Natural Remedies For Yeast Infections

Anyone who has had the misfortune of suffering with a yeast infection will know that they are not easy to clear up. More and more people are turning to Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections.

Yeast infections can occur in many parts of the body e.g. in the mouth, in the gastrointestinal tracts, and also underarm - they effect men, women and children.  Although by far the majority of yeast infections occur in women and affect the vaginal/genital areas.

So what causes yeast infections? 
Yeast infections are caused by micro organisms (Primarily Candida Albicans), that are normally found on healthy human tissue. The problems only occur when the natural balance is upset and the micro-organisms increase disproportionately to the level of good bacteria.  Usually the naturally acidic environment of the vagina will keep the levels of yeast under control.  However, if the level of acidity (the PH balance) is affected, then the yeast may become out of control and cause an infection.  Several things can effect the acidity of the vagina, such as pregnancy, birth control pills, hormonal changes and normal menstruation.   

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
A Burning sensation and itchiness in the vagina and surrounding areas.  The burning may become more severe during urination.

A white discharge that is generally odorless.

Redness, rash or soreness

Pain during sexual intercourse.

What can effect the yeast levels?
Use of oral antibiotics - These tend to reduce the levels of good bacteria which helps the proliferation of yeast.

Use of oral contraceptives or Hormone replacement therapy - Hormonal changes affect the PH balance of the vagina.

Regular douching.

A warm moist environment promotes yeast growth.

Tight jeans and/or synthetic underwear.

So what can you do to help prevent yeast infections?
Use cotton underwear rather than synthetic fabrics.

Avoiding douching.

While prevention is most desirable, the statistics indicate that 3 out of 4 women can expect to suffer from a yeast infection at some point in life.  Around 70% of the total population are likely to experience a yeast infection during their lifetime.

How Can a yeast infection be treated?
There are many medications to treat yeast infections that are available over the counter, both topical and oral treatments. Each of these has there advantages and disadvantages.  Topical treatments usually provide quicker relief from symptoms and have less severe side effects.

To avoid side effects altogether, many women prefer natural treatments for yeast infections to over the counter medications. There are a wide range of natural remedies that each aim to treat different aspects of the yeast infection. Many of these natural remedies have proved to be just as effective as the traditional medications. In fact it is widely believed that natural remedies may actually help to provide longer lasting control of yeast problems.

Common natural remedies for yeast include:

Yogurt - This works by trying to re-establish the balance of good bacteria. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus good bacteria that helps overcome yeast and keep it under control.  You can apply the yogurt locally to the effected area, or by smearing on a tampon. 

Garlic  - This is another popular remedy for yeast infections, as it contains natural anti fungal substances which help to control the yeast. You can apply the garlic by creating a tampon like applicator with cheesecloth or gauze.

Tea Tree oil - Again often used to treat yeast infections.  This can be applied externally or administered on a tampon.

Hydrogen peroxide - This is a substance that is produced by the good bacteria.  If your levels of good bacteria fall below the desired amount, then using hydrogen peroxide could lend a helping hand to keep yeast under control.

Boric acid capsules - These can be used to restore the necessary acidic environment in the vagina. Boric acid capsules are used as suppositories.  The Boric acid is released as your body heat melts the capsules. 

Other treatments that specifically aim to restore acidic balance include; cider vinegar, lemon juice or Vitamin C suitably diluted. Douching is not generally recommended in the absence of infection. However, acid douches can be helpful in controlling yeast outbreaks.

Treatments with Potassium Sorbate and Gentian Violet are also reported to achieve positive results.

As well as the natural remedies for yeast infections that have been discussed above, there are many other common treatments like aloe vera juice or slippery elm powder that are also used to help alleviate the symptoms of yeast infections. These particular treatments have been found especially useful in overcoming the itchiness.

Why not give Natra-Bio's product Candida a try?  Natra-Bio are an FDA Licensed manufacturer of natural medicines and supplements, with Candida being a popular product for the treatment of yeast infections.

Although there are undoubtedly many benefits from taking/using natural remedies for yeast infections it is important to consider the risks of self-diagnosis and self-treatment.  Symptoms of yeast infection have much in common with other diseases such as Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and other vaginal infections.  Misdiagnosis could cause delays in getting appropriate treatment for these conditions that could result in complications. Therefore, it is important to consider all circumstances in determining the most appropriate in an individual case.