In America alone, 3 out of 4 women suffer from a yeast infection, with almost 75% of women at the risk of experiencing this condition once in their lifetime. Additionally, about 12 to 15% of men also suffer from a yeast infection through oral-genital contact.
What Is a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is a condition caused by a fungus called candida. This generally occurs in the mouth, skin, stomach intestines or vaginal area. There are various types of yeast infection, so let's start with the most commons ones:
- Intestinal/Stomach yeast infections ~ are caused by an overgrowth of the naturally occurring fungus, Candida albicans
- Yeast infection of the mouth~ is typically known as oral thrush. When oral thrush is present, you may notice white bumps or patchy spots inside the mouth and throat, these patches bleed slightly if they are rubbed accidentally.
- Vaginal yeast infection ~ is the most known type of yeast infection. Also known as candidiasis happens when the yeast in the vaginal area grows out of control causing various symptoms like itching and burning, swelling, and a white thick discharge.
Yeast infections are very common among women. Statistics reveal that at least 3 out of 4 women suffer from yeast infection, with almost 75% of women at the risk of experiencing this condition once in their lifetime. Additionally, about 12 to 15% of men also suffer from a yeast infection through oral-genital contact.
What Causes Yeast Infections
Generally, a yeast infection is caused due to the accumulation of bacteria in the tissues of the affected area (intestinal, mouth, genital area).
The yeast multiplies rapidly, causing infection. This overgrowth is caused due to different reasons, for example: antibiotics are the major cause for yeast infections, which kill the friendly bacteria lactobacilli found in the body, known for keeping yeast in check. Additionally, an increase in the estrogen level is another reason for vaginal infections. This happens during pregnancy or when using oral contraception when estrogen levels are already high. A weak immune system can also result in any number of infections such as sinus, intestinal, mouth and yeast infections.
The imbalance that allows the overgrowth of yeast can happen due to:
- antibiotics (they lower the amount of lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in vagina)
- pregnancy.
- uncontrolled diabetes.
- weak immune system.
- douching.
- poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods.
- hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle.
- stress. [1]
Immunity can weaken when you are on strong medication therapy. Diabetes can cause yeast infections as well. The infection may develop and thrives in a warm and humid atmosphere, where conditions are favorable for yeast growth. Constant washing of the genital area with chemical-laden soaps can wash away healthy bacteria, resulting in an infection. This can also be aggravated by using deodorants or any other scented products in the genital area. For men, a yeast infection is not very common and rarely occurs from sexual contact.
The symptoms for yeast infection include irritation, itching, or burning of the vaginal area. There can also be swelling, tears on the vulva, and even cracked skin. A thick whitish vaginal discharge may also be seen. There might also be pain during sexual intercourse. A burning sensation may be felt during urination.
Natural Remedies for a Yeast Infection
Cut out sugar and grains(they turn into sugar) immediately.
Buy or consume probiotic -rich foods such as Kefir, plain organic yogurt (no sugar added), or you can take a top-notch probiotic. (I prefer the refrigerated kind) Live foods right?
This is gound to sound weird, but hear me out. After you are all showered get a spoonful of plain kefir or yogurt (Organic), gloves or not, and insert a good amount into the vaginal canal? What food in my VJJ? Not any food- live bacteria.
How does this work?
I'm glad you asked. In simple terms, the good bacteria will crowd out the bad bacteria. Helping your vaginal ph to stabilize and also a good colony of the beneficial bacteria will begin to reside there. Ahhh relief!
Another great option is suppositories:
This study revealed that a 14-day treatment with boric acid suppositories is as effective as a single dose of fluconazole, an antifungal pill. (you are better off with the chemicals anyway)
If you're looking for a 100% natural treatment for yeast infection that actually works, boric acid suppositories is another good option. boric acid suppositories contain only medical grade boric acid and gelatin capsules, no colorants or preservatives.
Femallay Tea Tree Oil Suppositories contain 100% natural ingredients including tea tree essential oil, coconut oil, Illipe Butter, and Carnauba Wax.
Tea tree oil and coconut oil are scientifically proven to have effective antifungal qualities. Its antifungal effect is not as potent as that of boric acid suppositories, but for many of you, it may be just enough.
Sometimes vaginal infections come with a UTI. In that case, I highly recommend D-Mannose is great when it comes to getting rid of a UTI.
Treatment and Prevention of Yeast Infections
Prevention is always the best way to avoid an infection, but of course, that isn't always possible. What you need is proper guidance and a safe, natural and proven protocol that you can use to prevent and use at the onset of symptoms.
Here are some common methods of prevention, most targeted at avoiding bacteria growth near the vagina:
- Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, tights, or leggings
- Avoid using feminine deodorant or deodorant tampons/pads
- Do not sit around in wet clothing-especially bathing suits
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Eat yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus
- Wear natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk
- Avoid sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot-tub baths
- Wash underwear in hot water
- Avoid douching
- Change feminine products frequently [2]
Research has shown that there are a number of natural treatments that will get rid of a Yeast Infection for good. One if not the most powerful such as changing your diet, and the right supplements can make all the difference.
Do you know someone with chronic yeast infections? Tell me in the comments below how have you dealt with them?
References https://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast//causes.html http://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection#Overview1 {1} http://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection#Prevention7 {2} https://webspace.utexas.edu/dtt56/yeast-infections.html http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-yeast-infections.htm http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/yeast_infection.shtml Image source: Iqball Osman