Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Most women will experience vaginal infections and may want to look for home remedies for yeast infections as an alternative treatment. If you are confident that your vaginitis isn't due to bacterial infections, you can do try these natural yeast infection cures.

There are a number of microorganisms that reside in a slightly acidic healthy vagina. Candida which is a fungus and a form of yeast is one of them. Other than candida there are lactobacilli. These two and other microorganisms usually will cause no harm until your body goes through certain changes and alter the vagina's ph balance.

The common yeast infection symptoms are intense vaginal itching, chunky white discharge that may look like cottage cheese and redness on the vagina.

One of the common yeast infection causes is the rapid growth of candida albicans which multiplies rapidly and produces waste products. Certain antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections will destroy lactobacilli. When this microorganism is destroyed, it will result in an uncontrolled growth of candida albicans.

Pregnancy is another reason for yeast infection. When a woman is pregnant, the vaginal blood is increased. The estrogen level goes up and will result in an increase in the production of glycogen. The glycogen is food for infectious organisms. It will also cause lactobacilli to grow rapidly and thus changes the vagina ph.

A diet high in sugar may also promote vaginal candidiasis. Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of getting yeast infections. Hormonal changes before and after menstruation may also cause yeast infection. A weakened immune system, digestive problems and a high level of stress are also contributing factors. Birth control pills are also responsible. Yeast infections affect men too and you may get infected through intercourse.

If vaginitis keeps recurring, it may indicate that something inside your system isn't functioning properly. This is especially if your discharge is heavy, yellowish and produces a foul smell. If you have light vaginal bleeding, feel painful during urination and intercourse, it could be bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis or atrophic vaginitis. You need to seek medical treatment.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 1 - Use garlic

You don't eat the garlic but insert it in your vagina. It may sound disgusting to you but this home remedy for yeast infection has shown to work. Garlic has antibiotic, antifungal and anti-microbial effects.

When you insert a fresh peeled clove of garlic into the vagina, the compounds in garlic will kill the infection. If you want to have a more effective effect, insert a cut piece. This treatment is best done when you sense the first sign of a yeast infection and do it at night. Leave it inside your vagina while you sleep, remove and throw the garlic in the morning.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 2 - Use boric acid or tea tree oil

Boric acid is an antiseptic. Buy empty gelatin capsules with an O size. Fill it with the boric acid. Insert one into your vagina and do it for several days. You can also use tea tree oil as suppositories instead of boric acid.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 3 - Douche with vinegar or yogurt

Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of white vinegar to a quart of warm water and douche it. Vinegar helps restore the vaginal normal ph. You may also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.

If you are using yogurt for douching, mix plain yogurt with warm water. Yogurt contains live acidophilus bacteria and it may help restore microorganisms that were destroyed. Many health care professionals don't recommend routine douching. Douche only if you have yeast infection.

You may want to try using hydrogen peroxide to stop the itching. Mix half of the liquid peroxide with half part water and douche. You can also add 2 acidophilus capsules, let the mixture set for an hour and use it.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 4 - Drink lemon juice

Lemons contain vitamin A, vitamin C, some of the B vitamins, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. Vitamins A and C are antioxidants and will help support your immune system and have healing and anti fungal properties.

Lemon juice helps boost your digestion too. And since digestive problems may cause candidiasis, drinking lemon juice is an alternative and natural cure for yeast infection.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 5 - Drink grapefruit juice or take grapefruit seeds

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin A. Grapefruit seed extracts have antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties. Many nutritionists recommend this citrus seed extract for the treatment of candidiasis.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 6 - Watch your diet

Adding garlic to your diet is good. Taking yogurt which contains probiotics is also recommended. Eat foods that are high in dietary fiber such as oats, berries and seeds. Drink lots of water.

You may need to avoid foods that contain yeast and fungi. Foods and beverages that contain yeast are beer, malt beverages, yeast extracts such as marmite, wine, baked goods such as bread, rolls bagels and muffins. Examples of fungus based foods are mushrooms, cheese, truffles, chocolates and tempeh, which is a soybean cake. You may also need to reduce your sugar intake.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 7 - Try herbal supplements

Certain herbs help in preventing and treating yeast infections. Goldenseal is one of them. It has therapeutic, antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Goldenseal has been used to treat fungal problems such as athlete's foot, ringworm and yeast infection.

You can buy goldenseal root extract in the form of capsules, tablets, powdered and liquid. Mix the powder or liquid with water and use it to wash the secretions at the vaginal opening. Some other herbs that you can take orally or apply are olive leaf extract, black walnut oil, chamomile, licorice root and Oregon grape root.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 8 - Practice good hygiene

Wash your hands frequently, wash your laundry in hot water and don't share towels. If you want to ensure that the yeast is totally washed off from your laundry, add a cup of vinegar during rinsing.

Avoid using feminine hygiene products because they may affect your vagina ph balance. Wash your vagina secretion with water or as suggested above. Keep your private part dry to prevent growth or the yeast organisms.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 9 - Wear the right clothing

Avoid wearing tight jeans or any clothing that hold heat and moisture. Use cotton underwear. When you are home, wear something loose and don't wear an underwear.

Home remedies for yeast infections No. 10 - Educate your partner

Since men also get yeast infections especially if they aren't circumcised, they can transmit it during intercourse. While having yeast infection, it's better to abstain from intercourse. But if you do, use condom. It's better than taking contraceptive pills or using contraceptive sponges. Birth control pills may increase your glycogen level in the vagina. And if your partner has male yeast infection, he needs treatment too.

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