Probiotics for Athlete's Foot

Probiotics are organisms that naturally occur in your body,  maintaining a healthy balance in the digestive tract and contributing to the health of the immune system. Probiotics are often referred to as the "healthy" bacteria that live in the body. These bacteria maintain the microbial balance in the intestines and keep the growth of yeast and fungus in check.

Due to both internal and environmental factors, such as stress, disease and the use of antibiotics, the balance of healthy bacteria can be upset. When this happens, health problems may begin to surface. These difficulties include gas, bloating and other intestinal problems. One such problem that can be caused by a lack of probiotics is an increase in potential fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot or Tinea Pedis develops when the fungus contacts the skin. The fungus is typically contracted in especially warm, moist places such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms, and is a common, persistent infection of fungal growth on the feet.  Often the most affected area of the foot is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist; however, it may also spread to the rest of the foot, increasing in area and severity.

At the first contact of athlete's foot fungus, the infection may initially result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. The skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch if the infection is allowed to flourish. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge.

Painfully large cracks may develop in the skin as athlete's foot progresses in severity, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. Excessive scratching or contaminated bedding and tainted clothes may spread the fungus to other parts of the body. Sufferers with severe forms of athlete's foot fungus may also contract what is known as "moccasin foot," a rash that covers the bottom of the foot in the pattern of a shoe. The soles of the feet may become thick, rough and scaly.

While there are many prescription medications, both oral and topical, that can be suggested to combat athlete's foot fungus, most are costly and not without undesirable side effects. It is beneficial to use one of many natural remedies known to fight the bacteria and return your skin to a healthy state. Supplementing your diet with probiotics is an important way to increase your overall health and treat athlete's foot fungus.

 Although there are some foods that contain an amount of probiotics, such as yogurt, miso, tempeh and some cheeses, it is difficult to know just how much each of these items will contribute to the overall levels of healthy bacteria in the body. In most cases, it is wisest to use a probiotic supplement, usually in a pill form, to see that ample amounts of the good bacteria reach the digestive system. However, when purchasing a probiotic supplement, it is important to make an educated decision regarding which is best suited to your needs. Some of the pills are made with an exceptionally tough coating to ensure that the probiotics make it past the powerful stomach acids to the intestines.

There are many strains of microbes called probiotics; however, studies have shown that the most beneficial type for the treatment of athlete's foot is Lactobacillus Acidophilus. This microbe prevents supports the digestion of proteins, lowers blood cholesterol, aids in digestion, and most importantly, reduces fungus infections. There are both dairy and non-dairy versions of this probiotic and both types should be refrigerated. This supplement should not be taken with antibiotics; however, it is suggested that after a regimen of antibiotics L. Acidophilus should be used to return the healthy bacteria to the system.  

 Because preventing athlete's foot fungus is typically much easier than curing it, it is wise to take some common sense precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus. The most important step you can take is to keep the feet dry, especially between the toes. Ensure that the environment in your socks is inhospitable to fungal growth. Socks that are made of cotton, wool, or other natural materials allow feet to breathe and remain dry. If your feet commonly sweat, see that your socks remain clean and dry, even if this means changing socks during the day. Choose shoes that are well ventilated and give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. It is also important to reduce the risk of exposure by wearing waterproof sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and any other warm damp place that may host tinea pedis. Following these general guidelines and maintaining the proper balance of healthy bacteria with a probiotic supplement should eliminate the painful condition known as athlete's foot.

Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.