Effective Home Remedies For Yeast Infections

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

While doctors typically prescribe medications as part of the treatment for yeast infection, this is not really a must unless the condition is already severe. Most, less complicated health problems have been treated by simple home remedies for thousands of years already without further problems at all.

Home remedies have already proven themselves effective in treating simple health problems. In fact, most modern medications usually contain natural ingredients such as plants, herbs, and other elements coming from natural sources. Still it is best to consult a medical expert if you feel something unusual in the body to see if natural treatments or remedies can be utilized.

Sometimes, home natural treatments or remedies work well when administered together with prescribed medications to treat yeast overgrowth in the body. Sufferers from yeast overgrowth may also consider using whatever method they feel most comfortable with. This is no issue, especially if their doctor agrees.

Many natural or home remedies still treat or heal, equally well or better, without the unwanted side effects given by prescribed medications that contain clinically engineered chemicals. Yeast overgrowth in the body often reoccurs, especially for those people who have problems with their immune system. The appearance of yeast infections can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable though they seldom cause major problems to health when kept under control. Also, keep in mind that home remedies are the easiest way to relieve symptoms because they are quick and easy to find in the usual kitchen like boric acid, coconut oil, garlic, and yogurt.

Garlic

Garlic is a very common ingredient in daily cooking all over the world. It contains natural antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that have never failed to promote healing for thousands of years. Studies have shown that eating one to two servings of garlic everyday reduces yeast growth and the uncomfortable effects of yeast overgrowth. The combining of garlic with tea tree oil can also reduce the spread of yeast, reduce its uncomfortable effects, and even eliminate them.

Yogurt

Natural or unsweetened yogurt contains a high level of good bacteria that are known to promote better health as well to strengthen the digestive system. Eating natural yogurt enhances the immune system as well by improving the performance of the small and large intestine to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins from the body. You can also apply yogurt directly to the infected area like a regular lotion or topical cream.

The yogurt’s probiotics work as an antiseptic and control the growth of yeast in the area.

Boric Acid

This natural acid has been proven to effectively control and eliminate fungal infections, just like common prescription medications. You can apply boric acid on the skin’s surface just like a lotion or any medicated cream.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has effective antiseptic and antifungal elements as well. Some researches suggest that coconut oil even has the power to enhance the immune system and minimize the growth of yeast in the body. Just like any other essential oils, you can also apply it directly to the skin. Modern medicine has already created supplements in liquid or capsule form.

Most people think that yeast infections can only happen to women. Yet men can also have yeast overgrowth problems. In fact, nobody is immune from yeast infection.

Oregano and Tea Tree Oil

Some people suffering from yeast infections, and who have tried using the home remedies tea tree oil and oregano leave extract, observed great improvements. Oregano leaves contain a very effective and active chemical called carvacol, an enzyme that destroy the yeast components. Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which is very effective in stopping several types of infections including yeast problems by acting as an antifungal agent.

Can Pregnancy Really Trigger Yeast Infection?

Pregnancy and Yeast Infections

Yeast infections found in the vaginal area of pregnant women is common. According to examinations and diagnoses of infected pregnant women, the yeast infection occurs due to an increased number of candida specie in the female genital area. Such an increase obviously causes the uncomfortable effects such as itchiness and skin inflammation.

Pregnant women have several changes in the body, both internally and externally. The first major change happens from the inside as the body’s metabolism and production of hormones changes and becomes imbalanced during conception and even after giving birth. These internal changes, especially in the production of hormones, can definitely affect the level of body acidity. This acidity usually appears on the skin, especially on the least exposed body parts such as the lower back, feet, armpit, genital area (vagina), ears, and mouth. When the yeast infection is already present, it is normal to feel itchiness, and sometimes some burning and pain in the genital area.

In severe cases, there may be even a discharge with cheese-like or milky characteristics that has an unpleasant odor.

It Is Also Common To People With Diabetes

Yeast infection is also common for those suffering from abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood (diabetes). It is appropriate to compare diabetes to pregnancy since pregnant women usually have a high glucose level in the vaginal area, due to changes in hormone production. High glucose levels favor a yeast making environment, an easy and quick breeding ground for candida. Also, pregnant women may develop the specific type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes. This can only happen to pregnant women.

Though very common, consult a doctor or gynecologist to get some tests and confirm a proper diagnosis before going for any treatments. Keep in mind that self medication is strongly discouraged since the condition may worsen. This is especially so for pregnant women because there other infections may have similar symptoms to yeast overgrowth yet would definitely require specific treatments.

After the doctor gives a thorough examination and proper diagnosis, the next thing is prescribed medication. Since pregnant women are discouraged to take too much medication because it may affect the child or the entire pregnancy, most doctors commonly recommend simple antifungal or anti yeast infection creams as well vaginalettes.

The treatment usually lasts not more than one or two weeks and there are times wherein women may have to sub-medicate with nystatin powder to eliminate the risk of yeast infection reoccurrences.

Because pregnant women are prone to yeast infections and/or candidiasis, especially in the reproductive area or vagina, they should know important things that will help them prevent or treat the infection. Some simple things that women can do to prevent infection are wearing loose clothes, especially underwear made from cotton, to allow air circulation and proper hygiene to the genital area. Wipe the genital area clean, especially the front and back parts, to ensure cleanliness. Avoid feminine washes high in alcohol or scented to keep the natural and required acid level on the skin.

Yogurt Can Help

Add yogurt to the daily diet to make your body stronger and more equipped when it comes to eliminating the risk of yeast overgrowth and increasing prebiotics in the body and/or lactobacillus acidophilus. Reduce the intake of glucose or sugar rich food and drinks to keep the sugar level in the body stable and acceptably low; this retards yeast growth. Consult a doctor immediately if you ever feel or observe yeast infection-like symptoms to get the right diagnosis and best treatments that resolve the problem.

Simple Method To Fight Candidiasis Or Yeast Infection

Ways to Fight Candidiasis or Yeast Infection

There are many types of yeast infection known in medicine, and the one caused by candida is called candidiasis. Candidiasis can appear anywhere in inside the body. A yeast infection may show up in the nails, genital area, rectal area, armpit, ears, or feet, and it can spread to the internal organs if it penetrates the bloodstream.

Candidiases or Yeast Infection in Our Body

Yeast infections most commonly appear on the skin from head to feet. Women commonly get candidiasis because they get hormonal changes more often compared to men. Nevertheless, nobody is really exempt from catching this infection. Genital yeast infection is the second most common type of yeast infection. As mentioned, women are more prone to developing yeast infections due to their complex body structure, specifically their genitals, which provides a perfect environment for candida to thrive.

There are many ways a person can fight against yeast infections, starting with simple anti-fungal medications available in the pharmacy everywhere. But know that yeast infection has a high tendency to reoccur, especially when the immune system of the person is troubled or compromised.

Nevertheless, a yeast infection can be eliminated easily, and there are many simple methods a person can do to naturally treat the yeast infection.

Preventive Care against Candidiasis or Yeast Infection

We must have heard this advise for a lot of times already but drinking at least 8 glasses of water or more everyday will help the body as a whole. Water can help the body in the process of detoxification and cleansing as it flushes the stored toxins out of the body through urination, perspiration, and bowel. It can also flush the excessive glucose out of the body which is one of the triggering factors for yeast to grow uncontrollably.

Adding yogurt to the usual menu helps to destroy the yeast infection. Yogurt contains probiotics that moderate the growth of the yeast in the body, especially in the intestine. In the absence of yogurt, probiotic drinks also work. Probiotics consume the yeast, making it hard for candida to survive if they co-exist. You can apply yogurt directly to the infected area in order to treat the yeast infection with immediate effects.

Remedies for Candidiasis or Yeast Infection

Another natural home remedy helpful in treating yeast infection is apple cider vinegar. Many studies of apple cider vinegar show benefits, especially if consumed daily every morning. According to some experts, apple cider vinegar can help in natural detoxification. It cannot be applied raw to the infected area, due to its acidic characteristic, but it can be added to the water of a warm bath.

Oregano oil is another natural home remedy that can help in eliminating the yeast infection. This essential oil contains carvacrol, which can effectively stop the growth of the yeast. In fact, carvacrol is one of the main ingredients of most prescribed treatments available for candidiasis.

Eating garlic can also minimize and eliminate yeast infection and its uncomfortable symptoms. Many medications and supplements on the market today contain garlic as one of their active ingredients since it contains anti-fungal properties! Crushed garlic and garlic capsules can be applied towards the infected area to kill the infection and minimize the symptoms.

Children and Candida

Even newborn babies have immune systems, only they are not yet fully functional. The mother passes on the immune system during pregnancy. As the baby ages this initial immune system weakens, while the permanent immunity sets in during the breastfeeding period. If breastfeeding is not possible, pediatricians may recommend infant formulas (milk) to replace mother’s milk.

Normally, if the child’s immune system is well developed, infections are rare but they are still not exempt from developing yeast overgrowth or getting yeast infection. How is this possible? Yeast infection may occur with babies, especially in the lower back areas where diapers usually cover it. If the guardian or parent of the baby does not monitor and change the diaper in a timely fashion, diaper rash may appear.

Candida

Candida is a type of yeast that thrives in warm, moist, dark body parts. Infants are commonly the target of yeast infection due to a few factors. They often wear diapers or cloths since they cannot wear underwear yet and because they cannot control urinate yet, the wet diapers or cloth are perfect triggers for yeast infection or yeast overgrowth.

Both men and women can be infected by yeast; women often have yeast overgrowth in the vaginal area, while men often have yeast overgrowth in the groin and the surrounding area. No matter where the yeast infection occurs, it must be treated immediately in order to make sure that the yeast infection does not spread to somewhere else in the body.

If there is a yeast infection in the body, then there is also a chance that yeast overgrowth may also occur anywhere else in the body. This may also be an indication of other health issues, particularly the overall immune system. That is why it is important to get the correct diagnosis of the main cause of the infection aside from simply treating the yeast infection alone. After getting the right diagnosis, the doctor must choose the most appropriate treatment in order to prevent the spread of yeast infection to other body parts such as internal organs.

Ways to Prevent Yeast Infection

When it comes to yeast infection as for all other types of diseases, preventive care is way better than the cure, especially for infants. Babies do not have any control of their environment, and that is why it is important to monitor them constantly to ensure that their clothes are clean and dry to prevent accumulation of moisture on the skin.

This advice goes for adults as well; as mentioned, yeast infection does not have any age preference. It can affect anyone, anytime. Do not leave any chance for yeast to infest the body and at any part of the household. Dispose of moist trash properly, sealed and segregated. Personal hygiene is very important as well because candida or yeast infection can easily spread.

Make sure that the skin is toweled and dry after taking a bath or after perspiring. Wash hands thoroughly before and after skin contact. When cleaning or washing clothes, add a few ounces of vinegar to the water to help disinfect the clothes from bacteria, viruses, and yeast. Drying the skin is just as important as drying the clothes after washing, and it is better to dry with the heat of the sun rather than relying on dryers. Cleaning the bed sheets is also important since yeast can also infest dirty and moist filled textiles especially from bedwetting. Make sure that routines for cleanliness are followed. This will diminish the chance that yeast will survive to infest the household or the body.

Children and Yeast Infection

It may sound a little cruel, but children or infants can get yeast infections, too. Unfortunately, babies cannot determine and complain about the infection and its symptoms. A yeast infection can spread further to other parts of the body or worsen if not spotted and treated right away. Therefore, it’s important to know the physical signs of yeast infection; they are:

Rectal or Genital Rashes appear frequently and repeatedly. For new parents, they may simply disregard the symptoms, but this should be treated right away after consulting a pediatrician.

Usual Skin Rashes are often mistaken as summertime rashes or effects of poison ivy.
The usual skin rashes often appear in the arm area, legs, and even the belly where moisture accumulates from the upper parts of the body.

White Growth on The Lips and Tongue is often mistaken as milk residue. New parents often have this misdiagnosed because the oral thrush can be easily eliminated after water or fruit juice is given to the baby. Though, these liquids may eliminate the thrush, they are not sufficient to prevent the yeast infestation from reoccurring.

Escalating and Reoccuring Skin Rashes that usually appear during the rainy season are an indication of yeast infection. But new parents often disregard these symptoms and think that these physical conditions are nothing but normal.

Recurring Ear Infection can also be an indication that there is an overgrowth of yeast in the ear. It is important to have a pediatrician check the ear condition right away in order to get the right treatment and prevent the spread of the infection inwards where it can cause greater damage to the ears. Simple ear yeast infection, doctors usually treat with ear drop medication, which contains antifungal chemicals.

Sugar-filled Food Cravings are not really unusual, especially for kids, but too much sugar can make the yeast grow faster and uncontrollably. This is why it is important to monitor the sugar intake of kids and even adults to make sure that it is not exceeding the daily intake allowance.

Headache is one of the symptoms of yeast infection as well, and children, especially infants, may not be able to tell their parents or guardians what they are really feeling. Nevertheless, if the infant shows any signs of discomfort, consult a pediatrician immediately to determine what is really going on.

It may seem odd but hyperactivity among children can also be a symptom of yeast overgrowth somewhere in the body. While children are normally active and playful, watch out for hyperactiviity beyond the normal level. Hyperactive disorders are pretty normal nowadays, especially with the kind of food that we have in the market. In medicine, hyperactivity is usually treated with acceptable medications that alter the internal or natural cause, such as hormonal or chemical imbalances in the body.

Irritability is also common among children and even adults, but when it exceeds the normal frequency of mood swings, this may be an indication that something is wrong in the body, which includes yeast overgrowth.

Respiratory Problems like Stuffiness of the Nose, and Frequent Coughing are easily treated by common pharmaceutical medications, but these medications also contain chemicals or ingredients that affect the physiology of the body responsible for regulating the growth of foreign elements including yeast and fungi.

The medication used to treat asthma as well as ear infection antibiotics can also lead to yeast overgrowth, especially if used frequently. These types of medication include chemicals capable of eliminating natural enzymes in the body that help regulate the growth of yeast and fungi as part of the overall immune system.

This is especially true for children’s not fully developed immunity makes them vulnerable to candidiasis and all other yeast overgrowth complications. Daily food intake, nutrients, or diet are also considering factors for yeast infection. Keep in mind that such people, young or adult, with high sugar levels in the blood are more prone to yeast or fungal infection due to the fact that yeast feeds on sugar as well.

Sugar is like the fertilizer making them grow faster than usual. Feeding children with healthier choices of food, especially those that are less in carbohydrates and sugar, helps make sure that the yeast is maintained and controlled. Although it can be hard sometimes to prevent the kids from munching on the usual snacks like sweets, artificial or flavored juices, colas, and all other manufactured snacks in the market, parents should limit their intake of these. Educating kids about the consequences of eating too much unhealthy food helps, especially if done at an early age. Doing this helps children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet in order to keep their body in good shape all the way. Keeping the sugar down to an acceptable level of intake will ensure that good condition of the immune system particularly reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

STD’s are Different From Yeast Infection

STDs Differ from Yeast Infections

Many people commonly, yet mistakenly assume that a yeast infection is a form of sexually transmitted disease (STDs). While it may be true that yeast infestation may be caused by physical contact, that is not always the case. Everyone has yeast in the body, yet the body is able to control its growth and spread because of the immune system. Yeast infection is also known as candida infection or candidiasis. Yeast problems commonly appear in the mouth as oral thrush where it may develop and spread throughout if not treated properly. Candidiasis can happen if the immune system of the body is not strong enough to combat and control the growth of yeast. This is very common for those who are positive from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a condition where the immune system becomes weak over time; in this case the yeast infection can be life threatening.

One type of yeast, Candida albicans, is the main cause of vaginitis. On the other hand trichomonas and gonorrhea, present among STD, can also cause vaginitis. A common type of candida infection is vaginal candidiasis. As mentioned, yeast infestation is fairly common — half of the population of healthy women has yeast in their body especially in the vagina area. In fact, 70 out of 100 women have suffered vaginitis at least once.

The Common Cause of Yeast Infection

Yeast in the body is not considered an infection unless there is an overgrowth that usually appears in the vagina area. Vaginal candidiasis causes inflammation, especially on the surface of the skin, a painful feeling during sexual activities, a burning sensation especially during and after urination, and in some severe cases a vaginal discharge.

For those suffering from urinary tract infection or respiratory tract infection on top of the preexisting yeast infection, the growth of yeast can increase since the usual medication prescribed for these conditions are third generation types which have immunosuppressive effects. Yeast overgrowth also happens to those who have gone through chemotherapy and cortisone medication because the immune systems of these people are affected as well. Pregnant individuals as well as those suffering from diabetes are also vulnerable to yeast infection. Even though yeast infection is not an STD or sexually transmitted disease, men can have skin irritation if they have had any contact with a partner who has yeast infection. Most clinics diagnose the type and severity of a yeast infection through a microscopic examination of the actual samples such as, a skin patch or a cheese like discharge from the infected person.

Treating the Yeast Infection

Yeast is basically caused by uncontrolled growth of fungus in the body, and is commonly treated with antifungal treatments and medications. For mild cases of fungal or yeast infection, first generation treatments, such as low dosage creams and solutions, can be used and applied on the affected part of the body. High dose medications are required for those suffering from severe cases of yeast or fungal infection. This is common to those with a compromised immune system.

Most of the time doctors recommend treatments with fluconazole. This is the most common form of antifungal treatment in the market, while some doctors feel more confident to recommend suppository drugs in treating such infections, especially for women. Suppository drugs tend to work more quickly when compared to oral medications, since they directly interact with the affected area such as the vagina or anus, while oral medications still need to be processed by the body to produce chemical reactions that promote antifungal treatment.

If candida colonies do not appear with inflammation, itchiness, and other complications, treatments are not necessary. Keep in mind that the presence of yeast in the body is normal, and in fact is needed by the body as part of its defense against foreign elements that may enter the body’s system. Treatment is only necessary if the number of yeast in the body increases beyond their normal and acceptable range.