Tips for Dealing with Yeast, Candida or Fungal Infections

image

Anyone who has had a yeast infection knows how miserable they can be – and while they can affect women or men both, women are much more vulnerable. It is estimated, in fact, that around 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetimes. Nearly all yeast infections are caused by a single species, Candida albicans. This is present naturally in the genitourinary area. However, if there is an overgrowth of this yeast, an infection can result. The itching, burning, discharge and painful intercourse or urination these overgrowths can cause make it a real nuisance. However, there are recommendations on how to treat this problem gently and naturally – and even make it less likely that they will happen again. Read on to find out more.

Go on a No-Sugar Diet

One thing that many people do not realize is that yeast like Candida positively thrive in a sugary environment, using the sugar as an energy source just like humans do! So watching the diet carefully and avoiding refined sugar (as well as other simple carbohydrates, dairy products and processed meats) can help to bring down yeast levels to normal. It is also a good idea to avoid fruits (even fresh fruits) until the Candida dies down.

Use Healing Herbs

There are also certain herbs which can help for those suffering from a yeast infection. These include:

Aloe vera juice, which strengthens the immune system by increasing white blood cells which help to kill of excessive yeast. Oregano oil, whose aromatic compounds have strong anti-fungal properties. Olive leaf extract, which contains general anti-microbial components.Tea tree oil, which also is a known anti-fungal agent. Goldenseal, which not only helps to kill yeast but also can reduce inflammation in the genital area and provide real relief from itching and swelling

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, it is also good to consider adding more immune-boosting foods to the diet during a Candida flare-up. Eating lots of fresh, raw vegetables like crucifers (broccoli, cabbage, kale or cauliflower) will provide loads of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which will help the body to fight off yeast, while adding salmon and other fatty fish will provide Omega-3 fatty acids which can also help reduce the inflammation that yeast infections can often bring with them.

Take Probiotics

Probiotics are one of the best ways to not only treat a yeast infection, but to keep it from happening to begin with! When the body has a good balance of healthful bacteria in the digestive and reproductive tracts (which are both vulnerable to yeast infections) than the chances of an overgrowth of Candida are greatly reduced. The healthful bacteria acts as a natural “check” upon them.

So consider these recommendations the next time a yeast infection flares up. If they are a chronic problem, these tips can even become permanent lifestyle choices which not only help to treat infections but make them less likely to happen in the future.

Sources: empowher.com, huffingtonpost.com, iocp.org.uk

More From Mayimina :

6 Powerful Natural Antibiotic To Treat Infection

7 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Medicine

Soursop: New Hope to Fight Cancer

Mayimina
Mayimina has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.