Candidiasis, Albicans, Vagina, Lactobacillus.
Root Cause of Disease
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause disease in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida usually lives on the skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problems.
Symptoms
In normal situations, Candida won’t cause any symptoms unless an overgrowth occurs due to an imbalance of bacteria. Symptoms of infection include
- Skin redness (rash)
- Itching
- Blisters
- Lumpy white patches
- Pain, soreness, or discomfort
- Burning sensation
- Vaginal discharge
Causes
The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections.
Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent overgrowth of yeast. But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.
Overgrowth of the yeast can result from
- Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- An impaired immune system
- Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy increases estrogen levels
Home Remedies to treat Candida
Remedy – 1: Natural Yogurt
Materials: Natural Yogurt
Procedure:
Natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, called probiotics. These contribute to health and help restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. While the reviewers flagged issues with several of the studies they cited, many people report relief from
- Eating yogurt
- Applying it to the vulva around the vagina
- Inserting it vaginally
Product link: Yogurt
Remedy – 2: Coconut oil
Materials: Coconut oil
Procedure:
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat the Candida albicans yeast. Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to ease symptoms.
Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil oregano.
Coconut oil is available to purchase online. Some products may be specifically suited for cooking, rather than for use on the skin, so compare products and brands to choose an appropriate product.
Product link: Coconut Oil
Remedy – 3: Garlic
Materials: Garlic
Procedure:
Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic. However, recent research suggests that eating garlic has no effect on the levels of yeast in the vagina.
As an alternative to eating garlic, some women have tried using garlic internally. They claim to experience relief from yeast infection, by placing a garlic clove, threaded with a string, into the vagina overnight. While there is no evidence to say this works, it is a low-risk home remedy for yeast infections.
People with sensitive skin may experience burning and even skin damage. As such, people should not use garlic if they have sensitive skin. If the burning sensation worsens, people should discontinue use.
Product link: Garlic
Remedy – 4: Apple cider vinegar
Materials: Apple cider vinegar
Procedure:
When you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak it for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance. You’ll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
Product link: Apple Cider Vinegar
Preventions
To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn’t fit too tightly.
It might also help to avoid:
- Tight-fitting pantyhose
- Douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
- Scented feminine products, including bubble baths, pads, and tampons
- Hot tubs and very hot baths
- Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other viral infections
- Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time
