Natural Help for Battling Yeast Overgrowth

Candida has to be one of the worst conditions of all time, causing women all over the world to suffer. While Candida isn't limited to just women, a majority of the time it does manifest itself as a yeast infection. So, for all of the women out there who have suffered, this article is written with you in mind from a yeast infection sufferer.

Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast overgrowth can occur in a warm, moist environment, hence the reason in women it turns into what is called a "yeast infection". This infection can cause horrible itching, burning, and can come on suddenly, or symptoms may become noticeable over the course of a two or three days. However, keep in mind that similar symptoms can occur if you have a urinary tract infection, so it is best to get checked by your doctor so you know for sure. These two conditions have two very different types of treatment.

Yeast overgrowth can also occur in the digestive tract, and what an odd place to show up. Although, I can tell you first-hand I had a yeast infection in my esophagus last year. The symptoms are not the same at all, but one thing I did have was a severely dry mouth and tongue. The yeast in this case was discovered by having endoscopy done, which was being done to check for ulcers and nothing more. In the process, the gastroenterologist found the yeast and was able to treat that too.

How to Stop Yeast Overgrowth Naturally

Yeast can be hard to battle naturally once it is out of control. Yeast is pesky, and when discovered in the intestinal tract, dramatic changes need to be made. In my case, I was still given a prescription called Diflucan, which can be given for that as well as vaginal yeast infections. If this happens to you, you will want to ask your doctor what they see as the best course of treatment for you specifically.

According to Dr. Stephen Martin, of Ohio Gastroenterology and Liver Institute, yeast in the intestinal tract can be modified with diet. Cutting back on caffeine and sugar are really the best two things to start with. Taking in more fiber is key, and drinking plenty of water is also helpful. Eventually, going to no starches no sugar, or really limiting those is very helpful. In fact, those who have bad sinus infections will find that when cutting back on these things, sinus problems will be reduced dramatically. Yeast can aggravate your respiratory function, and reducing these can make things easier for your body.

Natural cures include using raw apple cider vinegar daily, and taking probiotic. The raw apple cider vinegar with the mother, has been known to inhibit yeast growth. I had read about this after a horrible bout with yeast infections, and it worked great. In fact, I also discovered that it worked while treating the infection too, it wasn't just a preventative. I was so thankful to find this after years of grief. I followed just simply course of three teaspoons a day, or rather one before each meal. Raw apple cider vinegar has multiple health benefits, so I was thrilled to find that I could use this and "kill two birds with one stone", so to speak!

Probiotics like Acidophilis Bifidus is very helpful, because it helps to balance the natural bacteria in your digestive tract. This is readily available at health food stores, and many other grocery stores that have a natural food section carry this too. The "Acidophilus Pearls" work great, and one a day is all you need. When I tried this combination, the benefits were even more astounding, leaving me one happy camper!

Stephen Martin, M.D.

Gastroenterologist

Ohio Gastroenterology and Liver Institute