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Yeast in the vagina? If that is the first thing that pops up in your mind, you’re not alone. (LOL!) Vaginal Yeast Infection is also known as Vaginal Candidiasis, the term you are probably more familiar with. It is
a fungal infection characterised by irritation, vaginal discharge and intense itchiness in the vagina and the vulva.
Candidiasis is a common vaginal infection affecting up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their life. It is hardly considered an STI, although there is an increased risk of contracting the infection after your first time of regular sexual activity. It is caused by an imbalance or an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus in the vagina, Candida albicans.
The symptoms of this imbalance range from intense vaginal itching, irritation and discharge to redness and swelling of the vulva, pain, rashes and sores in the vagina, and thick, white and odourless vaginal discharge.
If you are noticing these for the first time, visit a gynaecologist to be sure you have the yeast infection or not before commencing treatment or natural remedies.
Since vaginal yeast infection is fungal, antifungal medications do an excellent job of getting rid of them. But there are also dietary supplements you can include in your meal to help eradicate the infection and leave you healthily wealthy.
Let’s look at a few.
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics. Probiotics suppositories and supplements help restore the balance between bacteria and yeast in the body.
Studies have shown that probiotics help our body fight infections. Probiotic foods have live bacteria in them that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, especially in the gut. And by taking probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, you can revert the flora in your gut and vagina to normal.
You can add fermented food like curd-rice and buttermilk to your diet. Yoghurt is also considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria including, L. acidophilus. The growth of these bacteria can help create a healthy environment in your vagina by balancing the bacteria-fungi balance when there is an overgrowth of fungi, like in the case of Vaginal yeast infection.
If you want to use yoghurt for yeast infection, it is best to use plain greek yoghurt. Ensure it doesn’t have extra sugar, flavouring or fruit because extra sugar can trigger more growth of the Candida fungus.
For good results, you can drink the yoghurt, apply it around your vagina in the vulva area, or even insert it into your vagina.
Asides from introducing bacteria to balance the bacteria-fungi balance as a result of an overgrowth of fungi, probiotics are also effective against C. Albicans.
Sometimes, antibiotics kill both bad and good bacteria in the body, leading to a vaginal yeast infection. In a case such as this, probiotics and fermented foods can help to restore your gut microbiome.
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic. Some claim it is useful when treating yeast infections resistant to other remedies. It is a naturally occurring compound with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories are a safe and effective way to treat vaginal yeast infections. You can also use it alongside medications. Your symptoms should improve a few days after you start using boric acid and you should be over it within 1 to 2 weeks.
You can find boric acid as gelatin capsules you can insert into the vagina to inhibit the growth of yeast (fungi) in the vagina.
As good as Boric acid is, using it in large amounts is toxic and could lead to kidney damage, acute circulatory system failure, or death in extreme situations.
Additionally, it is not advisable to use boric acid on broken skin. If you are pregnant, don’t use any form of it. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, stop using once you feel or notice any abnormality.
Aloe vera has significant antifungal properties apart from other health benefits like enhancing the immune system and tackling bacteria and viruses.
You can use it by ingesting it to fight yeast in your gut or applying it topically if you have vaginal yeast infection and other skin fungal infections.
Aloe vera contains 14kDa, a protein that is effective against the three candida strains: Candida albicans, Candida paraprilosis, and Candida krusei. It is this protein that gives aloe vera its antifungal properties.
Aloe vera can stop the growth of Candida cells by at least 90%, which is rather remarkable!
Like aloe vera, garlic is a healthy food component and it has several health benefits such as boosting immunity, controlling cardiovascular diseases and helping gastric issues. Garlic contains allicin, which is often used as an antifungal agent.
In a lab study in 2005, garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. To confirm this, more recent studies also show that garlic is effective against even other strains of candida, although it is more effective against some than others.
If you want to use garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Inserting garlic in the vagina is not ideal. When applied to the skin or vaginal mucosa ( what lines your vagina), garlic can cause pain or a burning sensation. So just stick to adding it to your food - it could be your salad or anything you’re comfortable with.
Coconut oil is the richest dietary source of lauric acid. Many studies have suggested that lauric acid can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections. You can use it to cook your meals, in the tempering as well as for oil pulling in case of an oral infection. Make sure the oil you use is organic and pure. In the case of a vaginal infection, it can be applied topically to the affected area.
The richest dietary source of lauric acid is coconut oil. Lauric acid has been linked to the treatment of vaginal yeast infections in numerous studies. You can use it to prepare your meals, as a seasoning, and for oil pulling, if you have an oral illness.
When using coconut oil, ensure it is organic and pure. You can also apply it directly to your vulva area for a vaginal yeast infection.
Turmeric is a spice well-known for its medicinal effects, particularly its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant elements. Taking turmeric can help treat vaginal yeast infections, according to research.
You can add this spice to your regular diet by using the powdered form or boiling raw turmeric root with milk. Be sure to drink it warm.
Ever heard of an apple cider vinegar bath?
It is one of the popular remedies for vaginal yeast infections.
To achieve this, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and allow it to soak for about 20 minutes. The acidic component can eliminate yeast, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms.
Don’t confuse an apple cider vinegar bath with douching. Douching only eliminates all the bacteria in your vag, both good and bad, and it leaves you susceptible to a recurrence. Also, ensure you dilute it before using it on your skin.
Asides from the bath, you can consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet. FYI, you can use it to prepare buttermilk.
If there are foods that could help ease vaginal yeast infection, it is only typical that there is food that could only propagate the infection. It is best to avoid these foods if you have a Vaginal Yeast Infection.
Refined carbs have high glycemic index, and this can raise blood sugar levels. Studies have also shown that consuming refined carbs will only promote the infection, the same reason why you should take your yoghurt plain, without extra sugar and flavouring.
Avoid food items like all-purpose flour, sugar, sugar syrup, soda drinks, white rice, white sugar, cake etc. Replace these with healthy food prepared at home.
Mixed findings say lactose-rich dairy products can encourage yeast growth by reducing the pH levels of the gut.
To evade any complications, it is best to avoid dairy products if you have a yeast infection.
You can consider replacing your dairy intake with almond or soymilk.
Excess caffeine can impair your immune system causing many infections, including candidiasis, to reoccur. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, replace caffeine intake with herbal teas, lemon water or buttermilk.
To prevent vaginal yeast infection or its recurrence, you can follow these tips:
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