Yeast Infection Natural Cure

Archive for April, 2009

There a many causes of yeast infection. The main culprit is a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus can be found on every part of our bodies, especially in areas of our abdomen, in our mouths, in nail beds, under our arms, and every skin folds that are on our bodies, such as under the breasts and vagina of women. Normally, they are harmless. But when their population has increased to above the normal levels, yeast infection occurs.

Anyone can get yeast infection. Men, women and children can suffer from it. However, the most common ones are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, diaper rashes and nail bed infections.

In women, the most common yeast infection is vaginal yeast infection which is caused by a abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. In such cases, the causes of yeast infection are usually due to antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills.  Usually women after menopause are more prone to suffer from it.

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth.  Some of the causes of this yeast infection are anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics or birth control pills.  Also, people who smoke often or if they wear dentures that are not fitting are more likely to get thrush.

Diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection and it happens to young babies and adults who wear diapers.  Since the Candida fungus thrives in warm and moist places, it is not uncommon that it would infect the area where the diaper meets the skin.  Diaper rashes appear as bright red splotches on the skin and it can occur after taking antibiotics.

Yeast infection can also occur on the skin under the nails. Nail bed infections are painful and the area around the nail will appear red and swollen. Aside from the common causes of yeast infection, nail bed infections also happen when the hands are frequently exposed to water or when a manicure had been badly done.    

Yeast infection can be treated and usually goes away with no complications.  Generally, the common types of yeast infections, after proper treatment, usually get cleared up in a week or two.  However, the best defense against yeast infection causes is to have an immune system that is strong enough to protect you from the occurrence of the disease.

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Yeast infection can be caused by many factors. Wearing tight clothing and underwear that prevent airing of the skin can give rise to this problem. Taking certain antibiotics, steroids, and birth control pills are other factors that can cause this infection. However, there are several home remedies for yeast infection that are easily available to help get rid of this problem.

Cranberry pills is a home remedy for yeast infection that can be easily purchased over the counter at your local drug store. This is a very effective remedy as its ingredients enable the body’s immune system to fight the spread of the fungus that caused this infection. As such, the population of this fungus is reduced to normal levels and the infection is gone.

Another one of the home remedies for yeast infection is apple cider vinegar. This can be applied to a cotton ball to be used in the affected area. A slight sting is to be expected but this can be countered when a little garlic is mixed with the application.

Yogurt is another one of the home remedies for yeast infection that can be purchased easily. You will only need a teaspoon of this which is applied directly to the affected area. If the affected area is the vagina, you can apply the yogurt to a tampon first before inserting it into the vagina. If you do not have yogurt, curds can be used instead. This remedy should be applied twice a day until the infection is gone.

You can also mix olive leaf and grape fruit seed extract together with water and then apply this with a cotton bud. You can also get the same result using raw garlic juice. Just rub this over your fingers and then rub it over the affected area.

The above are some of the home remedies for yeast infection that are quite effective in treating yeast infection. However, if the treatment is not working, then you will need to see a doctor about your problem.

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Many people do not realize that treating yeast infections with hydrogen peroxide can be very effective. If you are suffering from vaginal yeast infections, do not despair. About 75% of all women will have this problem at some point in their lives. There are some home remedies that are easily available that can be very useful in treating your yeast infections. Hydrogen peroxide is a good example.

Hydrogen peroxide, a natural enemy of Candida, is already in the vaginal areas keeping the yeast infectious microorganism at bay. Under normal conditions, the hydrogen peroxide will get rid of bacteria and fungal infections in the vagina. However, when conditions are changed, the environment in the vaginal area becomes favorable to the growth of these microorganism. As such, they grow rapidly and cause the infection.

Since our body produces only very little hydrogen peroxide, you can help by purchasing commercially available ones in the local supermarket or in your neighborhood pharmacy. What you need to do is to mix a teaspoon of ordinary 3% hydrogen peroxide into a cup of water and apply it on the affected areas. Because hydrogen peroxide is produced naturally by the body, this chemical does not harm your vagina or your general health.

Why is hydrogen peroxide so effective in treating yeast infections?

The peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen upon application. The oxygen helps the chemical application to kill the fungal that caused the yeast infection. However, be careful when creating your own mix of hydrogen peroxide treatment solution. Too much hydrogen peroxide in the solution may cause a burning sensation in the affected area, which is likely to occur if the area has been inflamed or the infection is already quite serious.

Adding a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into a cup of water generally gives you a safe mix. So far no bad reactions or complaints have been noted against this mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water for treating yeast infection.

Although the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water is a very effective way to treat yeast infections, it is by no means the only natural treatment available. Usually natural remedies work far more effectively when they are used together. The result you get is much better when you are using several remedies together than when using each one of them alone. So, do not neglect having proper diets and the use of other treatment techniques like the use of garlic paste, yogurt, and cider vinegar and water mix.

Using hydrogen peroxide is no longer advisable when the infection have already reached a critical stage. In such cases, you should consult a medical doctor and use other methods of treating yeast infections.

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Yeast  infections, scientifically also known as Candidiasis, can cause a great amount of discomfort to the sufferers and usually come with unsightly whitish discharge. If left untreated, this could result in serious diseases that will considerably weakens a person’s immune system and even be life-threatening in the long run. So, it does well to be aware of the following 10 symptoms of yeast infection.

The first five yeast infection symptoms generally occur together regardless of the kind of candidiasis a person is sufferring from.

1. The affected body part itches severely. Yeast infections like to grow in locations where scratching would be not be possible, such as the mouth or the vagina. Human skin affected by yeast infection will have red rashes, which may be more pronounced in skin patches with hair growing on them.

2. Sometimes the affected body part feels like it burns, or is sore to the touch. This may not necessarily cause blisters or include itchiness. Sometimes it can feel tingly or numb. However, a lack of sensation does not mean that the part is safe from yeast infection.

3. Sensitivity to certain chemicals is heightened. Triggers include antibiotic formulas, sugar, refined carbohydrates (also found in most processed food), and of course, yeast.

4. Mental and physical coordination are also affected. Sufferers cannot balance themselves or move the way they want. They find it difficult to focus on tasks, and become lazy through no fault of their own. Mood swings and heightened negative emotions are other indicators.

5. For genitalia and the digestive system, there is a white or whitish mucous discharge. In the mouth, there are white or whitish patches. Both the discharge and the patches have the consistency and smell of bread or a light cheese, though sometimes the smell can also be associated with beer.

There next five symptoms of yeast infection are specific to the body parts affected by candidiasis:

6. In gastrointestinal candidiasis, the digestive system is upset. The stomach in particular either bloats with constipation, or it acts up due to diarrhea or abdominal cramps (or, at times, both). Bowel movement is not spared either, because yeast infection causes the irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Women are the primary victims of genitourinary candidiasis. But men are also susceptible, and not just through sexual intercourse. Speaking of which, intercourse is painful and urination becomes more urgent for sufferers of yeast infection. Women may have unusual menstrual cramps while men may have prostatitis.

8. Oral candidiasis causes dryness inside the mouth. The tongue cracks while the gums bleed. Fissures appear at the corners of the mouth. Swallowing becomes difficult.

9. In respiratory candidiasis, persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can manifest. Another indicator is when the chest constantly tightens or is in pain.

10. Candidiasis causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and the conjunctivae (the mucous that covers the white area of the eye). The retina (the nerve-ended part which captures images for the brain) may defend itself against yeast infection by collecting pus inside an inflamed tissue pocket. This may permanently damage the sufferer’s eyesight.

Be warned, however, that sometimes no symptoms of yeast infection may be showing but you are actually having a yeast infection. Or, you may experience symptoms of other illnesses. So, if you are not feeling well but cannot tell what the problem may be, it is best to visit a doctor’s office.

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If you see a doctor about your yeast infection problem, chances are he or she would have prescribed topical ointments or ingestible tablets which you can obtain from your local drugstore. But these prescription drugs will only aggravate the problem as they would help to spread the Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungi, in your body. However, there are other ways that will provide a natural cure for yeast infection.

A strictly regimented diet is an effective natural cure for yeast infection. However, this diet must be determined by your doctor to ensure that you are eating the right food and not depriving yourself of any essential nutrients.

The standard Candida diet does not allow affected individuals to consume sugars even to the point of not allowing fruits. Food with high yeast and mold content are also not permitted. These would include cheeses, dried fruit, melons and peanuts. Food with high lactose content should also be avoided. Milk and dairy products belong to this group. Even yoghurt is not to be eaten although you may use it in other ways to alleviate the effects of yeast infection.

So, what is allowed? Water, herbal teas, and all vegetables. Sources of protein, such as meat, fish, poultry and legumes can also be eaten. You can also eat whole grains, like millet, brown rice, and oatmeal without sugar. You should also take probiotic supplements. Some people may be allowed to consume apples, blueberries, cherries, other berries, and pears.

For this cure to be effective, reading food labels is an absolute must. You should stick to the diet even after the symptoms disappear. This will boost your immunity and, at the same time, also reintroduce friendly bacteria that will curb the Candida albicans population boom.

Another natural cure for yeast infection is to apply natural antifungal agents like garlic paste, extra-virgin coconut oil and diluted tea tree oil directly on the skin. Grapeseed extract and tannins from tea and condiments fight chronic infections excellently.

Women with vaginal yeast infection may find relief in a few drops of diluted tea tree oil or a dollop of yoghurt. Application should be done at least twice a day through inserting a tampon with either oil or yoghurt into the vagina. This remedy must be continued one day after the symptoms have disappeared.

Ingesting licorice helps sufferers of endocrine yeast infection by stimulating hormones without causing side effects. This sweet also can counteract the estrogen loss endured by women with vaginal yeast infection through the release of estrogen-like friendly steroids.

Another great natural cure for yeast infection is taking in electrolyte-heavy drinks. To make your own, squeeze in half a lemon (full of essential minerals) into a glass of filtered water, then add 1/4 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt (with 84 minerals). Drink it six times during the day, with three of those six times during meals.

Another thing to do is to cleanse your colon. This will wash out the toxins made by Candida albicans. This has the advantage of making the digestive system receptive to friendly bacteria that will keep the Candida albicans in check. You can do this naturally by eating food that contain cayenne peppers, garlic or garlic extract, the spicy oregano oil, and apple cider or apple cider vinegar.

These are not the only natural cures available for yeast infection. However, they are very effective and have been proven to work many times. Do some research and you will find a natural cure for yeast infection that is suitable for you.

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A woman’s body is an organic machine consisting of tissues, nerves, muscles, and bones. It is strong and is capable of nurturing babies for a period of nine months. However, it is prone to occasional malfunctioning, such as getting yeast infections, also technically known as candidiasis, or in this case, vaginal thrush. So, how does one diagnose yeast infection? What are some of the yeast infection symptoms to lookout for?

Not Quite Yeast, Actually…

To start, we need to understand that this infection is not caused by yeast, but is actually brought about by a fungus which has yeast-like properties, known as Candida albicans. It likes to grow in regions of the body that are dark, warm, and moist. The mouth and the vagina are examples of such regions. However, its growth is kept in check by beneficial bacteria that also grow in the human body.

We will have a problem when these good bacteria die. This could be due to the result of antibiotics or a weakened immune system. When these bacteria die, Candida albicans are left unchecked and they will grow and spread rapidly within the body. To make matter worse, all candida fungi can penetrate through muscle and organ walls, such as the intestinal walls, resulting in an infection that provides much irritations in the affected area.

So How Do You Diagnose It, Really?

Firstly, look for the symptoms of yeast infection. The most telling yeast infection symptom is a white or whitish-gray discharge coming from the affected area which comes out clumpy and has a smell that resembles that of bread or beer. Other common warning signs include severe itching, a burning and tingling sensation, and even soreness, all of which make walking, switching positions, urinating and sexual intercourse difficult or even painful. Some of these symptoms of yeast infections may be heightened through exposure to certain chemicals, such as perfumes and household cleaning materials.

Sufferers are also more prone to develop allergies through inhaling airborne mold. Damp and dark locations can make them feel worse. They may also display a craving for sugar, breads, carbohydrates and alcohol, though sufferers may not necessarily be tolerant to alcohol. But, even then, these symptoms altogether may make you a candidate for another infection called bacterial vaginosis, which merits its own article.

With these symptoms of yeast infection in mind, the next step is to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist or ob-gyne. The ob-gyne will examine your symptoms, your medical history and your exposure to certain chemicals. He or she will take a swab of your vaginal discharge and inspect the presence of candida from this sample under a microscope. The ob-gyne may also ask you to assist him or her in identifying the exact location of the itching or pain using a magnifying lens.

Be aware that not every doctor is able to diagnose thrush or yeast infections properly. Sometimes these indicators are symptoms of yeast infection while at other times, these could be due to another kind of vaginitis, most likely bacterial in nature. Also, if left untreated, yeast infections could result in dangerous side-effects, such as ovarian dysfunction, endometriosis and the release of toxins which may further damage your immune system.

It can be rather difficult to diagnose yeast infection. This is because yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other conditions that affect the genital area. Because of the damage it can do, it is very important to be pro-active in getting an accurate diagnosis when the warning signs start to appear.

Be aware and keep track of what is happening in your genital region. You should be very forthcoming when asked by your doctor about your condition and the medication and other products you are using. This will help in the diagnosis of yeast infection.

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One of the more commonly known yeast infection in the world today is vaginitis. This is a form of candidiasis that affects mostly the female genitalia. But it could also affect men although this is not as common. Yeast infections are not limited to any one gender. They just affect certain areas of the human body.

What is a yeast infection?

This is an infection that is specifically confined to the skin or to the mucous-like membrane. A genus of fungi called Candida causes this infection in humans. This fungi appears as white large, round colonies in laboratory-cultured agar plates. One of the most popularly known species is the Candida albicans although this is not the only cause of yeast infections in humans.

Co-existing with other flora in the human body, Candida albicans’ growth is kept in check by a certain bacteria. This is commonly found in the dark, warm, and wet areas of the body such as the ears, mouth, blood, gastrointestinal or “gut” area, and genital area. It also likes human skin, especially the warm and wet sections of skin folds and armpits.

Candidiasis is also known as yeast infection because the Candida albicans is form from a single yeast cell. Through budding, it duplicates itself. The cells clone themselves genetically through bulbs that grow out of them. These new bulbs stay attached to their parent cells for a while before breaking away.

Let’s look deeper at what is a yeast infection and how it will affect us.

When the body temperature is at a specific level and the pH levels are balanced, the bacteria that keep the Candida albicans in check exist together with it. However, these bacteria die when the temperature and pH levels change. As a result, the Candida albicans cells grow into fungi and are free to replicate themselves with little hindrance.

During its population boom, the Candida albicans fungi will cause one or more of these sensations: burning, itching, soreness, and tingling. It’s not a good idea to scratch the affected area as this would aid in the overgrowth of the fungi.

You may experience other symptoms too. For example, you may experience fatigue, muscle aches, drowsiness, pain or swelling in your joints, tissue swelling, dizziness, lack of coordination, poor memory, fluid retention, or loss of balance. You may also experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. You may have cravings for sugars, carbohydrates and alcohol. However, these are symptoms that are also common with other problems and must be considered together with other more reliable indicators.

Yeast infections could also cause some specific side effects in the affected area. For example, Candidiasis may create patches that look white or cream-colored inside the mouth that reaches as far back as the soft palate. They may cause digestive problems and result in bowel movement difficulties. Discharges may be seen from the ears, stool, or the genitalia. Infected penises can have patchy sores on the foreskin or near the head.

Yeast infections can develop into something serious and even fatal for some people. This is especially so for people who are having diabetes, weak immune systems, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

However, with timely and proper treatment, sufferers can be permanently cured of their yeast infection.

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