VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION?
TIME TESTED SOLUTINS TO GET RID OF IT FOR GOOD
WHAT EXACTLY IS A VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION?
Yeast is a natural part of the vaginal flora. It lives in small numbers and is pretty harmless. Its only when it grows out of control that it becomes a nuisance. We discussed the reasons for vaginal yeast infections in the article (What’s Up With Recurrent Vaginal Yeast Infections). Here we will discuss some simple ways to tackle the problem and prevent recurrences.
ORAL ANTIFUNGAL
In many cases, vaginal yeast infections become chronic and reoccur 3 to 4 times a year. In such cases, physicians prescribe a course of oral antifungal fluconazole. It is not free of side effects but in chronic cases this often is the best solution. Oral antifungal taken with plenty of water and combined with other methods we will discuss here can bring effective relief and hopefully prevent any future recurrences.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed. Healthy amount of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut and vagina keep the ‘bad’ bacteria in check thus protecting their natural balance and health. Probiotics for vaginal health are becoming ever more common. They are available in oral pills as well as insertables which dissolve in your vagina. The purpose is simple: replenish the supply of good bacteria so it won’t allow bad bacteria to take over and cause infection. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most well researched probiotics most commonly found in supplements. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are loaded with probiotics ideal for vaginal health but make sure to eat plain yogurt as sugar is food for ‘bad’ bacteria especially if you have a history of getting yeast infections.
BORIC ACID
Boric acid is a natural antifungal and antiseptic, and it has shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, which is the yeast behind most infections, and Candida glabrata which tends to be more resistant to other treatments. Boric acid comes in a powder form. It is an irritant which should never be applied directly. It is best to purchase it in a suppository tablet such as Vitania Yeast Arrest
and should only be used for 5 to 7 days.
COTTON UNDERWEAR
Cotton underwear or no underwear is the best way to prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections. A warm, moist environment is an ideal breeding ground for yeast. Therefore, no matter how unattractive it may be, choose cotton-lined underwear over any other material. Make sure to avoid panty hose, tight jeans, spandex tights and all other clothes that may cut off air circulation. Avoid wearing any underwear while sleeping in general to allow you perineal area to breath properly.
AVOID FEMININE HYGEINE PRODUCTS
Douches, sprays, creams all disrupt the natural pH levels of the vagina making it susceptible to yeast infections. Use natural baths such as this instead:
Baking Soda 1 cup
Sea Salt ½ cup
Method: Wash the tub well and disinfect it. Fill the tub half way with warm water, or enough to soak your private parts completely as you sit in it. Dissolve baking soda and sea salt and soak yourself in the mixture for 15 minutes or until the water starts to cool. While sitting in the tub move your legs forward towards your stomach, this will allow the water to flow into your vagina and clean it out. Do this once a week, or at most once a month after your periods end.
LOCAL ANTIFUNGALS
Drugstores are filled with antifungals in the form of creams and suppositories. These products contain drugs called azoles, antifungals that have shown to clear up to 90% of yeast infections. These treatments can span 1 to 7 days. All of these are effective for uncomplicated yeast infections.
YOGURT
Yogurt is rich in probiotics which help replenish healthy bacteria in the vagina and thereby control the growth of infection in the body. For treating a yeast infection, only use plain, unsweetened yogurt. You can apply yogurt on the affected skin area and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Also include yogurt in your daily diet.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar contains distinctive properties that can help control yeast infection and remove the fungus that causes it. There are a few ways of using ACV:
- Prepare a warm bath and add half a cup of vinegar. Soak your body in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this daily until the itching subsides.
- Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water and drink it twice daily for 7 to 10 days.
GARLIC
Garlic is an amazing herb full of antifungal, antibacterial, and natural antibiotic properties. It is highly effective in treating any kind of infection, especially yeast. There are a few ways of using garlic for this purpose:
- Eat a few fresh garlic cloves daily. Though it may give you less than desirable breath, it is very effective in combating vaginal infections.
- Crush a garlic clove and make a thick paste. Add some vitamin E and a few drops of coconut oil and apply onto the affected area. Leave it on for upto 30 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
GREENS!
Eating 3 to 5 servings of green leafy green vegetables a day helps maintain a healthy pH in the body thereby preventing infections, including yeast infections.
WATER
Water is the secret of life, health, and beauty. Avoid sugary drinks as much as possible and drink at least 3 liters (12.5 cups) of water a day. This will help flush out the toxins, maintain a healthy pH level in your vagina and prevent infections.
Though simple yeast infections are nothing to worry about, you should never self-diagnose any condition. If you have any symptoms of a yeast infection make sure to visit a doctor and let them do a swab test to determine exactly what kind of infection you have. You can then work closely with your naturopath to eliminate the infection and prevent its recurrence.
Tags: female, sexual, cure, physical