Most women are bothered at one time or another by pesky yeast infections. A yeast infection is one of the most unpleasant and uncomfortable infections to deal with. The good news is the treatments are simple, and the infections are very common. Yeast is a fungus that lives in the vagina in small numbers. When too many of the yeast cells start growing, the infection starts to take over. Almost all yeast infections are from the yeast called Candida albicans. (Web MD, 1). Antibiotics, steroid medications, chronic stress and a diet high in sugar and processed foods can make a woman susceptible to yeast overgrowth. (Villet, 1). Aside from a multitude of products you can buy at the pharmacy, there is an abundance of at home remedies used to help alleviate the pain associated with yeast infections.
…Yeast infections can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are no risks involved if you let it run its course with no action. This is not a life threatening condition, but rather an inconvenience and hassle to deal with.
Frequent Symptoms:
- Itching, burning, and soreness of the vaginal area
- Pain during sex
- Rashes and white discharge
- Painful urination
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
Home Remedies for Fighting off Yeast Infections:
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil has natural properties known to act as an antifungal and fight against yeast.
- Boric Acid: This should never be applied directly. Capsules are sold at most health food stores and are to be used as intravaginal suppositories. Boric acid is known to inhibit the growth of the yeast, and is also known as an antifungal acid.
- Cotton Lined Underwear: A moist, warm environment is known to set the growth of yeast into overdrive. Wearing cotton lined underwear, avoiding tight jeans, and allowing air flow helps. Make sure to wear loose fitting pants to allow air to circulate and to dry off thoroughly after showering.
- Drugstore Antifungals: Most drugstore antifungals use azoles, which are meant to clear up 80-90% of yeast. Most of the treatment plans range from 1-11 days.
- Yogurt and Good Bacteria with Probiotics: Orally ingesting your favorite yogurt, and probiotic have shown improvements with patients’ comfort levels when experiencing a yeast infection. You are essentially fighting bad bacteria with the good bacteria.
- Garlic: Numerous studies have shown garlic’s antifungal properties. While it is not a proven fix for yeast infections, many people like to experiment as it is tasty and easy to try.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has effective antifungal properties that can kill a yeast infection. Simply apply three times a day until the infection has gotten better. You can also swish with coconut oil (oil pulling) for 5-10 minutes to release your body of unwanted toxins. This is also used for oral yeast infections. Do not swallow the oil, as you will be ingesting all of the bacteria your body released.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar have properties that can detain a yeast infection. Simply mix two tablespoons of the vinegar with a glass of warm water, and drink twice a day for a few days. (Home Remedies, 1).
- Baking Soda: Add baking soda to your bath to take away the itch that comes with yeast infections. Add a half of a cup to start, and add more if the itching sensation does not go away.
- Water: Drinking water is the purest form of detox one can do. By drinking water throughout the day, you are ridding your body of toxins and clearing out the infection. Don’t forget this simple step!
Helpful Products to Buy at the Pharmacy:
- Anti-itch cream
- CVS Clotrimazole 3 Vaginal Cream (2%)
- Azo Yeast Tablets in a probiotic base
- 1 Dose Treatment Tioconazole 1
- Miconazole 3 Day Combination Pack
- Urinary Pain Relief Tablets
- Cystex Tablets
- Monistat 1 Combination Pack Day or Night
- Vagisil Crème
- Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes
Miconazole and clotrimazole products are available in one, three-, six- and seven-day formats. Which one you choose depends on the severity of symptoms. For a mild yeast infection, a treatment course of one to three days may be appropriate, but for stubborn or recurrent infections, go for a longer duration of therapy. (Villet, 1).
Yeast infections can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are no risks involved if you let it run its course with no action. This is not a life threatening condition, but rather an inconvenience and hassle to deal with. Of the 75% of women who experience yeast infections, 5-10% will experience chronic episodes. (Villet, 1). If your yeast infection is persistent, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor about alternative remedies. Women who are pregnant should consult a doctor before taking any products from the pharmacy or at home. Otherwise, there are many healthy alternatives to fast relief from pesky yeast infections as stated above!
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. NewBodyWellness.com disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
References
- Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Treatments, Causes. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://www.webmd.com/women/tc/vaginal-yeast-infections-topic-overview
- Cohen, M. (n.d.). 9 Highly Effective Solutions For Yeast Infections. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://www.prevention.com/health/yeast-infection-treatments
- Bennington-Castro, J. (n.d.). Home Remedies for Yeast Infections. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/yeast-infection/treatments/home-remedies/
- Home Remedies for Yeast Infection | Top 10 Home Remedies. (2013, April 3). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-yeast-infection.html
- Villet, M. (n.d.). Yeast Infection Remedy-Do Any Of them Work? Retrieved November 30, 2015, from https://www.yeastinfectionremedyx.com
