Yeast infection symptoms can be present in the mouth, digestive system, vaginal tract, kidney, spleen and other areas in the body. Unfortunately, yeast infection symptoms are often mistaken for some other malfunction, such as fatigue or an upset stomach. Because of this, symptoms are largely untreated. Unfortunately, by the time they are properly identified, yeast infection symptoms have worsened. Still, with time and diligence yeast infection symptoms can be treated with home remedies and natural cures.
To learn how to properly treat yeast infection symptoms, it helps to have a basic understanding of what yeast infection is, its causes and its basic symptoms.
Yeast Infection Definition
Candidaiasis, more commonly referred to as a yeast infection, is when an overgrowth or imbalance of naturally occurring yeast is present in the body. There are more than 20 different kinds of yeast infections, ranging from thrush (oral), to diaper rash, to vaginal yeast infections, to infections that disrupt the digestive tract, to infections that occur in the nail bed of the hands or feet.
Yeast Infection Causes
Yeast is naturally present in the body, but when conditions are present, which cause it to become imbalanced, the overgrowth results in yeast infection symptoms. The following are a few conditions that trigger yeast overgrowth:
- Poor diet/malnutrition
- Weakened immune system
- Illness
- Certain medications, especially antibiotics and certain steroid medications
- Stress
- Birth control pills
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
- IV drug use
As it relates to poor diet and malnutrition, processed foods are particularly to blame for yeast infection symptoms and causes. Such foods include all junk food, fast foods, foods with unnatural chemicals, foods made with white flour, white sugar, and artificial sweeteners. Candida yeast thrives off these foods, thus it is able to multiply at a faster, stronger rate throughout the body when properly nourished by a poor diet.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
Yeast infection symptoms will vary, depending upon the part of the body that they occur. The following are but a few of the symptoms that are associated with oral yeast infections, also known as oral thrush:
- A white coating on the tongue
- Sore cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
In a vaginal yeast infection, the symptoms are more commonly as follows:
- A chalk-colored discharge
- Itch and irritation
- Painful intercourse
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
Yeast infection symptoms on the skin, such as diaper rash, may result in:
- A red, uncomfortable skin rash
- An oozing rash
- Itching, inflammation and/or pain on the skin’s surface
Yeast infection symptoms in the digestive tract may include, but is not limited to:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Excess gas
- Bloating
- Upset stomach
Yeast Infection Remedies
Home remedies for yeast infection symptoms have been passed down throughout generations because they work. Not only are they an effective way to treat yeast infection symptoms, but also they represent a change in lifestyle that supports good, overall health and boosts the body’s immune system, which can prevent other illnesses from occurring. A few of the most common natural and herbal remedies for yeast infections include:
-Tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar
- Both are useful as a mouthwash for oral thrush
- Each can be used on sterile gauze or a tampon to treat a vaginal yeast infection
-Plain yogurt is a very useful home remedy for yeast infection symptoms, as it contains lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a type of “good” bacteria that helps in rebalancing yeast. It can be used as a dietary treatment, applied directly to a skin infection, or placed on a tampon to treat a vaginal yeast infection. The yogurt selected should be plain, void of all sugar and artificial coloring.
Among the best natural cures for yeast infections, however, is to make dietary changes that will help in naturally balancing yeast’s presence in the body. By adhering to a candida diet, yeast infections can be cured and the risk of future symptoms can be avoided.
