Simple Steps to Treat a Yeast Infection Naturally

1. Do you eat sugar, or are you diabetic? (yeast thrives on sugar.)
2. Are you wearing synthetic panty hose or panties without a cotton crotch?
3. Do you wash your vagina with soap? (Soap can irritate the tissues. In most cases only water and a washcloth are necessary.)
4. Do you have a depressed immune function due to an illness or unhealthy lifestyle? (Eating junk food or inadequate sleep, etc.)
5. Are you taking antibiotics (which kill healthy flora), steroids or birth control pills (which adversely affect the pH of the vagina)?
6. Are you pregnant?
7. Have you ruled out food, pollen, detergent or semen allergies with a medical practitioner trained in allergies?
8. Are you sexually active? (Sexual intercourse is contraindicated while you are infected as you may pass the yeast to your partner and continue to pass it back and forth.)

1. You must eat a healthy, low-sugar, low-grain diet.  Here is a link to summary of diet
2. You will want to increase your probiotic intake by taking acidophilus or eating cultured foods because these contain the good bacteria that keep your vagina and gastrointestinal tract healthy This is especially important if you are taking antibiotics.  Good cultured foods are plain organic yogurt and miso. Dr Jill recommends Prothera Ther-Biotic Complete
3. Other dietary considerations include avoidance of all simple sugars, dairy (except if cultured), alcohol, cheeses, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and all suspected food allergens as all these will exacerbate yeast.

1. Inserting one Boric acid powder capsule morning and evening for five to seven days for an acute infection, and 14 to 30 days for a chronic infection.  Dr Jill recommends Vitanica Yeast Arrest suppositories.  Studies show the effectiveness of Boric acid is very high especially in women with chronic resistant yeast infections.
2. Try using garlic clove intravaginally daily for 3-5 days – attach to string so that it is easily removable.  You may also use garlic tabs orally from a pure and reputable source
3. Soak in warm bath made with 3-4 cups of epsom salt and Pau D’ Arco tea bags.  The wet tea bags may also be used as warm compress for irritated vaginal mucosa or fissures.
4.  Try adding oral coconut oil (MCT oil), Caprylic acid capsules, Oregano capsules or Undecylenic Acid – one of nature’s most powerful antifungals.

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 suceptable to yeast.
• Taking antibiotics
• Douching – Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
• Feminine deodorants – These can be very irritating to those with yeast infections.
• Non-cotton underwear – Any underwear made of man-made fibers is not breathable, as cotton is. They trap moisture and heat, creating a perfect environment for yeast.
• Tight clothing, such as pantyhose
• Sitting in a wet bathing suit for a prolonged period – This creates not only a warm environment, but a moist one, as well. Perfect for yeast growth

1. Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terconazole suppository creams available over-the-counter or by prescription.
2. Nystatin orally by prescription
3. Fluconazole orally also by prescription

I have been able to treat many of my female patients with the natural herbal remedies successfully but I also frequently use pharmaceutical medications when needed.  The best way to prevent and treat yeast infections is to eat a healthy, low-sugar, low-grain diet, eat cultured foods, avoid the high-risk behaviors described above.

Photos from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net