Candida is a naturally occurring bacterium that is present in our body. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria do not cause any illness. However, when they multiply out of proportion, they cause thrush, jock itch, diaper rash, fatigue and yeast infections in the body.
These infections are mainly concentrated in the throat, genital areas, mouth and the intestinal region. Nevertheless, candida can cause infection in any part of the body, creating varying symptoms like extreme itching and pain.
A number of antifungal medications are available for treating candida. However, taking antibiotics may not be a good option as it will again destroy the good bacteria in the body and can cause recurrence of yeast infections. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to treat candida and remove the fungus completely.
Home Remedies for Candida
Fresh Yoghurt
Yoghurt being a food that can multiply the good bacteria in the body and remove the bad ones, is a superb food for treating candida. Take a cup of yoghurt with live cultures twice a day to strengthen the good bacteria in the body. The lactobacillus present in yoghurt will help in removing candida from your body and keeping further infections under check.
Ensure that the yoghurt that you take does not have any sugary flavor as yeast thrives on sugar. For itching and pain in the vagina due to vaginal yeast infection caused by candida, yoghurt can be applied directly on the area and left on. You may use a tampon for this purpose. Apply fresh yoghurt every hour to prevent the yeast from spreading.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is especially good for treating vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Being strongly acidic, cranberry juice makes the skin acidic, preventing the growth of yeast and bacteria.
Cranberry juice is also antibacterial and helps in relieving the bacterial and yeast infections and the pain and itch associated with it. Drink one glass of fresh cranberry juice every day. When you drink cranberry juice, ensure that it is the unsweetened variety of cranberry juice as sugar can again aggravate the condition.
Vitamin C
A strong immune system is required for busting all kinds of diseases and infections. Taking vitamin C will allow your immunity to get strong and bust the yeast infection faster than you expected. People who have weak immune systems are prone to yeast infections due to candida. Making the immune system strong will prevent the occurrence of yeast infections of various types.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
An extract from grapefruit seed is known to have great antimicrobial properties that help in controlling candida infections, especially thrush which is a kind of candida infection that affects the mouth, especially found in mothers who breastfeed and babies.
Drink grape fruit seeds extract every day and allow the juice to remain in the mouth for some time for its action to take place in the case of thrush caused by candida. Grape fruit extracts are very safe for nursing mothers and babies.
Unrefined Coconut Oil
Coconut oil in its purest form has antimicrobial properties that can help in preventing the spread of yeast infections. The fatty base of coconut oil prevents candida from spreading. Continuous application of coconut oil will help in removing the infection completely.
Coconut oil is excellent for treating candida infections like thrush in babies as it is completely safe. It can be coated on their tongues. For preventing the candida infection from spreading from the mother to the baby, coconut oil can be rubbed on the nipples before feeding. This will prevent the infection from transferring to the baby and also help in controlling the infection
Diet Low on Sugar
Being on a low sugar diet is very important for the treatment of candida infections. Sugar can aggravate the condition. Therefore carbohydrates, refined grains, fruit juices, sugar and other sugary products must be avoided while suffering from candida. For those already suffering from candida infections, having sugary food can make the condition even more worse. Candida infections can be prevented as well if you follow a low sugar diet.
Vegetables that are high on starch like carrots and potatoes must be avoided as foods that are starchy contain sugar as well. Apples are low in sugar and hence it can be consumed moderately and is safer than other fruits.
Garlic
Being an antiseptic and antibacterial agent, garlic is a very good bulb that can be used for treating candida infections and other bacterial infections of the body. Consuming garlic will slowly clear the infection and also prevent further occurrence.
Garlic must be included in plenty while you prepare food. However, chewing 4-5 cloves of garlic a day is a better option as the raw juices and in concentration and exerts greater strength on the yeast. Garlic oil as well as tablets too are available for consumption if chewing garlic is not an option.
Herbs
Herbs discourage the growth of yeast and hence good for treating candida infections. Consuming these herbs along with your food or separately will help in creating a conducive environment for eliminating candida and other bacterial infections.
Ginger
Being a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, consuming ginger will have a great effect on candida infections. Ginger can fight yeast infections effectively and also help in controlling the spread of the infection. Chew on a piece of ginger every day or crush it and boil it along with a cup of water and drink this tea three times a day. Avoid any sweetening agents along with the tea as yeast will again thrive in such an atmosphere.
Water
Finally, drinking plenty of water is very essential when you take the help of home remedies. Water will flush out all the toxic substances and yeast present in the intestine and genital areas. At times, drinking water is all you need to set the infection right if it is a mild case of candida infection. Drink at least 2 litres of water to prevent as well as reduce and completely remove the candida infection from the body.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
