People all over the world, have faced yeast infection at some point in their lives. There are natural remedies which can protect you from this infection. Find out about the advantages of yogurt to prevent yeast infection…
The pathogen which causes yeast infection is a fungus known as Candida albicans which is sometimes referred to as a yeast as well. This yeast is pre-existent within our gastrointestinal tract and mouth, and remains inert at most times. However, sudden changes in the body can cause this fungi to grow rapidly, which can result in secretion of toxins by these unicellular organisms. It is this toxin which causes a health condition known as candidiasis or thrush.
Causes of Yeast Infection
The probable factors which increase the chances of this pathogen growing are many, which include suffering from pre-diabetes, diabetes mellitus, the use of oral contraceptive pills, wearing synthetic undergarments, being on antibacterial antibiotics, to suffering from immunocompromised diseases. There are many healthy men and women who suffer from yeast infection 2-3 times in a year, which makes them even more vulnerable to further bouts of infection. It is not always necessary that the infection be caused by a single strain of fungi; it may change or become more resistant to treatment with every relapse. Many suffer from this infection usually when their immunity is at a low, which usually occurs when they are on strong medications. One of the side effects of strong medications is candidiasis.
Fortunately, there are certain herbal remedies which are known to be effective against this infection. One of them being tea tree oil, which is by far the best for curing most fungal infections, but many people find this oil too strong for topical application and cannot bear the stinging sensation of the oil. Which brings us to our second best option which is yogurt. This article will discuss the advantages of yogurt for preventing yeast infection.
Why Yogurt Cures Yeast Infections?
Yogurt has friendly bacteria known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, which secretes lactic acid. This lactic acid kills the overgrowth of photogenic yeast and regains the pH balance within the vaginal and the gastrointestinal flora. This friendly bacteria is also a normal member of the vaginal flora which helps to maintain a normal pH balance, but gets diminished when the population of fungi grows drastically. Eating yogurt helps regain some of the lost lactobacillus, which is why it is often recommended that women eat one entire serving of yogurt every day.
Probiotic Alternatives
People do not like eating yogurt and some simply cannot tolerate dairy products because they have lactose intolerance. The only remedy available for such people is to have probiotic pills, which are believed to be far more effective than simply eating yogurt, because while yogurt has very limited live bacterium, these pills are saturated with probiotic bacterium of different strains, which help increase immunity and resistance against the fungal infection. The only downside to taking these pills is that those people who are already taking several medications, would find consuming further pills too much of a burden. Also the effect of these pills may drastically reduce or get nullified because of the strong ingredients of the medication.
No Sweetened/Flavored Yogurt
The first rule to remember before beginning with the yogurt therapy is that sweetened/flavored yogurt must never be consumed by people prone to this infection, secondly they must never use sweet yogurt for topical application either. The reason is very simple, sugar is food for fungi and will only encourage the infection to aggravate and worsen the condition.
How To Use Yogurt?
Men and women suffering from this infection must eat 1 cup of yogurt twice a day, until the infection subsides. They must include yogurt into their daily diet as well, because yogurt is good for keeping this infection at bay and it is fat-free. For treating yeast infection topically, women who have been suffering from vaginal yeast infection, must soak a tampon in fresh yogurt and then insert for about 30 minutes or so. The tampon must be removed thereafter and the affected area must be cleansed. Yeast infection can occur in the mouth, the folds of the skin, and the stomach as well, in which case yogurt can be applied and massaged on the affected area.
Using perennial Lactic acid hygiene wash every time you visit the washroom, will also aid in keeping yeast infections at bay. Consult your physician in case you choose to opt for probiotic pills, so that they can guide you with the appropriate dosage.
