Yeast infections are most commonly found in women; more likely as vaginal infections. The nature of the infection plays a great role in choosing its treatment. Mild yeast infections can be cured with the help of home remedies. Then there are the severe ones which might need medical attention. Severe yeast infections can often turn worse with the passage of time.
To cure any sort of yeast infection, you must first determine its nature. There are multiple forms of yeast infections. There’s also an age of treatment for every yeast infection. If the infection crosses its treatment age it could get worse and may require medical intervention.
What is Candida?
Candida is one of the major causes of fungal overgrowth in the human body. It is a kind of yeast. In the human body, Candida is present in more than 100 forms. There’s a normal amount of candida that is certainly present inside each human at all times. The trouble begins when Candida begins to overgrow, getting out of control and taxing our healthy bodily functions.
Although the immune system and antibodies in the human body tend to control this infection, by all means, there are a lot of cases where candida overgrowth abnormality occurs. The most common one present is Candida Albicans.
Candida is a type of Fungus. And being a member of the Fungi family it likes to grow in warm and moist places. The sensitive parts of the human body are the ones highly prone to yeast infections. Such as armpits, under breasts, mouth and other oral parts, in the genital or vaginal area, etc.
Types of Yeast Infections:
To find a cure, you must first get to know the disease. There are over 20 sorts of yeasts that can cause harm to the human body. The residing point of this sort of virulent infection is either the skin, intestinal tract or mucous membranes.
The 20 types of infections are all under the category of Yeast. Here we will discuss the most mainstream types.
Candida Yeast- Topical Infection:
Candida is the most common form of yeast found in almost every fungal overgrowth on the human body. Candida has over 100 forms. The common symptoms of Candida in humans are; red rash, swelling, itching and scaly patches. It develops in moist areas; underarms, fingers, toes, under the chest, etc.
Nail Infections:
Many types of fungi can cause your nails to rot, turn yellow, crumble, etc. Debris is formed under the nails of both hands and feet. The nails, in turn, become very hard to cut or trim due to the thickness. These infections are usually painless. Toe and fingernails infections are caused by Candida and various other fungi.
Oral Infections- Thrush:
Candida can cause oral infection such as mouth fungal infection which is also called thrush. The symptoms of this infection include white patches in the mouth, the throat may bleed at contact and can be very painful. It occurs in people of all age that have weaker immune systems.
Vaginal Yeast Infections:
These infections are common in very 50/100 women worldwide. Sometimes the treatment can get rather aggressive because the candida is not eradicated properly by just a single antibiotic. The symptoms of these kinds of vaginal infections are itching, burning, thick, white discharge and rashes.
Urinary Tract Yeast Infections:
E.coil bacteria is one of the main causes of UTIs. Apart from that, Candida is also one of the main causes of yeast infections in the urinary tract. The symptoms include; frequent urge to urinate, dark or cloudy urine, abdominal pain in the lower side, etc.
Genital Yeast Infections (in males):
This infection is found in males but is transferred from a female partner. This infection is an espouse of the vaginal yeast infection- commonly found in women. There may be no symptoms at all for this disease but the most common ones are white patches, inflammation of the head of the rear area, redness, itching, etc.
Small Intestine Fungal Growth:
The majority of people suffer from gastrointestinal problems. A lot is left undiagnosed. These may be due to the small intestinal fungal growth. The symptoms of SIFO are gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, etc.
Invasive Candidiasis:
Invasive candidiasis basically means the spreading of candida throughout the bloodstream. The category of people with the weakest working immune systems are highly prone to getting this disease. This infection has the highest rate of constantly persisting, even after heavy drug dosages. The chances are unlikely that this infection cures with the use of a single medication course. Invasive Candidiasis is detected by a urine test.
Resistant Candida:
There’s a type of Candida Yeast that does not cure with the usage of medication. This kind is highly drug-resistant. Resistant candida may either be bacteria or fungus. People with a medical history of high usage of antifungals or antibiotics are more likely to be prone to this condition. These candida strains are discovered to be spreading from skin contact.
What is a probiotic?
A probiotic is a collection of “live cultures”. Live cultures literally mean microorganisms. Taking a probiotic basically means introducing a group of microorganisms in your body that will fight against fungal or yeast infections. Friendly bacteria prefer a slightly acidic environment which is opposite to what Candida and other funguses prefer which is an alkaline environment. These friendly microorganisms benefit your body in a variety of ways, including the fight against yeast or fungal infections, boosting immunity, improving digestion and mental health.
Best Probiotics for Yeast Infections:
We’ve concluded a list of helpful probiotics that will aid you in getting rid of your yeast infection. But beware, do not use these medications unless you have consulted a physician or medical authority.
The best probiotics that help to eradicate fungal and bacterial candida from the body are:
1- CandiSmart:
CandiSmart has to be one of my favorite products to get rid of yeast infections. I myself have received lots of positive feedback from customers on the Whole Foods Market sales floor. They raved how it was one of the few products that actually worked for their yeast infections.
CandiSmart is a product made to get rid of candida, fungus and microbes. It contains specially selected herbs and natural ingredients to support vaginal PH balance, intestinal yeast balance and urinary tract health. Helping you feel lighter, brighter and more energized.
Candida is a form of yeast that lives in the body naturally. However, an overgrowth can cause unpleasant symptoms like vaginal itching or burning, pain during sex, fatigue or depression. This dietary supplement promotes healthy levels of good bacteria in your gut while supporting urinary tract health for women with recurrent UTI’s (urinary tract infections).
CandiSmart is formulated with a blend of botanicals including Oregano Oil, Olive Leaf, Neem Leaf, Clove, Orange Peel, Uva Ursi Leaf, Caprylic Acid, Garlic, Pau D’Arco, Cinnamon and Oregon Grape. (I would add a probiotic for best results).
This witty combination helps to fight off harmful microbes such as candida albicans (vaginal thrush), E coli and salmonella which can be responsible for recurring UTI’s. The formula also includes cranberry extract to promote bladder health by preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall so it doesn’t stick around causing infection!
Pros:
- Most complete formula.
- Most likely to work.
- Tons of positive feedback
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
- 2 different bottles (Inconvenient)
2- Probiotic Yogurt:
Probiotic yogurt is a special kind of yogurt that contains live probiotic strains which fight against the fungal and yeast infections in your body. Some of these yogurts are designed essentially sugar-free, hence, can be used by a person with diabetes.
Probiotic yogurt can also be the cup of plain yogurt present at your homes. This sort of home remedy helps restrain mild yeast infections in your body. The yogurt has to be sugar-free. There shall be no additional components added to it. And the yogurt does not have to be necessarily very fresh.
Other than that, you may also find probiotic yogurt in grocery stores. Do keep in mind that this sort of medication does not prove to be very efficient against severe infections, hence, you might have to lean towards stronger supplements or medications, you might even have to get in touch with a doctor for support.
But, you obviously should not dismiss any sort of remedy without having a look at its benefits and disadvantages. Here is a list of some good yogurt brands: Chobani, Stonyfield, Siggi’s, Silk, Fage, La Fermière and Oikos
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Best for mild infections.
- Can be used by everyone.
- Home remedy.
- Extreme relief.
- Easy dosage.
- Can be made at home with a starter kit.
Cons:
- The unflavored version can have a sour taste.
- Most flavored versions can be high in sugar.
3- Vaginal Care by Garden Of Life:
One of the very best and most useful probiotics for vaginal infections is this product. The product is manufactured by the company “Garden OF Life”. With years of experience and several test studies, this company has managed to create a very highly effective dosage against vaginal infections in women.
1 out of 2 women have suffered from this kind of infection in the early or late stages of their life, most likely before they turn fifty years old. This kind of Candida is one of the most common ones with the highest number of existing cases. This infection can be passed on to male partners, giving them genital yeast infections.
The ingredients used in this product are all high quality and easily digestible with very little to almost no side effects. This medication may also eradicate any harmful bacteria or fungus present in a female’s urinary tract. Hence, after the use of this medicine, your body can emerge in better health and harmony with a totally balanced private area.
This medication not only cures your infections but also improves your digestive system and immune function. This all natural supplement is less great at preventing any further infections or side effects. Hence, you remain totally in control of your body and infection-free.
But before you decide to buy this product, please thoroughly consider its pros and cons and try to consult a qualified doctor or your preferred specialist.
Pros:
- High quality.
- Enhances immune system.
- Healthy digestive tract.
- Eradicates further bacterial/fungal infections.
- Least chances of side effects.
Cons:
- Heavy dosage.
- Daily administration.
4- Lactobacillus Reuteri:
This is a kind of friendly bacteria that gives benefit to the human body by eradicating the harmful bacteria from it. Taking a probiotic means introducing different bacteria into your body to eradicate the present harmful bacteria from it. Lactobacillus reuteri is commonly referred to as L. reuteri. It is a type of lactic acid bacterial strain that are injected or taken by dosage in the human body that in turn, give it a lot of benefits. L. reuteri is proven to work efficiently against bacterial infections in the human body.
This culture has been studied multiple times on multiple subjects and has been proven more beneficial than harmful. This bacterial strain resides in people’s gut and mouth. Hence, it will help you ward off most urinary and other harmful intestinal bacterial or fungal yeast infections.
Sometimes our body’s immune system including our antibodies are unable to fight against highly resistant bacteria, so we introduce other kinds of bacteria to eliminate these threats. The positive effects of these friendly bacteria include relief from diarrhea, enhanced gut performance, immune modulation, better bowel movements, etc.
Pros:
- Prevents Candida overgrowth.
- Beneficial for the human body
- Eradicates harmful bacteria.
- Enhances immune system.
- Clear intestinal tract from harmful components.
- Makes digestion processes better.
- Resides in the intestinal tract and vagina.
Cons:
- New culture introduced in the body.
5- Health Harmony’s Candida Cleanse:
Solaray’s Yeast-Cleanse has all of the essentials needed to eliminate harmful infections from your body.
It’s a one of kind formula that aims to support the body in cleansing and getting rid of yeast.
It contains caprylic acid, which may help gently break down yeast cells for healthy elimination.
Yeast-Cleanse also includes pau D’arco, tea tree oil grapefruit extract and garlic–all ingredients
designed to promote detoxification by supporting liver function as well as kidney health among other
things; additionally it contains Zinc which helps boost your immune system by interfering with how
viruses replicate.
This unique blend provides all natural relief from symptoms associated with candida overgrowth including bloating, gas & constipation while promoting gut healing.*
You should know that yeast infections can be rather severe if left unattended for a long time. We know that most yeast infections are either candida or related to it. Hence, to eliminate that the overgrowth of yeast, you need to try Yeast-Cleanse by Solaray.
Pros:
- Complete cleanse of candida.
- Prevents Candida overgrowth.
- Beneficial for the human body.
- Great laboratory
- Contains Tea Tree oil, Pau D’Arco, Caprylic Acid.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Maybe an allergic for some people.
- Cannot be taken if on medication before consulting a physician.
6- Intimate Rose Probiotics: Flora Bloom
Intimate rose is a very well-reputed company. This company specializes in creating medications that are excellent for diseases most commonly found in women. With a large amount of positive testing and exclusive feedbacks, it has created a product to fight yeast infections that are more likely found in women.
The probiotics offered by Intimate Rose are all live cultures laboratory tested for working efficiently on the female body without having any major side effects. No health alternation was noted during the test. This product works hard to eliminate harmful bacteria from your urinary tract as it contains Cranberry, D-Mannose, Polydextrose, Proprietary Blend of the following: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
This medicine is best for perfect vaginal health. In women, the most common yeast infections are all vaginal and very hard to eliminate. Hence, this medication gives you proper relief from any sort of vaginal or intestinal yeast infection your body may be suffering from.
Intimate rose uses the least amount of inorganic material for their product. Hence, by using these medications, you will notice a very prominent change in your immune system. The medicine not only benefits your infected areas but also increases your resistance power against various other bacterial infections and eliminates the chances of further infections occurring.
Pros:
- Pregnant women can also use this product.
- No side effects.
- Very easily digestible.
- Introduces useful organisms inside the body.
- More of an organic product.
Cons:
- Cannot be used by men.
- Expensive.
7- Kefir:
Kefir is another remedy to reduce harmful bacteria from the human body. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that can nowadays be made from any type of milk . Kefir is traditionally made by culturing milk with kefir grains, which contain a mix of probiotic bacteria and healthy yeasts. Kefir basically provides your body with the type of bacteria that is essential for fermentation in the body.
Harmful strains of Candida are eradicated in the body by the element of probiotic bacteria and healthy yeasts. It doesn’t matter if you are lactose intolerant. Kefir can be tolerated by almost everyone. You don’t have to be a specific type of person to drink kefir milk. Another great option is to make Kefir at home by purchasing a starter kit
Pros:
- A form of milk.
- Can be bought easily.
- Organic with live culture.
- Removes harmful yeast substances from the body.
- Can be taken by people of all metabolic types.
Cons:
- Bitter taste.
- Some people have difficulty for being lactose-intolerant.
8- Kombucha:
Who doesn’t love tea? A kombucha is a form of fermented black and green tea that is beneficial against yeast infections. Apart from other remedies taken at home, kombucha can also be made and taken at home. It may taste funny but there have been heavier arguments about Kombucha being one of the best remedies for yeast infections.
Kombucha has a layer of lactic acid bacteria that proves fruitful against yeast infections. The layer of bacteria and acid is formed at the top of the drink, very much like the fermentation processes that turn the milk into yogurt.
Kombucha has a lot of benefits for the human body. Not only does it help you lose weight, but it also increases your body’s immunity. It can also decrease your chances of getting heart diseases and high blood pressure.
Kombucha also includes a number of probiotics that help stop diarrhea and IBS. it also has antioxidants that maintain blood sugar levels.
Pros:
- Drink cold tea.
- Home remedy.
- Very beneficial for the human body.
- Heightened immune systems.
- Balanced sugar levels.
- Eliminates yeast infections.
Cons:
- Includes a tiny bit of alcohol.
- May be bitter in taste.
9- Acidophilus:
Acidophilus is a very friendly bacteria highly familiar to our bodies. It is already present in the urinary tract and intestines. The main purpose of this bacteria is to fight against harmful infections that may occur in the human body and also promotes proper digestion. This bacteria is also helpful against yeast infections.
Acidophilus is normally present in many herbal antibiotics. It is very effective against yeast infections because it contains acids. The main purpose of acidophilus is to maintain an acidic environment in your body. It regulates the acids in the stomach, intestines, and vagina to destroy harmful bacteria or fungi.
Acidophilus should not be overdosed with or taken without necessary precautions unless prescribed by the doctor. You may have zero clues how this medicine will affect your health or your body but know that Acidophilus has been used by the human race for a very long time. It is known to be a very strong agent against harmful microorganisms and it can improve your health greatly.
Pros:
- Familiar to the body.
- Excellent killer of yeast.
- Maintains acidic conditions in the body where acid is needed.
- Helps with regularity.
- Helps maintain acids in the intestines.
- Component of many herbal medicines.
- Naturally present in the body.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Can be taken as a supplement.
Cons:
- Cannot be taken in a large amount.
- May increase acid concentrations too much.
10- Vagisil Maximum Strength – Instant Anti-Itch Vaginal Cream:
One of the best ways for women to take relief from the yeast infection on external parts is to try the vaginal cream. This cream has the tendency to eliminate pain, itch, rashes and scales that may occur due to severe yeast infections. It can also promote soothing of the skin.
As yeast infections are most common in women, many women have experienced much relief from using an external agent for mild and severe yeast infections. As internal agents- antibiotics may take a lot of time to properly adjust and destroy the infection. What external creams do is to make sure the outside area that has been tearing apart from the bad itch, will be treated in a matter of days.
The best cream recommended by most women is the Vagisil Maximum Strength. It gives a very instant relief; a cooling sensation on the area. If used properly the infection can become less severe where localized.
Pros:
- Gives instant relief.
- Can be applied as much as needed.
- Removes scaly patches.
- Eliminates skin redness.
- Removes rashes from the skin.
- Gives a cooling effect.
- Soothes the skin.
- Does not require a lot of applications.
- Recovery within days.
- Can be bought easily on Amazon or over the counter.
- Contains vitamin A,D,E.
Cons:
- Consult a doctor before use although it’s sold over the counter.
- May be expensive.
- Only for women.
11- Lotrimin Ultra Anti-fungal Jock Itch Cream:
Although yeast infections are very less common in men, there are multiple remedies for them to try. Yeast infection in men is almost always transferred from a woman partner with Candida. The infection may occur at the groin and may be very complicated to eliminate. The effect may prove to be long-lasting and difficult to survive.
For that purpose, experts have created the Lotrimin Ultra Anti-fungal Jock Itch Cream. It can be applied to the infected area and will give you instant relief in a matter of days. The cream can also be easily bought online or at retail stores.
Pros:
- Instant relief.
- Removes any unwanted affected skin.
- Soothes and recovers skin.
Cons:
- May be expensive.
- Cannot be used by females.
Conclusion:
There are a lot of probiotics out there in form of heavy medications and people always reckon natural ingredients as the last resort. Despite making natural and organic materials the last resort, you must use them from the beginning to completely eradicate chances of further infections in the human body.
Probiotics can be found in fermentation. Fermented food components are likely to be present in almost every home. Hence, you should always try taking useful materials from the start rather harmful medications that come with loads of side effects. And before trying any medication, be certain to consult your doctor or a responsible and qualified specialist.
FAQs:
1- What is a microbiome?
A microbiome is a combination of different microorganisms found particularly residing in an environment like that of a human body. It is not just a single microorganism but the combination of all microorganisms present inside the human body are known as a microbiome. Microbiomes are also introduced inside the body through medication to fight various diseases. There is a new procedure called Fecal Transplant where actual feces from a healthy and robust individual is transplanted into another person via a suppository like mechanism. This has produced wonderful healthy effects for the person receiving the fecal transplant.
2- Can you cut down carbs to help cure yeast infections?
Yes, cutting down on carbs and sweets can play a major role in preventing fungal infections from happening inside the body. However, there are also medications and supplements to balance sugar levels.
3- Will a change in diet help cure yeast infections?
Introducing fermented milk and yogurt into your diet will be a big benefit for your body. You can easily fight off mild infections by eating plain fermented dairy products like probiotics. They may be sour but extremely useful. A reduction in the consumption of sugar and carbohydrates will go a long way to minimize the rate at which yeast multiplies. Diet is a huge component in deciding how well the probiotics and yeast cleanses work.
4- Are natural forms of probiotics best for Candida?
Yes, natural forms of probiotics prove to be the best for candida as they are less likely to cause side effects in the human body and they enhance your immune system as well. Not only that, but natural forms of probiotics also work for your digestion and urinary tract giving you full relief from the painful and stressful conditions of severe yeast infections.
5- Can I combine more than 1 product?
Well, it depends on which products you are trying to combine. Let me explain: As a rule, you can combine most yeast cleanses with most probiotics. As a matter of fact, you will most likely get more favorable results by combining both products. I’ve personally seen people get a better outcome by combining a yeast cleanse with a high quality probiotic.