7 Affordable Supplements to Consider If You Have BV and Candida

The first line of supplements we will recommend is something very herbal. It is headed by a trinity of herbs, namely oregano oil, black walnut and Pau D’arco.

1. 1. Oregano oil contains compounds like carvacrol that have demonstrated anti-fungal activity against Candida species, particularly Candida Albicans, which is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. The active compounds in oregano oil also have broad-spectrum anti-bacterial properties, and are used by naturopaths worldwide as a herbal antibiotic. Lastly, oregano oil is able to break down biofilms that protect both bacteria and fungi, making them more susceptible to treatment and the body’s immune defenses.
   2. Black walnut contains juglone, which has demonstrated anti-fungal activity against Candida species. Studies have shown it to be as effective, if not more effective, than some commercial anti-fungal preparations for treating fungal infections. The high tannin content and other compounds in black walnut hulls have antibacterial properties that may help combat the overgrowth of harmful bacteria associated with BV. More importantly, the active compounds in black walnut may help break down biofilms that protect fungi and bacteria, making them more vulnerable to be destroyed.
   3. Pau D’arco contains compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone that have demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, which is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. The active compounds in pau d’arco also have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties that may help combat the overgrowth of harmful bacteria associated with BV. Lastly, pau d’arco is also good at breaking down biofilms

Synergistic antifungal activity:
When combined, these herbs may create a more hostile environment for Candida albicans, making it harder for the fungus to thrive and reproduce.

NOW Candida Support is a comprehensive supplement that combines several ingredients to support the body’s natural defenses against candida. It includes the entire arsenal of herbal antimicrobials needed for candida support. 

Additionally, biotin is included to slow down yeast growth, and caprylic acid is added for its anti-fungal properties. 

Key Ingredients:

• Oregano Oil, Black Walnut and Pau d’Arco: All have known anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. All three are able to break down biofilms.
• Biotin: Slows down yeast growth.
• Caprylic Acid: An anti-fungal agent

I will list below 8 reasons why vaginal probiotics are always recommended chronic bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candida:

1. Restores microbial balance: In BV and candida infections, there’s an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or fungi. Vaginal probiotics help to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.
2. Produces lactic acid: Lactobacilli ferment glycogen from the vaginal wall to produce lactic acid, creates a low vaginal pH (below 4.5). This acidic environment inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms.
3. Helps even when used with antibiotics: When used in conjunction with antibiotics, probiotics can improve the cure rate of BV. A meta-analysis found that probiotics combined with antibiotics were more effective than antibiotics alone.
4. Prevents recurrence: Probiotics may help prevent the recurrence of BV. A study using Lactobacillus crispatus (Lactin-V) showed a lower recurrence rate in women who used the probiotic compared to those who didn’t.
5. Addresses antibiotic side effects: Antibiotics, while effective against BV, can sometimes worsen dysbiosis over time, which results in Candida. Probiotics can help mitigate these effects.
6. Prevents overgrowth of pathogens: Probiotic strains can compete with pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites, helping to prevent their overgrowth.
7. Modulates immune response: Some probiotic strains may help modulate the local immune response in the vagina, potentially improving the body’s ability to fight off infections.
8. Produce antimicrobial compounds: Certain Lactobacillus strains like Rhamnosus, Reuteri and Crispatus produce substances that can inhibit the growth of pathogens associated with BV and candida.

It’s important to note that while probiotics show promise, they are typically used as an adjunct to standard treatments rather than as a standalone therapy for BV or candida.

Metagenics UltraFlora Women’s are designed to support the natural balance of vaginal flora. They contain a blend of beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora, which is essential for preventing BV and other vaginal infections. This supplement is particularly beneficial for individuals with BV, as it helps to restore the natural balance of vaginal flora.

Key Ingredients: 

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Helps maintaining a healthy vaginal environment and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: Helps maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora.
• Streptococcus thermophilus: Helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria

Yes, another enzyme supplement!

Enzymedica Candidase is a supplement designed specifically to support the body’s natural defenses against Yeast Infection.

It contains enzymes that are specifically designed to destroy the cell wall of Candida Albicans. The ingredients in this supplement helps to break down the protective barrier of candida, allowing the body’s immune system to more effectively target and eliminate the infection.

Key Ingredients: 

• Cellulase: Breaks down the yeast cell wall.
• Protease: Breaks down the interior proteins of yeast.
• Thera-blend™: A proprietary blend of multiple enzyme strains that work across a wide pH range, ensuring better performance in the body.
• Bacillus subtilis: Provides 1 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units) to boost good bacteria in the gut microbiome.

Milk thistle and its active compound silymarin are not specifically indicated for treating chronic bacterial vaginosis (BV) or candida infections. However, here are 3 good reasons to use them for BV and Candida:

1. Membrane targeted Anti-fungal activity: Silymarin has been shown to exert anti-fungal effects by targeting cell membranes, increasing permeability and inducing oxidative stress in fungal cells. This mechanism makes it relevant in the fight against recurring Candida Albicans.
2. Antioxidant properties: Silymarin has strong antioxidant effects, which could help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants can only help the immune system in fighting infections.
3. Anti-virulence properties: Silymarin has demonstrated the ability to destabilize mature biofilms and inhibit the secretion of hydrolases in Candida. This could potentially help in managing chronic infections that involve biofilm formation.

NOW Silymarin 2X is a supplement designed to support liver health and detoxification. It contains a 2 ingredients that are meant to 2x your liver detoxification function, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the body!

In addition, milk thistle and silymarin is a strong anti-fungal with the ability to destroy biofilms. And this is crucial if we want to break the never-ending cycle of BV and Candida.

Key Ingredients: 

• Silymarin: This is the primary active compound in milk thistle extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect liver cells from damage and supports liver health.
• Milk Thistle Extract: This extract is rich in silymarin and is used to support liver health, protect against liver damage, and promote detoxification