The candida fungus is found in the vagina, as part of the normal vaginal flora, in a significant percentage of healthy women who do not suffer from any condition.
However, a symptomatic vaginal yeast infection is a common infection.
Conventional vs. Natural treatment for vaginal yeast infection
Almost every woman suffers from vaginal candidiasis at some point.
It is accompanied by itching, burning, tingling and pain, signs that cannot be ignored.
This is a very annoying phenomenon and you probably want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
The usual conventional solution seems easy and quick, just 3 days and the fungus disappears.
Is that right?
When using the conventional treatment for vaginal yeast infection, many women feel immediate relief.
However, the fungus returns very quickly.
These medications disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
More importantly, they do not treat the cause of the appearance of the fungus.
Therefore, before visiting a doctor for a prescription, try some natural and simple home remedies.
These home remedies can help the body overcome the fungus itself and at the same time strengthen the natural vaccine.
Causes and symptoms for vaginal yeast infection
The most common symptom of a vaginal candida infection is itching.
Sometimes women also complain of other conditions, such as a burning sensation when urinating (dysuria), irritation and pain during intercourse (shortness of breath).
Occasionally there is a light discharge from the vagina, whitish and thick, similar to cottage cheese.
On physical examination, the doctor may notice local redness and swelling due to the fungal infection and the inflammatory response.
What causes a vaginal yeast infection?
Several risk factors are known to increase the risk of vaginal candidiasis infection.
The important risk factors include:
- Diabetes, especially when the sugar balance is not optimal.
- Taking various antibiotics, because of the damage they cause to the normal bacteria in the intestines, and the proliferation of the Candida fungus in their absence.
- High estrogen levels in the body, such as in women taking birth control pills, during pregnancy or before menopause.
- A weakened immune system.
Foods to add or remove from your diet if you have a vaginal yeast infection
Celery against Candida
You may have heard of celery’s many benefits, including preventing stomach and colon cancer.
Celery is also good for breaking down kidney stones and helping with pneumonia bacteria.
It also turns out to be one of the best vegetables for people who suffer from Candida.
This is because this vegetable is rich in dietary fiber and thus helps cleanse the intestines where the fungus can develop.
So if you have underestimated it until now, this is definitely a good reason to add it to your diet.
Garlic reduces the number of vaginal yeast infections
Garlic is another good example of a healthy food with prominent antifungal properties.
In this case it is mainly due to allicin, an organic compound that gives it its aroma and pungency.
Allicin is formed during the crushing of fresh garlic.
Therefore, if you are interested in including garlic in your diet, for Candida fighting purposes,
it is advisable to crush it and add it to your food a few moments before eating.
Laboratory experiments have shown that garlic extract can impair the yeast’s ability to adhere to the walls of the oral cavity.
Another study in women found that taking garlic supplements in capsules affected the amount of vaginal yeast infections they suffered from.
However, keep in mind that since it is a spicy food item, you should avoid consuming large amounts of it.
Especially if you suffer from irritation or pain in the sensitive oral cavity.
Low sugar diet
Yeast “enjoys” sugar and grows quickly in an environment rich in sugar.
Some research suggests that high blood sugar levels may increase the risk of Candida infection.
A study in mice found that sugar could increase the growth of Candida in the gastrointestinal tract in people with weak immune systems.
Additionally, in another study, rinsing the mouth with sucrose in humans was associated with increased levels of yeast in the oral cavity.
Although a low-sugar diet is not effective against all yeasts, it can help prevent Candida yeast infections.
Many nutritionists and doctors will recommend Candida patients switch to a low-sugar diet.
They should reduce the amount of cakes, ice cream, chocolate and honey they consume, as well as the amount of sugary drinks.
Starve Candida out of your body
One of the most effective ways to flush bacteria from your body is to drink plenty of water.
To enable the body to effectively cleanse itself of the toxins secreted by Candida,
You should drink a large amount of at least 2 liters of water per day and keep a water bottle in your bag at all times.
At the same time, it is important to reduce and even completely give up alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine.
These drinks contain yeast and consuming them will not only not starve the fungus, which is itself a yeast fungus, but will also help it grow and flourish.
Avoid dairy products
One of the organs in which Candida successfully thrives is the intestines.
The reason for this is that it is an area rich in folds,
the fungus knows how to hide between these folds without any problems.
Many dairy products contain casein protein, a sticky substance.
Consuming dairy products helps the fungus to continue infecting the intestines and can therefore make and prolong treatment very difficult.
Therefore, during the treatment of the fungus, you should switch to a low-fat diet and minimize the consumption of dairy products as much as possible.
Basic recommendations to prevent vaginal yeast infection
Keep the area ventilated
Be sure to wear cotton underwear and cotton pants to keep the area dry and ventilated.
Avoid scented feminine products, including sanitary pads and tampons.
These products cause a change in the acidity (pH) in the vagina and thus promote the development of the fungus.
Hygiene of the vaginal area
It is important to keep the vaginal area clean.
However, you should avoid using various rinses or strong soaps.
They disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora, cause dryness and worsen symptoms.
Rinse the area once or twice a day with just water or with a mild, unscented soap.
Look for natural hygiene products, ones that do not contain chlorine, bleach or chemicals.
You can find them in health food stores or in various supermarkets.
Home remedies for treating vaginal yeast infection
Bath with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be the most effective in dealing with the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.
To enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you can use several methods that are particularly effective.
First, you can take a bath and add a nice amount, at least a full cup, of apple cider vinegar to the warm water.
Stay in the bath for at least ten minutes.
Some women report real relief after the first bath, while others only feel a change after a few times.
Another treatment, using apple cider vinegar, which can help vaginal candidiasis, involves performing a targeted rinse.
Instead of soaking in a bath of vinegar, dilute a small amount of vinegar with water and rinse the irritated area.
Please note that this treatment should not burn and if it does, you will need to dilute it with additional water.
Make sure the apple cider vinegar is of high quality, preferably organic.
Chamomile bath with essential oils of Commiphora Myrrha and Tea Tree
In a warm bath, apply a concentrated infusion of chamomile to soothe the vaginal lining irritated by the Candida fungus.
Add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree and Myrrha essential oils.
The natural ingredients these essential oils contain will make it difficult for Candida to survive.
External treatment with bandages
Including dressings in the treatment will be more helpful in a situation of irritation outside the vagina.
This treatment is most effective when there is redness and swelling.
Make a strong infusion of chamomile or calendula and let it cool slightly.
Then dip a cotton ball or gauze in it and gently place it on the area.
The treatment is of course only external.
These plants contain important phytochemicals that help repair damaged tissue, have a strong antiseptic effect and provide local anesthesia.