Yeast infections are caused by a few different fungal species. Candida albicans, the most common culprit, usually grows in people who have weakened immunity or an imbalance of intestinal flora and fauna or who are unhygienic. Candida species prefer warm, moist areas of the body, such as the mouth, intestines, genitalia and underarms. Garlic has antimicrobial properties and is used as a natural anti-fungal agent to treat and prevent Candida overgrowth. Yeast infections can become systemic and life-threatening, so consultation with a health professional is always recommended.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Under normal circumstances, Candida albicans is in symbiosis with people and does not cause symptoms. However, when internal environments are sufficiently disrupted, Candida overgrowth occurs in predictable locations, such as the vagina. Candida exists within the vagina as a fungal form, which can burrow into tissue and release toxic chemicals, and also as a yeast form, which is a whitish cheese-like substance that discharges and emits a foul odor. According to the text "Human Biochemistry and Disease," the main cause of yeast infections, or candidiasis, is compromised immunity. Immunity is compromised by diseases, such as infections and cancer, or from lifestyle choices, such as poor dietary habits and stressful jobs. Other factors that lead to vaginal yeast infections include the use of antibiotics, contraceptive pills, corticosteroids, refined sugars, and acidic foods and beverages.
Properties of Garlic
Garlic has powerful antimicrobial properties because it contains allicin, which is a compound that attacks fungus while preserving and boosting the beneficial bacteria of the gastrointestinal system, as cited in the text "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Both the fungal and yeast forms of Candida are killed by allicin. Garlic also stimulates the liver and large intestine, which gives the entire body a strong detoxifying boost. The antibiotic and detoxifying properties of garlic were known by the ancient Chinese and Greeks who used it as a general health tonic and blood purifier.
Types of Garlic Remedies
Garlic can be consumed in a variety of ways to treat and prevent yeast infections. For yeast infections of the mouth, known as "oral thrush," chewing raw garlic is most effective, as cited in the book "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management." Raw garlic can also be rubbed on external yeast infections of the skin or used as a suppository within the vagina, although most people would object to the odor. Garlic oil is used in the same ways and can be added to a vaginal douche for cleansing. Garlic can also be consumed as non-odorous capsules, which allows allicin to enter the bloodstream and act as a systemic antimicrobial. Oral capsules may take longer to act, but yeast infections can occur in multiple parts of the body. For prevention of yeast infections, eating foods with garlic or taking the capsules are the most preferred methods, according to the text "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition."
Other Natural Remedies
A popular and economic remedy to prevent yeast infections is raw garlic or garlic capsules, although there are other ones to consider too. Coconut oil is a popular antimicrobial and is effective because of its fatty acids. Oregano oil contains two powerful fungicides, carvacrol and thymol. Grapefruit seed extract is also considered a Candida yeast killer. Olive-leaf extract works as a fungistatic due to the oleuropein it contains. Goldenseal and clove oil are additional herbal remedies that are used as preventive anti-fungals.
References
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management"; 2003
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
