Yeast infections can cause itching, pain and discharge in the genital area. However, there are natural home remedies that can help reduce associated vaginal burning and
itching. While they may or may not help treat overgrowth of Candida yeast once it has occurred, there are some stronger evidence that they may help prevent yeast infections from occurring in the first place.Before trying any of these natural remedies, it's important to see your healthcare provider or visit an laboratory to make sure you are indeed dealing with a candida infection. Most women ignorantly take bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, syphilis and other urinary tract infections for Candidiasis.
This article describes recommends some natural home remedies for yeast infections and why they may work, as well as other remedies that remain unproven.
Here are eight home remedies for yeast infections:
1. Garlic
Garlic has antifungal properties and has been found to be very effective at reducing yeast during a vaginal yeast infection. Studies have not found that garlic can prevent infection.
Garlic can be consumed raw or in a concentrated supplement. Add garlic to your cooking or try an OTC garlic pill or oil. Follow the package instructions and check with your healthcare provider if you do not experience symptom relief within a few days.
2. Yogurt
Consuming plain yogurt without sweetener and with probiotic live cultures may help to prevent future yeast infections. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed for health benefits, especially for the digestive system.
Eating probiotic-rich foods can help to restore your gut flora back to a healthy balance, killing bad bacteria that lead to disease and increasing good bacteria.
One common side effect of antibiotics is a yeast infection because antibiotics kill the bacteria in the vagina that is responsible for preventing yeast overgrowth. When the number of good bacteria is too low, yeast growth can become out of control and lead to a yeast infection.
Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may therefore be an effective remedy to prevent a yeast infection. It has yet to be proven whether eating yogurt can cure a yeast infection.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been found to inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the body. A 2018 study revealed that when dissolved in water, coconut oil was an effective antimicrobial agent.
Therefore this can help prevent yeast infections since infection normally occurs when bacteria and yeast in the vagina become out of balance.
Coconut oil can be taken by mouth or mixed into an food of your choice. There is still the need for more research into how to use coconut oil in treating a yeast infection is needed.
4. Boric Acid
This acid is a natural compound that has been found to have antifungal effects. It contains antioxidants to help the body restore its supply of good bacteria, that is it maintains the normal flora within the body.
A lot of studies have revealed that boric acid is a reliable alternative treatment for candida and other yeast infections, especially when traditional anti-fungal medication is not effective. Boric acid may be helpful if you experience chronic yeast infections and have been prescribed antifungals several times.
Boric acid usually comes in the form of a vaginal suppository, which is inserted into the vagina and should never be taken by orally.
Boric acid has not been proven safe for pregnant women.
5. Oil of Oregano
This is an essential oil known for its health benefits. A research carried out in 2016 found that oregano oil was able to inhibit or halt both the growth and activity of Candida albicans, the most common type of yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. This oil was more effective at fighting yeast overgrowth than most antifungal prescription medications like clotrimazole.
From the study, it was found that oregano oil was more damaging to the cell wall of Candida yeast than the antifungal prescriptions tested. It should be noted that this study examined oregano oil’s effects on yeast in a lab setting. However, more research is needed to ascertain how to use oregano oil in the body.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a proven antifungal agent and is effective at fighting Candida albicans. A research work carried out in 2020 exposed that tea tree oil was effective at fighting yeast that was resistant to antifungal medications.
Talk with your gynecologist if you’d like to incorporate tea tree oil into your treatment plan. Avoid placing the essential oil directly on or in the vagina or consuming it by mouth.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar effectively has both antimicrobial and antifungal effects. This means that it may treat and prevent an overgrowth of both yeast and bacteria problems in the body.
Apple cider vinegar appears to work by inhibiting Candida from adhering to smooth surfaces. This can help to prevent a yeast infection because the yeast is unable to bind together and stay in the vagina. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Try mixing a spoonful of apple cider vinegar into a large glass of water and drinking it each morning. Don’t attempt to use vinegar directly on your vagina.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can do a lot more than help you get over the common cold. It has proven antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can be taken orally as a way to help fight yeast infections.
You can get vitamin C by eating leafy greens and citrus fruits. You could also take a vitamin C supplement.
9. Other Preventive measure
The best treatment for yeast infections is prevention, meaning we should pay more attention to preventive measures than curative measures. To lower your risk of developing a yeast infection:
a. After visiting toilet, always wipe from front to back to avoid contamination.
b. Never douche or use soap and other chemicals inside your vagina
c. Minimize yeast-promoting foods in your diet, such as alcohol and sugar
d. Always Wear cotton underwear that is not too tight and is breathable
e. Change out of sweaty workout clothes or wet bathing suits right away
f. Avoid scented soaps and detergents
g. Change pads and tampons often
i. Avoid spending too much time in hot tubs and very hot baths
j. Minimize yeast-promoting foods in your diet, such as alcohol and sugar
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