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Treat yeast infections

I get yeast infections on a regular basis. What can I do to stop getting these yeast infections?
(30 Sep 2007)

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Yeast Infection Remedies

Yeast or candida albicans is a fungus that is usually harmless and is present in some quantity in most of our bodies. You may get a yeast flare up from the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives or antacids. You may also be more susceptible if you are diabetic.

The first step in preventing a yeast infection is to be very careful with personal hygiene. Always wash front to back and wear loose- fitting, cotton undergarments. Don’t forget to take probiotics whenever you are taking an antibiotic course. Probiotics contain bacteria such as acidophilus which help in controlling candida in two ways. They make the intestinal area more acidic and cause the production of hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates yeast.

Try and consume a lot of fresh garlic because it is a natural antifungal. A mixture of olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract will also give you relief. Get at least one cup of yogurt everyday as it is proven to battle yeast. Do not eat yeasty foods and remove sugary substances from your diet. Yeast thrives in a sugary environment. Avoid alcohol and foods that contain transfats. On the whole, a diet that contains plenty of fiber and eliminates refined and processed foods will contain the problem and prevent it from recurring.

answered by S E on 19 Feb 2008, 4:24:00

For most of us, Thrush, or Yeast infections (also known as candidiasis) will affect us at some point and natural treatments look to the cause of the infection. Antibiotic use, stress, suppressed immunity and even pregnancy will cause yeast infections and the first step to treatment is modifying our diet. Remove all sugars and yeast from the diet immediately, and look to lean proteins, leafy greens, vegetables and foods high in essential fatty acids for your nutrition. Initially, it is best to stop eating fruit high in sugar or vegetables that are high in starch, like potatoes, as this serves to feed the yeast infection. These food restrictions should be in place for at least one month before gradually introducing them again.

Herbally, Tea tree oil is a broad spectrum skin treatment for microbes including candida as well as being low irritant in its action. Often, Tea tree oil can be used when mixed with yogurt as a soothing topical treatment for vaginal thrush. Read the directions on the bottle carefully before using.

Garlic is also a great internal treatment for yeast infection, and is well known for its action against the majority of candida strains. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can use capsules for the same effect. HIV patients should use care taking garlic, it may decrease the effect of HIV protease inhibitors and if you are using warfarin or heparin, garlic may increase the action of these medications. The maximum daily dose for garlic should not exceed 5grams of fresh garlic a day.

Other herbs Golden Seal, Oregon Grape and Barberry contain a compound called berberine, which is used to balance gut bacteria, and is useful in treating yeast infection. Berberine also works as an anti-inflammatory to the gut. Finally, Pau d’arco is one of the most powerful herbs for treating yeast infection; it contains naphtoquinones that are active against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

Vitamin C with Bioflavenoids are great for reducing inflammation and helping the body to heal and a quality acidophilus supplement will assist in regaining a balance of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. If your symptoms are not going away then you need to seek the opinion of your health care practitioner.

A good combination of herbs to take for yeast infection is:
Golden Seal   20ml
Oregon Grape   20ml
Barberry Bark   20ml
Pau d’arco   20ml
Garlic       20ml
Dose: 5ml three times daily.

answered by L W on 18 Oct 2007, 7:22:37

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