms occur? And how can probiotics help against fungi? The following text provides the answers.

What are mushrooms?

The gut of most healthy people is a veritable collection of all sorts of bacteria – both good and bad. But fungi – especially Candida albicans – also thrive in the gut. These fungi don't actually have a beneficial function, but they do feed on sugar and carbohydrates.

They are generally harmless and also known as "commensal mycoflora." This means that you usually have nothing to fear from these fungi. However, if they do manage to gain the upper hand, probiotics can help, among other things.

Interesting facts about intestinal fungi:

• They are usually not dangerous
• They feed on sugar and carbohydrates.
• They perform hardly any useful functions
• They are primarily present in the intestine as Candida albicans.
• Excessive reproduction can lead to problems.

Causes of intestinal yeast infection

However, things become difficult when intestinal fungi gain the upper hand. This can have various causes. For example, people with weakened immune systems or chronic intestinal diseases are particularly at risk. This is because these patients often have an imbalanced gut flora. This imbalance then gives intestinal fungi the opportunity to multiply.

The situation is similar for cancer patients – especially during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can severely impair the immune system, which in turn can lead to an unhealthy gut flora. As a consequence, fungi also have the opportunity to proliferate.

Taking medication, such as antibiotics, also promotes the growth of intestinal fungi. Antibiotics – especially so-called broad-spectrum antibiotics – attack not only the harmful bacteria in the body and gut, but also the beneficial ones.

As a consequence, an imbalance in the gut flora can occur during and after ingestion, allowing many fungi to colonize the intestines. Consuming moldy food can also be a cause.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have proven beneficial and helpful for the gastrointestinal tract. Among the best-known probiotics are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Regular intake of these probiotics can strengthen and balance the gut flora.

Can probiotics help against fungal infections? The answer is: "Yes!" However, probiotics also help strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being because they can promote a healthy and stable gut flora. Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics. While probiotics are live microorganisms, prebiotics are their food source.

Probiotics exist in various forms. They occur naturally in some foods or are found in specific dietary supplements. Yogurt, yogurt drinks, sauerkraut, and kimchi all contain probiotics. Furthermore, supplements like Lacto Lux Forte contain a high concentration of these probiotics.

Probiotics are found in, among other things:

• yogurt
• Yogurt drinks
• Kimchi
• sauerkraut
• Products made from fermented soybeans
• Special nutritional supplements

How do probiotics work against intestinal yeast infections?

How do probiotics help against fungi, specifically intestinal fungi? As explained in the previous section, they can promote a healthy and balanced gut flora. Taking probiotics can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, allowing them to outnumber harmful bacteria or intestinal fungi.

Furthermore, probiotics create an acidic environment in the gut. In this acidic environment, intestinal fungi cannot proliferate. Probiotics also inhibit the growth of Candida abilcans.

Furthermore, probiotics also work against fungi by claiming their own space in the gut and thus the corresponding nutrients for themselves. This prevents the intestinal fungi from receiving enough food to proliferate to a harmful degree.

Conclusion

Are probiotics effective against fungi? They can certainly help create a suitable environment in the gut where fungi don't thrive. The acidic environment inhibits their growth, and the probiotics also deprive them of nutrients.

Furthermore, probiotics can have another effect against fungi. They can restore the balance of the gut flora and thus also inhibit fungal growth. A healthy gut flora is good for general well-being and the immune system. Therefore, it can also be advisable for weakened individuals or those who have taken antibiotics, for example, to support the regeneration of the gut flora with probiotics.