This can be a sign of a more serious condition-namely diabetes. Of course, you will want to see your doctor to rule any serious illness out. I don't have diabetes. You will also want to go to the doctor to confirm your diagnosis. There are other infection that mimic yeast.
I had to find another way. I did some Internet research and discovered that DIET plays a huge role in the overgrowth of yeast specifically sugar. I reluctantly took out as much sugar as I could. I immediately started to feel relief. I also noticed that when I ate fruit there was a flare in my symptoms. I took at fruit.
I also read about the benefits of yogurt. I started eating 2 serving of plain non-fat yogurt a day. I didn't see any increased benefit. In fact, I got terribly constipated. There are also some testimonials online of women who use yogurt vaginally. I took a tampon applicator, removed the actual tampon and filled the applicator with plain yogurt. Then I inserted and wow!!! Loads of relief. Messy-yes-but I didn't care.
So between my new low sugar fruit free diet and yogurt injections I was able to find a lot of relief. I also started juicing vegetables. This really accelerated my healing. Finally I found some amazing herbal remedies that seemed to help. They were Pau D'arco and Oregano Oil.
One word of caution, I had to try eat new treatment separately for at least 3 days. Otherwise, the waters get too muddy and I couldn't tell what was helping and what was hurting.
I also must add that I noticed when I ate FERMENTED foods I had a flare in my symptoms too. So I got rid of those too. Please note that there are many people who have healed from using fermented foods. That shows that we are all different. It is vital to take stock of your dietary intake. Note how you feel after you consume foods. If you flare your symptoms it may be best to stay away from the offending food. Yogurt is fermented which is why my body doesn't like it!
Some medicines are highly effective at attacking and killing yeast, at least temporarily. Diflucan and Nystatin are two popular drugs. Diflucan can be hard on the liver. Studies show that 1 out of 100 people taking Diflucan suffer liver damage. It also kills all candida which does not do much for BALANCING the intestinal flora. This leads to that same imbalance that give people an infection in the first place. So if poor diet (high sugar and carbs) and stress don't change the infection can come back. Nystatin is safer because it is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract. This however, makes it less effective for stubborn yeast in the intestines. Again, symptoms may be relieved but without significant lifestyle change, they can come back. Some people find these drugs to be extremely helpful. I am not addressing those people. I am speaking to those who have struggled with recurrent infections OR those looking for a natural way to heal.
There is several other causes of yeast infections. They are anti-biotic use, contraceptive use, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotic in our food supply. So before you run to get drugs or eat meat/fowl consider what effect it can have on your overall systemic balance.
Finally, the use of pro biotics has been shown to help the digestive tract. Having at least one bowel movement a day has been incredibly helpful in healing my yeast overgrowth. Constipation is often a symptom of yeast overgrowth. Pro biotics can help repopulate the intestines. It must be noted that controlling the yeast overgrowth needs to happen simultaneously with the pro biotic therapy. Check out the research being done on probiotic usage for many conditions. It's really promising stuff!
My hard work and lifestyle change has paid off. It has been almost 4 years since my last yeast infection. I did take Diflucan for a month 4 years ago. I found it helpful but I was still experience symptoms of a Candida overgrowth. I am not perfect and I must still be attentive to my diet, take my herbs and juice my greens. When I cheat the yeastie beasties flare up a bit. I go back to a regimen for a few days and I find relief.
None of this information is meant to take the place of a doctor or Naturopath. You must first get properly diagnosed. This is an account of my experience and my research. We are all different and we digest differently. Just know that if you are challenged by yeast you are not alone. It is estimated that 40 million people suffer from Candida Overgrowth.
