Essay on Role of Yogurt in the Management of Urogenital Diseases

Introduction

The idea of friendly bacteria can be traced back to the writings of Dr. Elie Metchikoff back in 1908. In the book 'The Prolongation of Life', the doctor explore various ways through which bacteria can be used to manage, treat and even cure some illnesses (Boroch and Perlmutter, 2009). Over the years however, scientific studies have been able to confirm or refute some of the previously held concepts. In this particular article the focus will be placed on the use of yogurt containing live lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment and management of Candidal Vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. The biological makeup of the female reproductive system is highly vulnerable to bacterial and yeast infections. According to Williams (2002), the female reproductive organ is highly sensitive to any changes in pH, with slight changes causing various health complications. As a result, many women fall victim to urinary tract infections (UTI).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Women vulnerability and predisposition to UTIs has been a central force in the development of a lasting solution. While medicinal options are available in the form of antibiotics, further exploration has been extend to the use of yogurt in the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis. A good place to start would be on Use of Lactobacillus to prevent infection by pathogenic bacteria which was a review that was conducted by Reid and Burton (2002). The team's review focused on studies that had been conducted on the use of lactobacillus in the prevention and management of urogenital and intestinal infections. In their article, they argue that the instillation of various lactobacillus strains into the vagina can result in significant decline in the prevalence of UTIs. More importantly, it is linked to the role of cultivating and maintaining appropriate bacteria in the vagina. Reid and Barton attribute the lactobacilli to its anti-adhesion factor that as well as the fact that it contains by-products such as hydrogen peroxide which have antiseptic effect (2002).

The role of yogurt in the management of urogenital diseases is also found in the fact that it has a major contribution to the body's immune system. The body's first line of defense is usually its immune system. It allows the body to internally fight pathogens and other disease causing pathogens within the body before pharmacological remedies can be sort. According to Magee (2008), yogurt goes a long way in enhancing and stimulating the body's immune system. The consumption of yogurt is associated to a buildup of good bacteria which embolden the body's resistance and defense mechanism. Its role in immune enhancement arises from the fact that it stimulates the body's immune system. From Magee's point of view, vaginal years infections that are common women can often be triggered by medical conditions such as diabetes For diabetic women, the major challenge arise from poor glycemic control habits.

For Hobbs (2007), the lactobacilli effect can be traced down to the fact that it is linked to immune modulation effects that go a long way in enhancing the body's capacity to fight pathogens. Their argument is that Lactobacillus acidophilus foster the generation of mirco-flora in both the digestive tract as well as the vagina. More importantly, they point out the fact that probiotics are known for the role they play in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organism. Their role in digestive system is also not to be underestimated, considering the fact that they aid in the breakdown of food. The team goes on to point out previous studies that confirm their assertions. In the book the give an example of a study in which 13 women with a chronic yeast infections were treated to a yogurt diet for a period of six months during which their candida levels drastically dropped and were restored to previous levels once the diet had been dropped.

For women suffering from vaginal yeast infections, pharmacological options are shunned primarily because they associated with a various reactions. For women who have recurring incidences of yeast and bacterial infection, prolonged use of pharmacological drugs often brings about unwanted reactions. Hobbs (2007) point out that some women have reported increased itching, irritation and discharges in some case following the use of pharmaceuticals. Further on, issues have been raised regarding the effect of antibiotics on pregnant women, with a great deal of concern being that of the safety of the unborn children. Liver complications and other negative issues have also been sighted as a major deterrent against the use of pharmaceutical remedies. While antibiotics are the most preferred approach of dealing with bacterial and yeast infections, probiotics have also emerged as an effective solution.

As has been discussed in this paper, it clear that probiotics are become a better an effective replacement of most of the extant pharmaceutical remedies for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. It is the duty and mandate of the medical and science community to cultivate an open mind in exploring the viable solutions to various medical conditions. In any case, the great take way from this write-up can be traced back to the idea of making your food your medicine and your medicine your food, as conceptualized by Hippocrates (Boroch and Perlmutter, 2009). The information presented in this paper, serves to confirm the fact that yogurt treated with live cultures enhance the body's defense mechanism against pathogens. This particular impact arises from the multiple role that are played by probiotic elements that are in the yogurt. As has been noted, they enhance growth of good bacteria, improve the body's immune system as well as optimize gastrointestinal and urogenital conditions.

Conclusion

For most individuals however, such information remains unfamiliar to them, resulting in uninformed decision making. One of the current public health issues has been that of the rise of superbugs, as result of the abuse and misuse of antibiotics. The greatest impediment in regards to the adoption of remedies such as the use of yogurt in the treatment of urogenital diseases is that the medical fraternity remains skeptical about its widespread use. The lack of interest in herbal remedies has meant that little resources and attention has been channeled towards studies that can enrich the current database with relevant information that will be used for decision making. As of now, most of the medical practitioners remain unaware of alternative such as the use of lactobacilli treated yogurts in the treatment and management of bacterial vaginosis alongside other yeast infections in women. With a public health crisis looming in the horizon in the form of antibiotics resistance, probiotics such as cultured yogurts offer a viable and valid alternative whose impact is yet to be fully appreciated.

References

Reid, G., & Burton, J. (2002). Use of Lactobacillus to prevent infection by pathogenic bacteria. Microbes and infection, 4(3), 319-324.

Hobbs, C. (2007). Women's herbs, women's health. Book Publishing Company.

Magee, E. (2008). Food synergy: Unleash hundreds of powerful healing food combinations to fight disease and live well. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale.

Williams, X. (2002). Overcoming Candida: The ultimate cookery guide. London: Vega.

Boroch, A., & Perlmutter, D. (2009). The candida cure: Yeast, fungus & your health : the 90-day program to beat candida and restore vibrant health. Los Angeles [CA: Quintessential Healing Pub.