3 Yeast Infection Treatments That Are Natural and Safe
By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2011-06-05 12:45:59 | Word Count: 502
Yeast infection can strike at anybody at any time, although it occurs most often in women. It is caused -- or at least the symptoms are caused -- by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans that resides naturally in all of our bodies. Normally, your beneficial bacteria takes care of this and keeps the fungus in check. But sometimes your friendly bacteria fail to do this and the Candida albicans 'overgrows' into an infection.
Most yeast infection sufferers use over-the-counter or prescribed medications such as creams, foams, lotions, suppositories, oral suspensions, etc., their use depending on the location of the infection. But they tend to address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the infection. And because they are drug-based the fungus can build-up a resistance to them. In addition, for many sufferers, they can have some nasty side effects.
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But yeast infections are treatable using natural home remedies, which more and more people are turning to nowadays. Here are just a small selection of natural home remedies that many folks are finding effective...
(1) Plain Yogurt
Natural yogurt without sugar, coloring, fruit or other additives contains friendly bacteria that helps to fight the fungus causing your yeast infection. Eating plenty of this type of yogurt helps to build-up the good bacteria in your gut. You can also apply it topically to the affected area. Internally, you can apply yogurt liberally over a regular (un-scented) tampon and leave in overnight.
(2) Reduce Sugar
The fungus thrives on sugar, so avoid sugar. This includes things like honey, sweets, chocolate, dextrose, fructose, syrups, artificial sweeteners, dried fruits, canned fruits, canned foods, etc.
(3) Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Used for centuries, apple cider vinegar contains trace elements, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. To drink, add 2 or 3 teaspoons to a large glass of water and take 3 times a day. This helps to re-balance body pH. To help reduce the local symptoms you can douche with a mixture of 2 tablespoons in 2 quarts of warm water. For a sitz bath, add 2 cups to a low, warm bath, and soak for around 20 minutes. Note, that it must be raw apple cider vinegar, which is un-distilled, unpasteurized and with no additives.
These are common natural yeast infection treatments that are being used more and more. And they can be effective in fighting the yeast infection symptoms during an attack. But in order to address the key underlying causes of these infections -- lowered immune system, hormonal imbalance, too high blood sugar levels (addressed above), lowered friendly bacteria numbers (partly address above), and some drug therapies -- you need to do much more...
