Too much of a good thing is bad and the same goes for the friendly bacteria or yeast residing in our intestines. These Candida albicans is the generally the main cause of intestinal candida.

Yeast is a normal part of our intestinal flora; however it is kept in check by the other organisms present in the gut. Women more than men are generally afflicted with intestinal candida and most of them will at least face this problem once in their life time. The reason for this is simple. Candida albicans is a natural inhabitant in the vaginal area of women and quite a peace loving organism most of the time. However, some times due to certain triggers, these organisms may multiply and can cause problems in the vagina and the intestines as well.

These triggers include problems like diabetes mellitus, antibiotics and using birth control pills or other kinds of contraceptives. Vaginal irritation, itching in the vulva, a thick curdy discharge or a discharge which has a breadish smell are some of the classic symptoms of a candida infection.

Though there are a lot of over the counter medications for this problem, nature has some of the best cures. One of the most well known cures is applying unsweetened yogurt to the vagina or eating a lot of yogurt. The lactobacillus bacteria present in yogurt can kill and inhabit the vaginal growth. Garlic is also a well known way to tackle this problem. You can crush some garlic cloves and apply them to the vagina. A natural disinfectant, boric acid powder can also be used by inserting it into the vaginal in gel caps for about four nights.

These home cures can help in getting rid of intestinal candida at the onset. However, if Candidiasis is left unchecked then it can grow out of proportions and can cause a myriad of problems. Hence, a candida infection, however small should never be taken lightly and along with these cures a lot of other holistic treatment measures need to be followed. Most of these holistic methods also include a change in lifestyle and eating habits.

Diet is an important part of the candida treatment. It is common known fact that certain foods can help in enhancing the growth of the yeast which causes intestinal candida and there are some other foods which actually inhabit the growth. Hence, it is important to avoid those foods which can worsen the infection.

There are three classes of foods which are to be avoided if you want to get rid of your candida infection naturally:

Sugar: Avoid sugar in all shapes, forms and sizes. This means you need to avoid anything which is naturally or artificially sweet including sweet fruits, chocolates, dried fruit and all kinds of sweet additives.
Yeast: Whether it is the yeast containing spreads like Marmite, vegemite and promote or foods containing bakers yeast like breads or pastries, all these yeast containing products are to be completely kept away from.
Refined carbohydrates: These include the typical fast foods like pastas, cookies, potatoes and breads.

On the other hand you need to get generous with garlic, olive oil, fish and whole grain foods to inhabit the growth of yeast and prevent the reoccurrence of intestinal candida.

A natural yeast infection remedy is often the preferred treatment for the condition as these do not have the same side effects as non-natural medications. Most yeast infections occur in people whose immune systems are compromised and/or whose intestinal flora is out of balance. To keep yeast infections at bay it is important to build a strong immune system and keep your intestinal flora balanced. It is recommended to boost ones immunity with extra doses of vitamin D and zinc.

Is It Safe to Use a Natural Yeast Infection Remedy?

Any of the suggested natural yeast infection remedies are completely safe to use. And unlike some prescription medications, there are no known negative side-effects.

Don’t use antibiotic cream or antibacterial soap! Yeast is a fungal infection, not a bacterial infection.

What is the best Natural Yeast Infection Remedy?

Believe it or not acidophilus-containing yogurts, garlic and unsweetened cranberry or blackberry juice should be ingested regularly as they have been shown to prevent and reduce yeast infections. The acidophilus bacteria is found naturally in yogurt and some cheeses and is known to combat yeast infections. There are also some acidophilus supplements that may help with the production of acidophillus.

Go to the store and buy a small carton of “plain” yogurt — doesn’t matter whether it is name brand or store brand or is nonfat, lowfat or wholefat because you are NOT going to eat it. But make sure it is PLAIN with NO fruit, NO added sugar (milk sugar listed on the carton doesn’t count of course), and NO flavoring in it of ANY type.

Alternatively, find a fresh clove of garlic and carefully peel the skin off of it. Be careful not to damage the clove as you peel it as the juices from the garlic sting some people. Try applying a thin layer and massaging it deep into the skin to heal and soothe the affected area.

Many antibiotics, like penicillin, are based on the bacteria-killing chemicals found in fungi. They kill off natural bacteria, creating space for fungi to move in. Probiotics, sometimes referred to as “friendly” bacteria, suppress the growth of potentially harmful organisms, which is why probiotic supplements have been explored as a natural yeast infection remedy.

If you are in any way uncertain, consult a health care provider to modify your diet and/or treat this condition directly with an effective, all natural yeast infection control product.