4 Natural Health Treatments For Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida Albicans. Candida is not generally recognized by the medical establishment as a problem, because it occurs naturally in our bodies. If the Candida in a body starts to grow beyond what is a good balance for the body, problems start. Common symptoms of yeast infections include severe itching, large amounts of white discharge from the vagina, and soreness and redness around the vagina. There are many factors that can contribute to the onset of a yeast infection. These include pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives or IUDs, diabetes, treatment with antibiotics, nutritional deficiencies, and poor hygiene. Yeast infections are no fun, but here are a few, simple and natural ways to treat and/or prevent yeast infections from happening.

1. Take a salt and white vinegar bath soak. Fill the tub with about six inches of warm water (enough to cover your infected area) and add 1/2 cup regular table salt and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Use your hand to mix the water to make sure the salt has dissolved and moved around. You don't want to sit on the salt pile. Sit in the water for about 15 minutes, making sure your knees are apart. The salt matches your natural saline level of your body while the vinegar helps to re-balance your pH level.

2. Supplementation of good bacteria is highly recommended. Good bacteria are called probiotics. Take at least Acidophilus and Bifidus. However, this is a relatively new science and there are many other species that can also help. Note that there is an enormous variation in the effectiveness of the different probiotics available.

3. Tea tree oil can help to fight infection. Vitamins should be supplemented in the diet for counteracting the infection. The common vitamins are Vitamin-A, Vitamin-B complex and Vitamin-C. Vitamin A can potentially aid in vaginal healing. B-complex deficiency has been linked to yeast infections. Vitamin C may help to improve immune function. Minerals such as Zinc may help to boost immunity and promote healing.

4. Flavoring your foods with garlic powder also helps to get rid of a yeast infection. Garlic not only boosts immunity, but it also acts as an antibacterial and an antifungal.