The main
aim of a remedy is to cure an ill. However, in ills like
yeast infections it is best to prevent the infection
than cure it. But since there is no way to pick a single
cause of the yeast infection, there are a host of
remedies, proven and
otherwise, available.
Though
home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, it is best to
consult a doctor to confirm if the infection is indeed a
yeast infection and draw up a line of treatment best
suited to you. This is very important as yeast
infections often mimic urinary tract infections or
sexually transmitted diseases.
Products
like oral tablets, vaginal suppositories or pressaries
and creams for local application are available over the
counter. Different types of antifungal agents are used
for treatment of yeast infections. One is the Polyene
antifungals. They act by disrupting the cell membranes
of the yeasts. Amphotericin B and nystatin belong to
this class. They are used for systemic yeast infection
but cause some serious side effects.
The azole
group of antifungal medication does not kill the yeasts
but inhibit their growth by interrupting the synthesis
of the cell membrane. It is essential to monitor the
liver function throughout the administration of the
drug. The yeasts are more likely to develop resistance
to this class of drugs. Nizoral, Diflucan, Sporanox,
Lotrimin, Monistat are some brands belonging to this
class.
There are
also some miscellaneous medications such as
echinocandins and flucytosine. The cell
structure of yeasts as compared to bacteria is very
complex and is classified as eukaryotic. Therefore
chemicals toxic to fungi are also toxic to human beings.
Most yeast infections are caused by the imbalance of the
friendly flora and opportunistic pathogens, the yeast.
The medications described above do not restore the
balance but kill or suppress the yeast infection. They
have an acidifying effect on the body and the side
effects further strain the already compromised immune
system.
Natural
home remedies for yeast infection are often
without side effects. These yeast infection remedies
include daubing with apple cider vinegar. Adding garlic
further enhances the curative properties. Garlic has
both antifungal and immunity boosting properties. Another tonic
believed to be of good use is a mixture of olive leaf
extract and grapefruit seed extraction mixed with water.
Two glasses of buttermilk daily keep yeast infections
away. Alternatively, tablets of Lactobacillus
acidophilus help decrease the number of Candida in the
vagina as well as the intestines and prevent recurrent
attacks.
The ideal
yeast infection remedies would be, of course, to
combine natural home treatments with holistic medicine.
Holistic medicine treats body as a whole, not limiting
to just physical symptoms. The symptoms which appear are
a manifestation of toxicity, digestive problems,
emotional and mental ill-health. Once these are set
right, the body heals itself.
