Yeast infection Archives - Page 2 of 2

yogurt for yeast infection

According to Medicinenet.com, about 90% of yeast infections are caused by yeast scientifically known as Candida albicans. Yeast is a fungus and it lives in vagina with other bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus, these bacteria restrain yeast growth. When the bacteria number decreases, yeast rush to occupy the vacancy, causing yeast infection. Though it’s not a serious issue, it’s quite annoying to scratch in public. (1)

Yogurt for yeast infection is one those innate remedies that can treat and soothe itching. Yogurt increases the good bacteria which thwarts growing yeast. Vaginal yeast infection is most common in women and from decades yogurt has been used as douche to treat yeast infection. Based on a study, honey and yogurt mixture can be used as an alternative to treat vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection). (2)

Also read: Candida and body odor

Does Yogurt Help Yeast Infection?

Yogurt to treat yeast infection has been recommended and used from decades. According to WebMD, consuming yogurt with live cultures may prevent yeast from recurring. (3)

does yogurt help in yeast infection

Healthy vagina contains bacteria (in large number) and yeast (in small number), problem arises when the good bacteria decreases, yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus the bacteria which restrains yeast growth by producing hydrogen peroxide.
Yogurt with live cultures has friendly bacteria that aids in treating yeast infection.
Sometimes antibiotics may kill the good bacteria, consuming yeast or douching yeast and honey mixture stimulates bacteria growth.
Yogurt contains probiotics. A study has been carried out to review probiotics preventing yeast infection. Though study concludes with no strong proof, it’s recommended in the report that probiotics can be used to prevent recurring yeast infection in women. (4)
Topical application of yogurt soothes skin, enhances pH of skin and relives you from vigorous itching.

How to Apply Yogurt for Yeast Infection?

According to US News Health, Greek yogurt for yeast infection can be more beneficial, as it contains approximately half as many carbohydrates as other yogurt. (Yeast feed on carbohydrates)

1. Eating Yogurt

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk and bacteria. It has been used in medical industries to restore normal bacteria in intestine tract and vagina. You may wonder how much yogurt you need to eat. Start with small amount regularly; it has no serious side-effects so you can substitute it with your breakfast.

2. Topical Application of Yogurt

For a quick relief from itching, try douching yogurt on affected part. Wash the affected area before applying yogurt. When you’re done with applying unsweetened plain yogurt, leave it for about 1 hour and rinse it off with water.

Also read: Argan oil and Yogurt face mask

3. Yogurt Tampon

Apple yogurt on a tampon.
Freeze it and insert it on your vagina.
Or you can dip tampon in yogurt for about 6 hours and use it.

Unfortunately there is no data to back this theory; anyhow few women had positive impact on affected area after applying yogurt. (5)

Plain unsweetened yogurt is the best yogurt for yeast infection.

Did you ever use yogurt? Share your thoughts in comments.

Bottom Line

Yeast is a common fungus found in vagina, yeast infection is caused when yeast grows exponentially. Yogurt contains bacteria that restrain yeast growth. You can either consume it or topically apply it to treat yeast infection.

For serious issues please consult physician.

Image source: 1, 2

apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

Apple cider vinegar is acclaimed to be used for culinary purpose and to treat various skin conditions like yeast infection and eczema. ACV is made by subjecting apple and cider to fermentation. Its use as medicine dates back from centuries. Even Hippocrates acknowledged the medical benefits of ACV.

Yeast is a fungus that lives in your body, mostly in the vagina in small numbers. Growth of this yeast is the root cause of yeast infection. According to WebMD Candida albicans, a type of yeast is behind this infection. 75 percent of women experience yeast infection at some point of their life. Yeast infection causes itching, soreness, pain and burning sensation. Based on WebMD, some women may have white thick liquid discharge before menstrual period.

Related post: Benefits of Vinegar for skin

Apart from vagina, this infection may occur in mouth, between skin folds and intestinal tract. It’s common and need no serious medication; anyhow corticosteroid cream application can reduce inflammation and itchiness. According to Medlineplus, apple cider vinegar for yeast infection prevents candidiasis. (Also read: Candida (Yeast) and Body Odor)

How Apple Cider Vinegar Cures Yeast Infection

Properties in ACV kill excess yeast and treat infection. Vitamins like B1, B2, B6 and C are packed into ACV. It also contains minerals and acids, namely, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium and iron.

Restorative properties in ACV react on skin to restore pH level of vagina.
Mayoclinic states that antibiotics kill bacterial infection, and ACV is one of the strongest antibiotics.
ACV to not just thwart bacteria but it enhances the balanced environment for all necessary healthy bacteria.
Consuming apple cider vinegar boosts your immune system.
Acetic acid in ACV lowers pH of vagina skin; this makes it less tolerable for yeast infection.

Must read: ACV to remove mole on skin

Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Yeast Infection

braggs apple cider vinegar

Consume it or topically apply it over affected part, it restrains bacterial infection and maintains healthy environment. To consume, mix it with water and drink it before meals. For topically application of ACV you’ve different methods you can opt the one that works for you.

Note while consuming ACV, don’t add honey or sugar, as Candida yeast feed on sugar.

1. Apple cider vinegar douche

Reducing the amount of bacteria in vagina will cure yeast infection. Mix raw apple cider vinegar with water and use it as douche on vagina to kill Candida yeast. 3 tbsp of ACV and 2 quarts of warm water can be used to make vagina douche.

Rinse this solution twice, in the morning and in the evening, till you see no itching or pain. Decrease ACV ratio if you experience burning sensation. Optionally add pinch of cayenne pepper to ACV.

2. ACV bath for yeast infection

Yeast infection may cause on various parts of the body, to give your whole body ACV treatment, mix 2 tbsp of ACV in warm bath water. Leave it for about 15 minutes and take bath. Alternatively you can dip your tampon in ACV solution before inserting it into vagina. Regularly use this method for 1-2 weeks for improvement.

You can take ACV bath once a day or twice a week depending on severity of infection.

3. Consume ACV

For mouth yeast infection, mix 2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink it before meals. Yes, it tastes bitter. But don’t ever think of adding honey or sugar, this will increase Candida yeast. If you’ve infection in mouth, then swish it before drinking.

Consuming ACV kills infection causing yeast in intestinal tract and enhances balanced environment for healthy bacteria, this controls Candida yeast growth.

4. ACV with other remedies

To fasten the healing process you can mix other innate remedies with ACV. Mix apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil, antimicrobial properties in tea tree oil kills bacteria. Eat raw garlic with vinegar kill Candida yeast. Yogurt and acidophilus consumption can reduce yeast infection.

If you want apple cider vinegar to work for yeast infection, then only opt for raw ACV.

Note: As ACV is acidic in nature never use it directly, dilute it with water. Avoid using baking soda and sugars, this grows Candida yeast.