YEAST INFECTION - CURES AND PREVENTION

Natural Relief - More Than Home Remedies

The yeast that cause yeast infections are normally kept under control by the "good bacteria" in our bodies. If you are taking antibiotics, many of the "good bacteria" may be killed, allowing the yeast to take over. This may also happen from using antibacterial soaps.

The yeast is also sometimes allowed to take over if the body's acidic/alkaline balance is upset. This imbalance can be caused by over-cleaning (alkaline douches, feminine hygiene sprays), the use of some spermicides, or by taking some medications (including antibiotics for an infection or some oral contraceptives).

Acidophilus creates "good bacteria." While taking antibiotics, you can prevent a yeast infection by eating three servings of acidophilus yogurt each day or by taking acidophilus supplements. Some available are: Acidophilus caplets, Children's Acidophilus chewable tablets, Acidophilus Strawberry Liquid, and Children's Acidophilus Powder. Continue this "treatment" during the ten days of medication and for two weeks afterward.

Increasing your daily intake of acidophilus yogurt at the first sign of a yeast infection may be enough to cure it - but be sure to continue until the symptoms have been gone for two weeks. You can use either yogurt or supplements continuously as prevention.

Direct application of diluted natural apple cider vinegar can relieve painful, itchy symptoms in one or two applications.

Wash your panties in hot water to be sure all of the germs are killed. Or, you can "cook" your clean panties in the microwave for a few minutes.

A yeast infection can be picked up by your husband, and he can give it back to you again and again. Condoms should be used until after the infection is totally gone. If your husband routinely passes a yeast infection back to you, he should go through the treatment with you.

Any panties you wear should be either all cotton or at least have a cotton crotch so moisture can escape.

Sleep with no panties at all so the area can really air out.

If you want to use powder to help keep the area dry, don't use cornstarch or any powder that contains cornstarch. Most studies show that yeast will increase when cornstarch is used.