Yeast Infections: Causes and Natural Remedies


You know that itching, burning feeling and discolored discharge all too well. Yup, you’ve coming down with another yeast infection. The struggle is real, and it is a common one many people experience. For example, approximately 75% of women get a vaginal yeast infection once in their life. But maybe you’re experiencing these symptoms elsewhere on the body or maybe you don’t even have a vagina. There are various types of yeast infections that can cause those uncomfortable symptoms in your skin folds, such as your armpits and groin, and even in your mouth. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective natural remedies you can use to keep yeast at bay to treat and prevent them altogether.

yeast infection natural remedies

What is a Yeast Infection?

It’s entirely normal to have some amount of yeast in the body, as it’s a type of fungus naturally found on your skin, in your digestive system and for women, in the vagina. Your body’s bacteria and immune system usually keep it in check, causing no problem at all. However, when there is an overgrowth of yeast, also known as candida, an infection can occur. These typically happen in the warm and moist areas of the body, such as the mouth, gut or in skin folds like your armpits and groin, producing a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, burning, and abnormal discharge. These symptoms aren’t usually dangerous but they can cause problems in other parts of the body if the yeast gets into the bloodstream.

There are also different types of yeast infections, depending on where the symptoms and infection is located. For example, some of the more common types are:

  • Topical Yeast Infections: when yeast grows excessively on the skin, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, or scaly patches. These symptoms often occur in areas of the body that are warm and moist, such as skin folds, under the breasts, near the groin, the armpits, or between the fingers and toes.
  • Vaginal Yeast Infections: a type of yeast infection that occurs in the vagina and that produces uncomfortable itching, burning and thick discharge.
  • Nail Fungus: an overgrowth of candida that candida that affects the nails, causing nail infections. Some common symptoms experienced with this type of yeast infection include discolored toenails or fingernails, brittle nails or nails that easily break or crumble. In some cases, the nails can thicken and become difficult to trim.
  • Oral thrush: a type of yeast infection that occurs in the mouth or throat, creating white, bumpy patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat, which can be painful and may even bleed. In some cases, thrush can cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. It’s most common in babies, older adults and people with a weakened immune system.
  • UTI: a type of urinary tract infection that is caused by yeast overgrowth, instead of E.coli. It produces uncomfortable symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate. A burning sensation when peeing, pain in the lower abdomen, or cloudy, dark urine.
  • Genital Yeast Infections in Men: this type of yeast infection is exceptionally rare and may occur if a male has sexual intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection. It can cause redness, burning, itchy, white patches and white blisters on the skin of the penis, and the head of the penis may become inflamed.
  • Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth: a type of yeast infection that causes bloating, indigestion, nausea and diarrhea.
  • Invasive Candidias: this is when candida spreads into the bloodstream, a rare and potentially fatal type of yeast infection.

Common Causes of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are quite common and typically, they don’t present any dangerous threat other than making you feel incredibly uncomfortable. Most women (75%) will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime. But why are these infections so common? Well, it comes down to an imbalance in your microbiome, which allows the yeast to grow out of control. However, there are various factors that may disrupt your microbiome and make you more susceptible to coming down with these itchy, burning, uncomfortable infections.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential causes and risk factors, so you can reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection in the future.

  • Diabetes
  • A diet high in sugar and carbs
  • Pregnancy
  • Medication, such as birth control pills, antibiotics and steroids
  • Immune-suppressing diseases, such as lupus, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Excessive stress
  • A lack of sleep
  • Douching
  • Poor hygiene – vaginally, oral, topical, etc.
  • Clothing that traps in warmth and moisture
  • Being sexually active

Additionally, certain people tend to be at higher risk of getting a yeast infection such as infants, people on antibiotics, people undergoing cancer treatment, people who wear dentures and people with a weakened immune system.

Natural Remedies for Fighting Off Yeast Infections

Save on the trip to the doctor because. While it’s important to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing frequent or prolonged yeast infection, there are all kinds of effective remedies that can prevent and fight off all type infections. So, whether you feel the onset of itching, burning symptoms or want to make sure you never have to deal with them again, here are some of the best, most effective natural remedies for yeast infections.

Start Taking a Probiotic

Since yeast infections are caused by an imbalance in your microbiome, taking a probiotic can help maintain a healthy gut and non-disruptive yeast levels. This is a particularly helpful natural remedy if you’re prone to yeast infections or are currently taking antibiotics, as probiotics contain Lactobacillus strains that can help fight off candida.

Improve Your Personal Hygiene

Taking care of your skin, nails, and oral hygiene is important to prevent candida infections. Some helpful tips are to keep your skin clean and dry to prevent candida from growing on your skin, regular clean and trim your nails, avoid sharing nail clippers with others and of course, take regular showers. For a healthy mouth, brush your teeth twice a day, replace your toothbrush regularly, and clean any toys or pacifiers your baby uses. Regular dental checkups are also important, especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures.

To maintain healthy vaginal hygiene, it’s best to avoid using vaginal washes or douches, even if they claim to be “pH balanced” or “gynecologist approved.” These products can actually disrupt the natural chemistry and pH balance of the vagina, which can ultimately lead to infections. Your vagina is designed to clean itself, so regular showers with gentle, non-fragrance products are usually sufficient.

Limit Your Use of Hot Tubs and Long Baths

If you’re prone to reoccurring yeast infections, try to avoid staying in hot tubs or warm baths for long periods of time. These can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Put Effort Into Your Clothing

The clothes you wear can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing yeast infections, as certain fabrics, such as nylon, trap in warmth and moisture and can encourage yeast to grow. When possible, opt for cotton or silk underwear that absorb moisture to keep moisture at bay and prevent the growth of yeast,

Additionally, change out of your workout clothes or wet bathing suit as soon as possible can help prevent moisture buildup and yeast growth.

Try The Candida Cleanse Diet

Some holistic practitioners suggest using a candida cleanse diet, which involves eliminating certain foods from your diet like sugar, dairy, gluten, refined carbs, alcohol, and caffeine, that may promote candida overgrowth. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this approach, it can never hurt to adopt a healthier diet with fewer processed foods and added sugars as this can have many positive effects on your overall health and well-being.

Execute These Insider Secrets

Sometimes you only need to make a few simple changes or treat yourself to an at-home spa treatment to fight off candida overgrowth. Here are some quick tips that will have you treating yeast infections like a pro:

These tips and natural remedies should provide you with the relief and treatment you’re looking for when combating a yeast infection. However, remember to always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions, as they can provide you with personalized advice based on your specific health needs.

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