Most yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a microscopic fungus called Candida Albicans, found on the skin, usually in the genital areas, in the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract and also in the vagina of women. It is an opportunistic infection.
Friendly pro-biotic bacteria keep the candida bacteria in check but sometimes the balance between these types of bacteria can be disturbed and the Candida bacteria can multiply unchecked leading to a yeast infection.
The fungus they create can also breach the walls of the digestive tract and make its way into the bloodstream. This in turn causes bacteria, yeast and partially digested food to invade the body.
Unfortunately, a yeast infection is almost twice as likely to occur in a pregnant woman than in a woman who is not pregnant, this is largely due to hormonal changes, increased stress levels and/or food cravings for the wrong types of foods that lower the immune system or contain sugar to feed the candida. It is more likely to occur during the 2nd trimester.
Symptoms include an itchy uncomfortable condition usually accompanied by burning and stinging, discharge and discomfort during sex. A yeast infection can be passed onto the baby during pregnancy, during birth or from breastfeeding. If it is present during the birth you can pass the infection onto your baby in the form of thrush. This is an infection of the mouth and throat.
A low, 150mg dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) is usually a safe way to treat a vaginal yeast infection, however, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has ordered new labelling for this drug, warning that multiple or high dosages (400mg to 800mg) of this antifungal may increase the risk of birth defects such as flat head syndrome, abnormal development of the skull cap, cleft lip or palate and congenital heart disease. Prevention is better than cure!
Most conventional anti-fungal or over-the-counter treatments are not recommended during pregnancy due to possible implications for the baby, also they do nothing to rebalance the body and ensure that the yeast infection does not occur again. Anything you ingest during pregnancy affects your unborn child.
A holistic natural approach may be the easiest and safest way to resolve this condition. Usually treating it from the inside and externally is the best approach.
Ways to avoid a yeast infection:
- Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, cotton only
- Avoid tight clothes
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays
- Use plain white toilet paper instead of scented coloured brands
- Change out of damp clothes immediately after swimming etc Eat yoghurt that contains lactobacillus acidophilus Limit the amount of sugar in your diet.
- Get more rest and consciously de-stress where possible
Home remedies for yeast infections:
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic with anti-fungal properties that will help control yeast infection. Ensure you dilute it first - it can cause inflammation if used directly on the skin. You can dilute a few drops with a teaspoon of olive, then pour the solution onto a tampon and insert it into the vagina to provide relief. Or you can add several drops to a bath of warm water and bath in it
2. Garlic
Garlic is a proven anti-fungal and garlic tablets can be a great addition to your diet to fight candida. You can crush some garlic into a paste and apply it directly onto a non-vaginal yeast infection. The garlic can control the infection, but the smell does tend to linger!
3. Yoghurt
Natural probiotic yoghurt is a vaginal yeast infection remedy. Dip a tampon into some yoghurt and insert it into the vagina twice a day. Eating a probiotic yoghurt whilst taking antibiotics can discourage the overgrowth of candida. Lactobacillus contained in natural yoghurt is one of those "good" bacteria typically found within the gut and vagina that helps keep vaginal tissues balanced and healthy.
4. Vinegar
A warm bath with some cider vinegar added can relieve itching and irritation of the skin. It has long been considered a natural vaginal cleanser but there has been researching indicating this should be done with caution as it can damage the vaginal walls.
5. Cinnamon oil and cold coconut oil
These natural cures help yeast infections in both men and women. Either cold coconut oil or cinnamon oil can be applied to the infected areas several times a day. The anti-fungal properties of both these oils are effective in killing the yeast.
ATTENTION! Over 143,958 women and men in 157 countries worldwide have already used Linda Allen's Yeast Infection No More (TM) system to successfully treat their Candida yeast infections!
