A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina.
It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics. Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.
While yeast infections can often be treated successfully at home, it's important to be sure that yeast is really the culprit. Infection with other types of organisms, which may require treatment with prescription medication, can often cause symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection.
This imbalance is caused due to varied reasons that include:
Use and in-take of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as steroids and certain birth control pills that tend to destroy the required abovementioned bacteria.
During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes, which is also a contributing factor to yeast infection
When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.
Knowing the cause of yeast infection helps us understand why our body may exibit symptoms of diseases. And if this is so, then there is a good chance that we have too many toxins, and our body is not doing an effective job at eliminating them. Often this will happen when too many toxins are coming in and/or when our immune system is too weak to fight them off.
Home Remedies for Yeast Infection
Foods to avoid
Some foods encourage yeast growth such as alcohol, caffeine, junk foods, processed foods, sugar, products containing wheat and white flour, margarine, milk and dairy products.
Garlic
Garlic has strong antifungal properties and is a natural yeast killer. Wrap the garlic in either a piece of cheesecloth or gauze and insert the small pouch into the infected vagina overnight. The infection would die after a few applications. But make sure you are not allergic to garlic.
Vinegar
Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used widely in some parts of the world. It is recognized as one of the best natural yeast infection remedies. Using a tampon coated with a lubricant before adding a few drops of tea tree oil, it becomes a potent yeast infection cure.
Honey
This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.
Naturally curing your yeast infection
You'll learn what simple grocery items can cure your yeast infection naturally without the side effects that can come with over the counter topical creams and suppositories. You will also feel complete relief from your symptoms within 12 hours.
