Yeast infections are a common and annoying problem that often forces people to seek medical attention. The fungus, Candida albicans, is the culprit of this infection. Yeast infections are the result of an imbalance of the body’s acid levels, antibiotic use, diet, diabetes and environmental factors. Knowing home remedies, including using yogurt for yeast infection, is the perfect way to deal with this common infection.

Yogurt for Yeast Infection

1. Why is yogurt effective in treating yeast infection?

Yogurt is an effective and potent natural approach for treating yeast infections. When the normal acidic balance is upset (pH), yeast thrives and grows. Yeast and bacteria do not like acid and restoring this natural balance is one of the mechanisms by which yogurt works.

The natural bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, is friendly to the body and found inside the intestinal tract and vagina. This bacteria interacts with sugar found in the diet and actually attacks the yeast. The bacterial action on sugar generates hydrogen peroxide through the chemical process known as fermentation.

So by restoring the pH levels and generating hydrogen peroxide, yogurt provides a powerful weapon against yeast infections.

2. How to use yogurt for yeast infection

Yogurt is a popular food item and can be used both inside and outside the body to effectively treat yeast infections.

Internal use

Eating yogurt on a daily basis is healthy and keeps the acid balance in check. When faced with yeast infection, increase your consumption and add some yogurt to every meal. This will help destroy the Candida yeast inside the intestines and also other parts of the body. The intestines are repopulated with a healthy supply of Lactobacillus and the body’s natural pH restored.

External use

Yeast loves to grow anywhere with increased moisture, humidity and warmth. Common locations are between the toes, skin folds, vagina and between the butt cheeks and underarms.

• Apply a generous coating of yogurt to any affected area and leave on for at least an hour. Then wipe it off. Repeat this process three times a day for one week and your symptoms should be cured. More stubborn and serious infections can benefit from leaving the yogurt on overnight.

The vagina and groin region can be particularly stubborn, you can also try:

• Place unsweetened plain yogurt in the freezer until firm and nearly frozen. Then dip a tampon into the yogurt coating it thoroughly and insert it into the vagina before bed. Remove in the morning and rinse off. Follow the additional steps in the external use section for complete relief. Be sure to rub the labia completely and rub some additional yogurt into the vaginal opening. Wash off in the morning and dry thoroughly.

3. What kind of yogurt to use

Either store-bought or homemade yogurt work well. Make sure to buy the unsweetened and unflavored variety. Added sugar would only compound the problem. Make sure to read the label and select only those with live active cultures of Lactobacillus. This is essential.

4. How much yogurt to use

A general rule of thumb is to eat a small bowl or one serving sized container from the grocery store at least once a day. Increase your intake when battling a yeast infection. Yogurt is a healthy food and overdoing it when treating an infection is unlikely. When applying to the skin, make sure to completely cover the area so that a thick layer is present. Make sure to go beyond the boundary of any skin redness, as this is the outer zone where fungus is still growing.

More Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

1. Garlic

This natural food has many potent and positive health benefits. Garlic possesses antifungal properties and is excellent at combating yeast infections. Include 2-3 cloves of garlic in a meal or gently rub garlic on the affected area. For severely affected areas that may be open or raw, wrap minced or chopped garlic in a cheesecloth and gently dab the area.

2. Tea tree oil

This too is a potent natural antifungal agent. Try applying a few drops on a tampon and inserting for 30 minutes to one hour. You can also dab tea tree oil on other affected areas.

3. Apple cider vinegar

This works by restoring the natural acid balance in the body and also has antifungal properties. Add one cup to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. Make sure to dry the vaginal and any other areas thoroughly after bathing.

4. Cranberries

Both unsweetened cranberry juice and cranberry pills are potently acidic and inhibit the growth of yeast and bacteria. Add a glass to your morning meal to combat yeast infections. When taking antibiotics, adding cranberry juice or pills can even help prevent the start of a yeast infection.