Yeast infections affect 75 percent of women at some point in their life, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The causes of yeast infections vary from taking antibiotic medications to hormone changes to wearing clothing that allows yeast growth. Although dietary supplements do not typically cause a yeast infection in most women, sometimes taking several supplements at the same time can result in reoccurring yeast infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a yeast infection differ depending on the exact location. In women, the most common yeast infection is a vaginal infection. Discharge, irritation, redness, itching or burning sensations might occur with a vaginal yeast infection. Oral thrush is another common yeast infection that might occur in men, women or children. In oral thrush, the mouth and throat shows the yeast.
Diet
Diet is a large factor in the occurrence of yeast infections in both men and women. Foods high in either sugar or carbohydrates encourage the growth of yeast. Although many people think that diet supplements are beneficial for them, they can actually encourage yeast growth because the supplements kill the harmful bacteria in the body but leave yeast unharmed.
Treatment
Although many medicines and over-the-counter products can treat yeast infections, these can often be quite expensive. Several inexpensive all-natural treatment methods are effective in preventing the recurrence of yeast infections. For example, tea tree oil can cure many fungal infections, including yeast infections. Dilute the tea tree oil with water, dip a tampon into the mixture, and insert the tampon into the vagina for about two hours. Apple cider vinegar helps restore the normal pH of the vagina. Women can mix 1 tbsp. of vinegar to 1 quart of water to douche with daily, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. Garlic also has many antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Women suffering from a yeast infection can insert a garlic clove wrapped in gauze carefully into their vaginas for up to 12 hours, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. Consult a health care provider before trying any of these at-home remedies.
Doctor Visit
If symptoms of your yeast infection persists for more than seven days, see your gynecologist, who may be able to change your diet pills or prescribe a medication to cure your yeast infection. To prevent your yeast infection from reoccurring, incorporate foods into your diet with little sugar and carbohydrates to stop the encouragement of yeasts.
