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A viginal yeast infection is a big and common problem among women, but did you know that men can also get them? This is especially true for a man whose wife is suffering from one, since having sex will pass the infection back and forth. For a woman, however, the problem is a little trickier, since yeast thrives in a dark, moist environment. Simply put, a vaginal yeast infection is where yeast would consider it’s dream home!

Many women and men suffering from genital 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 of time and then the yeast comes back with a vengeance. In my experience, there are other, more effective ways to combat this insidious infection. There are a few effective natural remedies for yeast infection out there, and I will attempt to highlight some that have worked for most people.

Here are some natural yeast infection remedies that have worked:

Plain Yogurt

The beneficial bacteria in plain yogurt helps control yeast, and yogurt can be used both internally and externally. However, you should be sure you buy PLAIN UNSWEETENED yogurt. Since sugar feeds yeast, it’s like throwing gasoline on a fire…so this is a crucial point. You can also make your own, using a yogurt starter. It is pretty simple and the results are quite good. The advantage is that you can use other types of milk, such as soy or almond. Whether purchased or homemade, yogurt is a great thing to eat before meals because it provides “helpful bacteria” for your intestines to aid in digestion.

For a topical treatment, you can also dip a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it into your vagina or simply rub some on the outside. However, leaving it on for a prolonged period tends to have the opposite effect. It seems that once it has done its job, it is best to wipe it off or your viginal yeast infection symptom of ithching will be more intense due to the moisture.

Garlic

Yeast hates garlic, and yeast runs in terror when garlic’s around! This is one of the most effective yeast infection natural cures for instant relief. Inserting one garlic tab (such as Shaklee’s Garlic Tabs) or a garlic clove into the vagina every few hours or as needed provides soothing relief. If you use garlic tabs, be sure the ingredients are natural and pure. Shaklee garlic tabs are highly recommend for this purpose. Of course, garlic can be taken internally, as well. Again, the Shaklee garlic tabs work great.

Kyolic garlic tabs and liquid garlic also have shown good results against a viginal yeast infection. If you don’t mind the smell, you can press a whole garlic clove and drink it down quickly with water. This has been found to be very effective. Do it as often as necessary. Garlic is one of nature’s most amazing home yeast infection remedy that has a number of other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing bad cholesterol. It is a natural antibiotic.

Apple-Cider Vinegar

Apple-cider vinegar is very strong, so it is not recommended that you apply it directly on the skin. However, it has many health benefits(including aiding in weight loss) and can be used both internally and externally. It will kill the yeast, but it will burn like nothing you’ve ever felt! The best external application is to add about a cup of it into your bathwater and take a nice hot bath. This will feel very relaxing and soothing and will help temporarily. It is not as effective long-term as the garlic suppositories however. The type of vinegar that comes recommended is Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, with the Mother. It is important that it have the mother, as this is more natural and less processed. Never use plain, white vinegar! This actually feeds the yeast in a viginal yeast infection instead of killing it.

Water

In my opinion, this is one of the world’s most powerful secret remedies for ANY illness! I strongly believe that if we all drank the amount of water our bodies need, we would see a great reduction in all types of sicknesses. Most doctors say that we should drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily, but many people…especially those trying to overcome an illness should drink a glass a water for every hour they are awake. I have found that simply drinking enough water greatly reduces my likelihood for getting a genital yeast infection.

The idea behind drinking more water is that you will be urinating more frequently, so your body is able to flush out the sugars and other toxins. Be sure to drink water that is pure and free of chemicals. It is best to purchase some type of water filtration system, or a distiller. Be sure that regardless of what system you purchase, do your research first to be sure that it will be effective in its performance. If you do only one thing, drink more water. It’s easy, accessable, natural, and has no side effects!

Oil of Oregano

This is an amazing herb that’s very potent against yeast. Take it internally daily, according to directions. Be sure, also, that the type of oil you choose has a high carvacrol content, as this is the active ingredient…look for Oreganol Super Strength P73.

Probiotic bacteria supplement

A healthy body contains trillions of microoragnisms, most of which reside in the colon. Their main function is to provide balance for less-desirable organisms (such as yeast). Using a quality probiotic bacteria supplement to help maintain these probiotics and prebiotics in the intestines is smart decision when trying to overcome a vaginal yeast infection.

Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Organic Coconut oil is also one of the best remedies around for a viginal yeast infection. It has a medium-chain fatty acid known as caprylic acid. Caprylic acid has been used for some time as a yeast infection home treatment. It’s a good idea to have coconut oil in your diet all the time.

Caprylic acid is not the only active ingredient in coconut oil, there are three active ingredients. They are, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. These are medium-chain saturated fatty acids. You can find studies about these fatty acids and how each one of them is able to kill Candida albicans(yeast) by researching them online. There are some studies that also show how coconut oil is more effective than prescription drugs.

Here are some things to avoid when fighting a genital yeast infection:

Birth Control Pills— Birth control pills weaken the immune system, making you more succeptable to a viginal yeast infection.

Taking antibiotics— Antibiotics kill the good bacteria that keeps yeast under control, and and it lowers the immune system.

Douching— Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Feminine deodorants— These can be very irritating to anyone, especially those with a genital yeast infection.

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 overgrowth.

Tight fitting cloting— Tight clothing in the crotch area also creates a warm environment for yeast to grow.

A wet bathing suit— Sitting in a wet bathing suit for a prolonged period creates not only a warm environment, but a moist one, as well. Perfect for yeast growth!

Pantyhose— Tight, man-made fiber that also allows yeast to flourish and overgrow.

Foods that feed yeast— sugar, yeast, refined foods (such as white flour), alcohol and other foods listed on this natural yeast infection remedies site.

If you need more help, check out these other tips to help rid yourself of a genital yeast infection for good.