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 Natural Substances and Methods to Combat Yeast Infections  
Many women (and men) suffering from yeast infections resort to remedies found in a drug store: creams, suppositories, and other 'medical' remedies. The problem with these is that they tend to help for only a short period, and then the yeast returns.

By Brian McQuirk

What is a Yeast Infection?

Technically a fungus, yeast is also called 'Candida' or 'Monilia'. Many women (and men) suffering from yeast infections resort to the remedies found in a drug store: creams, suppositories, and other 'medical' remedies. The problem with these is that they tend to help for only a short period, and then the yeast comes back with a vengeance.

Things to Avoid

Here are some things that you should try to avoid when fighting a yeast infection.

  • Taking birth control pills: Birth control pills weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to yeast.

  • Feminine deodorants: These can be very irritating to anyone, especially those with yeast infections. They trap moisture and heat, creating a perfect environment for yeast.

  • Clothing that is tight in the crotch. Tight clothing also creates a warm environment for yeast to grow.

  • Pantyhose: Tight, synthetic fibers also allow yeast to flourish.

    Foods That Feed Yeast

  • Avoid sugar, since sugar feeds yeast. This is a crucial point.

  • Yeast

  • Refined foods (such as white flour).

    Some Things that Commonly Cause or Worsen Yeast Overgrowth

  • Most commonly, a high sugar, carbohydrate, caffeine, or yeast diet.

  • Stress

  • Sudden diet and weather changes

  • Birth control pills and use of the contraceptive sponge

  • Perhaps the biggest contributing factor in the creation of yeast overgrowth, however, is the use and overuse of antibiotics. When you disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria, yeast can build up in the intestines and cause a whole host of health problems.

    Garlic

    Garlic is a big enemy of yeast. Garlic contains natural antifungal substances. It will kill the yeast, but it will burn like nothing you have ever felt.

    Acidophilus

    Acidophilus kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide in the blood.

    Cranberries

    Cranberries also lower the pH of your urine, which may be useful in helping combat yeast infections, since the acidic urine passes over some of your infected parts on its way out of the body. It is a mild remedy, which is great if you think you may be coming down with a yeast infection; for more serious infections, you can use it in combination with other remedies.

    Because of the extreme sourness of the unsweetened juice, you may substitute a small handful of cranberry pills (available in natural food stores) during the entire course of a yeast infection as a supplement to other home remedies.

    Teatree Oil

    Teatree oil is an effective anti-yeast treatment, and you can use it straight. However, you must highly dilute it to use as a douche. I have found that simply drinking enough water greatly reduces my likelihood for getting a yeast infection. Because I am drinking more water, and subsequently urinating more frequently, my body is able to flush out the sugars that feed the yeast.

    Why Avoid OTC Methods?

    Many women use non-medicinal methods for treating yeast because the cost of over-the-counter methods is high, because they are unimpressed with OTC methods, or simply because they prefer methods that are more natural. It requires dramatic changes in diet and long-term attention to avoiding the things that encourage yeast to grow.

    About the Author:

    For a FAST, all natural cure for yeast infection in as little as 12 hours, go to our site at http://yeast.bestbizz.com. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com


  •   Article added 11/13/07, last revised 11/13/07.

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