Candidiasis is a common yeast infection affecting almost three out of four women. The yeast infection is common in people with a compromised immune system due to indiscriminate steroid and antibiotic use, as well as during conditions of hormonal imbalance, diabetes mellitus, Lyme disease, and HIV.
The
yeast cells are complex in nature as compared to
bacteria and therefore chemicals toxic to them are toxic
to human cells too. Moreover, the drugs aim at killing
or suppressing the yeast infection and not at restoring
the balance of normal flora of friendly
organisms.
There
are a number of natural remedies for yeast infections
without prescription medications. Though many women
report relief with these home remedies, their safety and
efficacy needs to be investigated before clinical
recommendations can be made.
Some
natural remedies for yeast infection
include:
- Drinking
olive leaf extract with grapefruit seed extract in
water.
- Garlic
with known antifungal properties and may be inserted
into the infected area or taken in the form of
pills.
- Douching
with vinegar and water.
- Drinking
strawberry or cranberry juice, to relieve
symptoms.
- Psyllium
fiber taken everyday with water along with guar gum,
flaxseeds or pectin cleanses the intestinal tract
reducing the incidence of yeast
infections.
And
that’s not all. Other methods of treatment bring
relief.
- Tea
tree oil cream and vaginal suppositories made of
garlic and boric acid.
- Probiotic
cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus bring about
symptomatic relief.
- Another
type of probiotic of Bifidobacteria is believed to
produce acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other
antibacterial substances which inhibit the growth of
harmful bacteria and Candida.
- Other
supplements like caprylic acid, oleic acid and oregano
oil are also useful in treatment of yeast
infections.
- Baby
oil containing aloe and vitamin E relieves itching and
soothes the skin and hydrogen peroxide, Pau D’arco are
also believed to be helpful.
Holistic
Approach Uses Natural remedies
Practitioners
of natural remedies for yeast infection recommend
personalized programs with diets and supplements.
Supplements are introduced gradually because when the
yeasts are killed, they release protein fragments and
toxins which trigger a response from the immune system
and cause a temporary deterioration of
symptoms.
Reducing
refined sugar, starch, processed foods, red meat and
increasing fresh fruits and vegetables and having yogurt
in the diet, all helps in preventing recurrence of yeast
infections.
Wearing
loose, cotton underclothes, keeping susceptible areas
dry, avoiding synthetic fibers also alleviate symptoms.
Relieving stress, treating underlying conditions such as
diabetes mellitus and HIV also restores the immune
system. Avoid the use of feminine sprays, perfumes,
scented soaps, and colored toilet paper as the chemicals
in them trigger an allergic reaction and worsen the
yeast infection.
Yeast infections are stubborn and difficult to manage. And to cure any yeast infection permanently by natural remedies requires a more holistic approach. Changes in lifestyle, diet plans, detoxification, as well as Candida elimination all need to be undertaken to tackle the root cause and prevent recurrences.
