Cures for Yeast

An overgrowth of yeast in the body can manifest in many undesirable ways. In cases where yeast reproduces out of control, a symptomatic mouth infection called thrush may occur, in combination with intestinal upsets. For women, a vaginal yeast infection occurs as a result. Although prescription medicine is available, taking natural steps to reduce the amount of yeast in the body will help to prevent it from coming back.

Causes of Yeast Overgrowth

• Candida albicans is a kind of yeast that lives naturally inside the digestive and genital tracts. However, there are other types of helpful bacteria present that have to compete with yeast for food when there is too much yeast in the body. The yeast begins to attack these "friendly bacteria," and uncomfortable symptoms are experienced as a result.

  When prescription antibiotics are taken to help heal an illness, a result is that the amount of good bacteria in the body becomes diminished. This gives yeast a stronghold and may cause intestinal discomfort in both sexes and vaginal yeast infections in women. Too much yeast may manifest in men as athlete's foot and jock itch.

  A yeast overgrowth known as candidiasis also has a tendency to occur in those with suppressed immunity such as those fighting cancer or AIDS.

  Eating too much sugar may cause or worsen an overgrowth of yeast. This is because yeast feeds on sugar. Whenever taking a course of antibiotics or if a yeast infection is suspected, eliminating sugar is an important step to take to minimize the problem.

Standard Medicinal Options

• Upon diagnosis, a physician will often prescribe Diflucan to a woman who has a yeast infection. This is one small pill that works over several days to kill the yeast. Although this sounds like an easy solution, this can often tip the scales in the other direction, causing an overgrowth of another type of bacteria that may cause bacterial vaginosis.

  Women who have a yeast infection often choose an over-the-counter topical medication such as Miconazole. The plus side is that this often helps bring quick relief from symptoms. The drawback is that over-the-counter medications are often expensive and require several days of internal use before the yeast infection is cured.

Curing Yeast Holistically

• Dr. Andrew Weil recommends taking acidophilus culture after meals and eating raw garlic daily as it acts as a natural antifungal agent. He also recommends treating the yeast infection topically by inserting one tablespoon of liquid acidophilus culture directly into the vagina with a rubber bulb syringe. A solution of tea tree oil and water used as a douche may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

  Phyllis A. Balch, who wrote "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," says women should wear only white cotton underwear, as synthetic fibers are known to increase perspiration and trap bacteria. She also recommends stopping the use of oral contraceptives until the condition clears up, as they can upset the balance of microorganisms in the body.

  To cure yeast, the diet should be free of sugar, fruit, baked goods and alcohol. Eating yogurt, vegetables, fish and gluten-free grains will give the body the support it needs to balance itself naturally.