10 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth and How to Get Rid of It

It is estimated that over 75% of women suffer from vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. It is a minor problem that is cured within a couple of days for some, and some women are known to suffer from this fungus for years.

Candida yeast infection also known as Candida Overgrowth is the most common type of yeast infection and is caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans. Candida overgrowth is a serious condition that can lead to dangerous health complications if left untreated. When Candida albicans shift from non-pathogenic to pathogenic form, it produces root-like structures called rhizoids, that penetrate the intestinal walls and create holes in the walls of the intestines.

This enables toxic waste, bacteria, and undigested food to enter the bloodstream causing many often dangerous conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, severe rashes, brain fog, acid reflux, memory loss, joint pain and severe inflammation, and yeast in the sinuses and lungs. This can have a negative effect on our brain and can significantly interfere with our biochemical processes.

In normal circumstances, this fungus is present on the skin and inside the vagina of almost all healthy women. The acidic environment in the vagina helps check the growth of this fungus. It is when the acidic level drops down due to a variety of factors ranging from menstruation, intake of antibiotics, steroids, and diabetes, that the fungus starts multiplying and causes a vaginal infection. Improper personal hygiene too is a primary cause of vaginal yeast infection. It is rarely a serious condition but can be very uncomfortable.

Many women feel embarrassed to go to a physician for candida yeast infection and prefer to cure this fungus infection using some tried and tested home remedies.

veginal yeast infection

Symptoms of Yeast Infection 
It is estimated that over 75% of women suffer from vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. It is a minor problem that is cured within a couple of days for some, and some women are known to suffer from this fungus for years. It has been noticed that women who have vaginal yeast infection for years have usually not sought medical help, neither have they tried out any proper home remedy to eradicate the fungus.

Some symptoms of candida yeast infection are
– An unusual thick, odorless, whitish vaginal discharge
– Unexplained pain during sexual intercourse
– Uncontrollable itching and a burning sensation in the vagina and the skin surrounding the vagina (vulva).
– Unexplained swelling of the vulva.
– Burning sensation during urination.

If you suspect that you have vaginal yeast infection and it is the first time, it is advised that you visit your gynecologist and get it checked. It may be some more serious type of vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation such as trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection 
Vaginal yeast infection can either be cured orally or by vaginal insertion. Most of these home remedies have been tried and tested for their efficacy. You can usually cure yourself in the privacy of your home without the need to visit your gynecologist.

Tea Tree Oil 
Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. Pour a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on a tampon and insert them into the vagina. Do this morning and night. A couple of days should be sufficient.

Garlic 
Make a paste of garlic pods and apply it to the skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too. Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic pods fine and wrap it in a cheesecloth. Insert into the vagina for about 20 minutes leaving part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.

Yogurt 
Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and at night till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and insert it into the vagina. This is best done at night just before going to bed. Regular douching with yogurt has proved effective. Along with these cures it is also advised to eat plenty of yogurts. It is good for your entire system and will cure the fungus too. Buttermilk gives good results too. Drink a glass of buttermilk in the afternoon, and one at night.

Honey 
This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this, you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Vinegar 
Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

Precautions to Avoid Yeast Infection 
Prevention is better than cure. Taking these precautions will ensure that you do not suffer from vaginal yeast infection.

– Avoid wearing clothing made of synthetic material.
– Avoid wearing leotards and pantyhose daily.
– Avoid wearing tight-fitting panties.
– Avoid wearing tight jeans daily.
– Avoid remaining in wet clothes for too long.
– Wear clothes made of natural fibers.
– Wear well-fitting cotton panties.
– Change wet clothes immediately to dry ones. Wipe yourself clean, especially the vaginal area with super absorbent paper.
– Avoid using sprays and perfumes in the genital area. Also, stay away from deodorant sanitary pads and tampons.
– After using the toilet always wipe from front to back, never back to front.

Following all of these should ensure that you never have to suffer and treat yourself for Candida ever again.