Yeast infection is a common problem among women and can occur to females of all ages. The main cause of occurrence of yeast infection is the growth of a fungus known as Candida.
Usually, Candida is present in our body. It does not cause any problem when our immune system is strong. But when our immune system is weak, usually when we are ill, yeast fungus begins to multiply. As a result, it causes a yeast infection. Yogurt for yeast infection is a highly effective natural remedy for the problem.
Yogurt can be mixed and used with various other ingredients readily available at home. Such home remedies are very beneficial to combat yeast infections. But before I jot down the various ways to use Yogurt for yeast infections first let me brief you about yeast infections.
Table of Contents
- Yogurt for Yeast Infection – Why Is It Safe to Use?
Yogurt for Yeast Infection – Why Is It Safe to Use?
Yogurt is an economical as well as safe option to treat yeast infections. Yogurt contains lactobacillus that is a good bacterium. Such bacterium is present in our digestive system, vaginal area, and urinary tract without resulting in problems.
Due to its good nature, some people even consume this bacterium orally to treat conditions, such as:
- Traveler’s Diarrhea
- Digestive problems
- Rotaviral Diarrhea in Kids
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to the research from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Diabetes, yogurt is a highly effective natural product that can combat almost all sorts of yeast infections. Some of the common forms of yogurt brands containing lactobacillus are:
- Dannon
- Fage
- Siggi
- Chobani
- Yoplait
- Stonyfield
Causes of Yeast Infections
One may experience yeast infection when her immune system is weak. It is during such situations the fungus multiplies considerably. The weak immune system allows such microorganisms to create in infection. Besides this, some common causes of yeast infections are:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Consuming antibiotics, such as Tetracycline and Clindamycin
- GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux
- Cold and Viral Fever
- Consuming Birth Control Pills
- AIDS/HIV
- Steroids
- Poor Hygiene
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
There are numerous types of yeast infections that can affect distinct parts of the body. So, based on the affected area the symptoms may also vary. Some of the common forms and symptoms of yeast infections are as follows:
- Vaginal Yeast Infection
This form of yeast infection is very common in females. It is an itchy and painful infection. During the infection, women may experience odorless and white discharge from the vagina.
Along with this, they may experience itching and burning sensation in the area. Swelling, pain, and burning sensation while urinating are other common symptoms of this infection.
- Candida Esophagitis
Another common form of yeast infection is candida esophagitis. Here, the thrush can spread throughout the body and lead to candida esophagitis within the esophagus. A person with candida esophagitis experiences pain and difficulty in swallowing food.
- Thrush
This yeast infection can occur in both women and men. It is scientifically known as oropharyngeal candidiasis. This yeast infection occurs mainly in the mouth or throat. During the infection white patches are formed in the mouth.
- Yeast Infection in the Skin
This is also a very common form of yeast infection. It is very itchy and can result in problematic symptoms within the individuals. Redness, inflammation, and itchiness are some common symptoms of this infectious ailment.
- Invasive Candidiasis
This is a severe yeast infection. It can be life-threatening and can spread throughout the body through blood. If a person is diagnosed with this infection then he must be offered with immediate medical assistance. If proper medical attention is not offered then the infection can be life-threatening.
What Kind of Yogurt for Yeast Infection must one use?
The yeast infection can be treated either with the yogurt purchased from a store or from homemade yogurt. If you are using commercially available yogurt then make sure it is unflavored and unsweetened. Also, the yogurt must contain high levels of active Lactobacilli.
This is because flavored yogurts are supportive for bad bacterial growth. Hence, if a flavored yogurt is used then it can worsen the condition.
Plain yogurt for yeast infection is the best way to get rid of this problem. You can purchase plain yogurt from the market, or can prepare it at home. Making yogurt at home is very easy and simple.
Below are the steps to prepare plain yogurt at home.
Method to Prepare Yogurt at Home
Following this method will help you prepare yogurt at home in just one day!
Ingredients
- 1 yogurt beginner kit
- Whole or organic milk
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
Equipment Required
- 1 heavy saucepan with lid
- A wooden spoon
- Sterilized glass bowl
- Candy thermometer
Steps
- The first step is to boil the milk. Take the milk in a saucepan and warm it till it reaches a temperature around 185 Degree Fahrenheit. Stir the milk well so that it does not scorch at the bottom.
- Allow the milk to cool down so that it is warm enough (110 Degree Fahrenheit). Stir it gently to prevent any layer to form above it. The temperatures are essential to obtain yogurt from milk. Hence, you must always use a thermometer.
- Take your yogurt kit and add the yogurt culture to the warm milk. Whisk the milk well so that the culture is dissolved in it completely.
- Take a sterilized bowl and pour the milk and yogurt culture mixture into it. Close the lid and place the jar in a warm place away from direct sunlight. You can place it next to the radiator or boiler.
- Let the yogurt set. For this, you have to leave the jar overnight or for at least 4 hours in the same position. The time may vary slightly depending on the warmness of the milk. Make sure you don’t stir or move the jar while the yogurt is preparing.
- If your yogurt is good to taste then it means that it is free from bacteria. But if the taste of your yogurt is little sour then it must have got affected by any outside bacteria. In such case, you need to prepare a fresh batch of yogurt.
Using Greek Yogurt for Yeast Infections
You must be wondering whether Greek yogurt is good for yeast infections! Let me tell you that it is the best yogurt for yeast infection. It is even the safest to cure vaginal yeast infection. It is because it is prepared from high-quality milk and contains high levels of active good bacteria.
Hence, Greek Yogurt can be used for both internal consumption and topical application to get rid of yeast infections.
Methods of Using Yogurt to Treat Yeast Infections
There are numerous ways in which yogurt can be used to treat yeast infections. All distinct methods and ingredients can be combined with yogurt to boost its effectiveness.
1. Yogurt Sicles
You will require
- Ice Tray
- Yogurt – 1 cup
Steps
- Take about one cup of yogurt and pour it in the slots of the ice tray.
- Place the ice tray in the freezer and allow it to freeze for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the yogurt popsicles from the tray and gently rub it on the affected areas.
- When done wash the affected areas with warm water and dry it well.
- Repeat this process for at least 2 times in a day to get instant relief from yeast infections.
Benefits
Yogurt is effective in numerous ways to combat the yeast infections. It aids in treating the condition and also prevents the future occurrence. Furthermore, the cool temperature of the sicle yogurt will also help in diminishing the inflammation and swelling if any.
2. Yogurt Patch
You will require
- Clean Cloth
- Yogurt 1 Cup
Steps
- Take one cup of yogurt and instantly apply the yogurt to the affected region.
- Once you are done then cover the affected region with a clean cloth.
- Leave the cloth on the area for about 3 hours.
- Now wash off the yogurt with lukewarm water and ensure that the area is dry.
- Do this at least one time in a day to get relief from yeast infection.
- If you experience a severe infection then you can apply it overnight.
Benefits
When yogurt stays in touch with the affected area for a longer time period then the good bacteria kills the infection. This will kill the infection and hence bring instant relief from the ailment. Furthermore, the probiotics in yogurt will restore the balance between bad and good bacteria. This can prevent further worsening of the ailment.
3. Plain Yogurt
You will require
- Yogurt
Steps
- When you are suffering from a yeast infection then you can consume an excessive volume of yogurt every day.
- At least 2 bowls of yogurt must be consumed for instant results.
Benefits
Yogurt can be applied internally on the highly effective area for combating yeast infections. The good bacteria present in yogurt will also kill the microorganisms responsible for the yeast infection and offer you with immediate relief from the condition.
4. Yogurt and Garlic
You will require
- Yogurt 1 Cup
- Garlic 2 -3 cloves
Steps
- Take 2 -3 cloves of garlic and mince them well.
- Now add the garlic to a cup of yogurt and consume it.
- Consume this garlic yogurt at least 2 times a day to get quick relief from the yeast infection.
Benefits
Plain yogurt is highly effective for yeast infection. When it is mixed with garlic then it is one of the finest anti-yeast foods. Also, it has some excellent properties that combat the fungus responsible for the infection.
Because of the rich fungus-killing property of this component it combines together to offer the sufferer an immediate and lasting relief from the infection. If you are prone to yeast infections and suffer from it on a regular basis then you can consume garlic yogurt on a regular basis to combat the condition. This is a highly effective remedy for yogurt for yeast infection.
5. Onion and Yogurt
You will require
- Onion – ½
- Yogurt – 1 cup
Steps
- Take one onion and mince it well.
- Add the minced onion to a cup of unflavored yogurt and eat it.
- Eat this regularly at least 2 times a day to get rid of the yeast infection.
Benefits
Onion possesses powerful anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, it aids in fighting the yeast fungus. Besides this, most of the yeast infection patients experience the problem of water retention. Onion is great to treat such problems and eliminates excess fluids from the body. When a mixture of yogurt and onion is combined then it enhances the ability to fight against yeast infection. At the same time, it offers instant relief.
6. Ginger and Yogurt
You will require
- A small piece of ginger
- 1 cup yogurt
Steps
- Take a grater and grate the small piece of ginger.
- Add this grated ginger to 1 cup of unflavored yogurt.
- Eat the mixture twice a day.
- This will get you relief from the yeast infection completely in just a few
Benefits
Ginger is proven to have an excellent detoxifying effect on the body. Also, ginger is great to boost the blood circulation in the body. Most importantly, ginger enhances the immune system. It offers the body with power and potential required to fight against the yeast infection.
If you are experiencing any inflammation due to the infection then ginger can treat it well. If you consume ginger with yogurt then this will give an instant relief from the yeast infection.
7. Pumpkin Seeds and Yogurt
You will require
- Pumpkin Seeds around 10 gm
- Yogurt 1 cup
Steps
- Take 10 gm pumpkin seeds and grind them a bit. If you are comfortable enough consuming pumpkin seeds as it is then there is no need to grind it.
- Mix the pumpkin seeds with yogurt and consume the mixture.
- Follow this remedy two times a day to get quick relief from the yeast infection.
Benefits
Yogurt is an excellent remedy to treat yeast infection. Pumpkin seeds are power-packed with benefits. The main benefit is these seeds are rich in Omega-3 that is known to have antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties.
Besides soothing the yeast fungus, pumpkin seeds relieve the pain as well as inflammation caused by the infection.
8. Cayenne Pepper and Yogurt
You will require
- Cayenne Pepper – ½ tablespoon
- Yogurt 1 cup
Steps
- Take a ½ tablespoon of cayenne pepper and add this to 1 cup of yogurt.
- Consume this mixture fresh.
- Follow this remedy 2 times a day to combat yeast infection completely in just a few
Benefits
This is a highly effective remedy to treat yeast infection. This remedy contains cayenne pepper that is known to enhance the immune system. It is greatly supportive to remove toxins from the body, including candida. A common system of yeast infection is fatigue. Yogurt mixed with cayenne pepper provides instant relief from this symptom. When you follow this remedy on a regular basis then your yeast infection will be cured in just a few days.
9. Yogurt and Honey
You will require
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 5 teaspoon of honey
Steps
- Take the desired quantity of yogurt and honey in a bowl.
- Mix the two ingredients well to prepare an anti-Candida cream.
- Apply this cream to the infected area. It will soothe the irritation as well as curb the infection completely in few days.
Benefits
Honey is rich in antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Applying a mixture of yogurt and honey to the infected area can lead to great results. It is because this becomes a rich cream that is highly effective to combat the ailment. The best thing is that honey does not destroy the good bacteria present in the yogurt. Hence, it turns to be an excellent remedy to treat yeast infections.
10. Yogurt Tampon
You will require
- Tampons
- Unflavored yogurt
Steps
- Take unflavored yogurt and add it to a plastic tampon.
- Refrigerate the same till it becomes hard.
- Insert the tampon popsicles into the vagina for around 2 hours.
- You can even apply some yogurt around the vaginal area and its opening.
- Cover the area with a pad so that you don’t experience much discomfort.
- This remedy will provide you instant relief from the infection.
- After 2 hours rinse well with plain water and pat dry.
- You can try this process every night and once during the day.
- Alternatively, you can keep the tampon overnight to get maximum relief from the remedy.
Benefits
This remedy provides a direct application of yogurt to the infected area. As a result, it is effective in delivering results. Also, it is safe and natural to use.
11. Consuming Plain Yogurt
You will require
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Steps
- If you don’t want to combine any additional ingredient to yogurt then this remedy is perfect for you.
- Take 1 cup of yogurt and consume it fresh.
- Follow this remedy twice a day to get maximum relief.
Benefits
As discussed, plain yogurt is the best yogurt for yeast infections. Hence, if you are allergic to any of the above-mentioned substances then follow this remedy. It will ensure that the bad bacterium is damaged. At the same time, it will supply your body with good bacteria.
12. Lactobacillus Acidophilus Pills and Yogurt
You will require
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus pills
- ½ cup Yogurt
Steps
- Take these pills and consume 1 in morning and 1 in the night.
- Consume the pills till you get complete relief from the problem.
- Alternatively, you can open the tablets or pills and extract the powder.
- Mix the powder with some yogurt and use it for external application.
Benefits
It is not completely natural but an effective remedy to treat the problem.
Bonus Tips
- Besides the yogurt remedies for yeast infection, there are some additional tips you can follow. These tips will help you get relief from the infection in the shortest time possible. Moreover, it will prevent future occurrence of yeast infection.
- If you are suffering from the yeast infection then follow these tips on a daily basis.
- Yeast infection can increase and become worse by coming in contact with moisture. Hence, it is essential to keep yeast affected area dry. You can apply some anti-fungal and anti-bacterial powder to the affected area. This will help heal the problem at a faster pace.
- Tight clothes can result in difficulty if you are suffering from vaginal yeast infection. Hence, avoid wearing tight clothes during the infection.
- It is best to wear cotton undergarments. This ensures that you never experience any sweating in the genital areas.
- Use standard tampons that are free from fragrance to get relief from yeast infection. Scented tampons include chemicals. This can lead to irritation and infection near the vaginal area.
- Consuming estrogen-based contraceptives can increase the problems experienced by yeast fungus. It is because such pills result in imbalances in the hormonal levels. There are progestin-based contraceptives available on the market. You can consume such pills to avoid experiencing any side effects.
- Stress stimulates various problems within the body. One such major problem experienced due to stress is a weakened immune system. Hence, avoid taking too much stress as it can allow the yeast fungus to multiply and lead to yeast infection.
- Make sure you do not use chemical based bathing soaps. Such soaps disturb the pH balance of the skin. As a result, one may experience yeast infections to a great extent.
- Sugars can aggravate yeast infection. If you are suffering from yeast infections then it is better to avoid sugary foods and sugar for few days. This will help to curb down the growth of yeast infection.
- Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is great for the body. A diet filled with minerals and vitamins helps to maintain the immunity.
You now know the goodness of yogurt for yeast infection. Hence, if you are suffering from a yeast infection then try these remedies to get immediate relief. At the same time remember to follow the preventive measures and tips. This will ensure that you stay away from the yeast infection.