Friday, 6 January 2012
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Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
The itching and burning sensation caused by yeast infections are largely common among women, although if a man has a wife who suffers from it, he may also be infected. Scientifically, it is called Candida Candidiasis, with the infection caused by the more than 20 species of microscopic fungi or yeast. These infections can happen around dentures, nailbeds, beneath skin folds, or under one’s breast and in the vagina. They are generally more common as the woman ages, but they may also happen to younger women.
If you happen to have these uncomfortable infections, check out these natural remedies before you run out to the pharmacy for synthetic cures that may only alleviate the discomfort temporarily:
1. Plain yogurt is well known for carrying good bacteria; these good bacteria help fight yeast. Do you know you can use yogurt both externally and internally? Make sure you buy the plain and unsweetened yogurt, though, as yeast actually thrives on sugar. If you want, you can also opt for making your own yogurt with a yogurt starter; this way you can experiment with other kinds of milk, such as almond or soy. Whether you buy or make your own yogurt, take some before your meals to give your stomach the good bacteria it needs in digestion. For an external application, you can use a tampon dipped in the plain yogurt and use it as you would a regular tampon. Alternatively, you can also just apply some yogurt on the surface outside. Just be sure not to leave the tampon in for long period of time, as it tends to be counterproductive. Wipe off the yogurt as soon as you feel an alleviation of the itch.
2. Garlic is another great yeast-fighter. You can use a garlic tablet or garlic clove to be put on the affected parts in intervals of a few hours each time, or as necessary. If you opt for garlic tablets, check that the ingredients are pure and natural. In addition to putting the garlic pieces in the affected areas, you can also up your consumption of garlic, preferably raw. One lady recommends pressing a whole garlic clove, then downing it with water. In addition to helping you fight off the yeast infection, garlic is known for its ability to lower blood pressure as well as reduce bad cholesterol.
3. Apple-cider vinegar is another good remedy for yeast infections. Although it may also be taken both externally and internally, it is considered a bit too strong to apply directly onto the skin. Sure, it will get rid of the yeast that way, but you will also feel a burning sensation that might be more uncomfortable than the infection to begin with! If you do choose to use it externally, you can choose to dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar into bathwater just before you take a hot bath. Some women find that the relief tends to be temporary, though, especially when compared with garlic. Also, make sure you buy apple cider vinegar that is as natural and not as processed, as plain white vinegar will feed the yeast.
4. Water is actually found to be a great natural remedy for yeast infections: drinking more than the recommended 8 glasses a day has been proven to reduce the chances of getting infected with yeast. This is due to the fact that drinking more water results in more urination, allowing the body to wash out whatever sugars may be present that could feed the yeast.
5. Oil of oregano is another good natural remedy for yeast infections, as it is known to be very powerful against yeast. Check the directions for taking it internally; also, find one that has a high level of carvacrol content, since this is found to be the active ingredient in killing yeast.
These natural remedies are found to be very effective in fighting off yeast infections. If symptoms still persist, you might want to schedule a trip to the doctor, but if you can have them go away with natural means, why not, right? Alongside these treatments, try to avoid sugar as well as refined foods, as these feed yeast. Just be careful not to overdo any of these, and if relief still does not come, do not hesitate to consult your health specialist.
If you happen to have these uncomfortable infections, check out these natural remedies before you run out to the pharmacy for synthetic cures that may only alleviate the discomfort temporarily:
1. Plain yogurt is well known for carrying good bacteria; these good bacteria help fight yeast. Do you know you can use yogurt both externally and internally? Make sure you buy the plain and unsweetened yogurt, though, as yeast actually thrives on sugar. If you want, you can also opt for making your own yogurt with a yogurt starter; this way you can experiment with other kinds of milk, such as almond or soy. Whether you buy or make your own yogurt, take some before your meals to give your stomach the good bacteria it needs in digestion. For an external application, you can use a tampon dipped in the plain yogurt and use it as you would a regular tampon. Alternatively, you can also just apply some yogurt on the surface outside. Just be sure not to leave the tampon in for long period of time, as it tends to be counterproductive. Wipe off the yogurt as soon as you feel an alleviation of the itch.
2. Garlic is another great yeast-fighter. You can use a garlic tablet or garlic clove to be put on the affected parts in intervals of a few hours each time, or as necessary. If you opt for garlic tablets, check that the ingredients are pure and natural. In addition to putting the garlic pieces in the affected areas, you can also up your consumption of garlic, preferably raw. One lady recommends pressing a whole garlic clove, then downing it with water. In addition to helping you fight off the yeast infection, garlic is known for its ability to lower blood pressure as well as reduce bad cholesterol.
3. Apple-cider vinegar is another good remedy for yeast infections. Although it may also be taken both externally and internally, it is considered a bit too strong to apply directly onto the skin. Sure, it will get rid of the yeast that way, but you will also feel a burning sensation that might be more uncomfortable than the infection to begin with! If you do choose to use it externally, you can choose to dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar into bathwater just before you take a hot bath. Some women find that the relief tends to be temporary, though, especially when compared with garlic. Also, make sure you buy apple cider vinegar that is as natural and not as processed, as plain white vinegar will feed the yeast.
4. Water is actually found to be a great natural remedy for yeast infections: drinking more than the recommended 8 glasses a day has been proven to reduce the chances of getting infected with yeast. This is due to the fact that drinking more water results in more urination, allowing the body to wash out whatever sugars may be present that could feed the yeast.
5. Oil of oregano is another good natural remedy for yeast infections, as it is known to be very powerful against yeast. Check the directions for taking it internally; also, find one that has a high level of carvacrol content, since this is found to be the active ingredient in killing yeast.
These natural remedies are found to be very effective in fighting off yeast infections. If symptoms still persist, you might want to schedule a trip to the doctor, but if you can have them go away with natural means, why not, right? Alongside these treatments, try to avoid sugar as well as refined foods, as these feed yeast. Just be careful not to overdo any of these, and if relief still does not come, do not hesitate to consult your health specialist.
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