Natural remedies/preventative measures for yeast infection?!
Question:
Natural remedies/preventative measures for yeast infection?
I am so prone to yeast infections! Every time I take antibiotics, I get one. I have heard of some vitamins or natural remedies for preventing them, any ideas?
Also, does eating yogurt (probiotic) while taking antibiotics help?
Answers:
Concern: Yeast Infection
Remedy: Garlic
Garlic is known to fight infection and stimulate the immune system.
How to use it: If the odor of garlic bothers you, try taking it in capsule form. If you are undaunted by garlic's pungent aroma, add more raw garlic to your diet. You can swallow a clove (cut it into pieces if a whole clove is too large to swallow), or mince it and sprinkle over salads, on toast or over pasta. Garlic can also be used internally ‑- make a suppository by wrapping a peeled clove in cheesecloth and tying it off with a piece of dental floss long enough to use as a string. Insert suppository before going to bed, and remove in the morning. Repeat until symptoms disappear.
Other remedies to consider:
Remedy: Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that are normally found in our digestive tract. Yeast infections often occur when the balance of good bacteria versus bad bacteria (such as yeast) has gotten out of whack. Taking extra probiotics, such as acidophilus, can help restore balance and get that yeast on the run.
How to use it: There are several ways to get probiotics. You can buy them in tablet form and take them as a daily supplement. Talk with a holistic ND or other health practitioner to determine the ultimate dosage based on your particular situation. You can also get probiotics from eating yogurt. Eating a cup of yogurt a day can reduce the number of yeast infections a woman will get.
What to watch out for: Sugar feeds yeast, and many yogurts are chock full of sugar. Stick to the plain variety ‑- if it's too tart for you, sweeten it with honey. Honey's natural antimicrobial properties will help the fight against yeast and not hinder it like typical white sugar will.
Eat organic, plain, yogurt with live/active bacterial culture.