Yeast is a fungus which grows in the intestines of both men and women and it also exists in the vagina of women. As such it is harmless. The problem arises only when the balance or ecology of the area is disturbed and the yeast starts growing without a check and an infection is caused. It can be sexually transmitted. The symptoms of the infection are: a burning sensation, itching, the affected area turning red, inflammation and an odd-smelling discharge from the genital area. Yeast infection in the mouth is called a thrush which is a sore that looks like a white patch and is very painful. Asthma patients using the inhaler, diabetics and HIV patients plus people with   low  immunity levels, are the ones, more likely to develop a thrush. The question is how does one treat yeast infection?

Before treating yeast infection, it should first be established that the patient really has a yeast infection and it is not  bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia or gonorrhea. After that the physician should be visited and on his recommendation either oral medicines, suppositories or tablets can be used or ointments / lotions can be applied. Among the anti- fungal drugs, there are some popular medicines like Fluconazole and Itraconazole  and  some well-known brands like  Monistat and Canesten  which are often used by people suffering from this infection. These also must be used only with the prior consent of the doctor.

The medicines mentioned above will no doubt give instant relief and the yeast infection can be cured, but only temporarily. It may come back again with a vengeance the moment the medicines are stopped. Besides, prolonged use of these drugs can lead to side-effects like:

•    Headache

•    Abdominal pain and

•    Nausea

So we can try other remedies. Other yeast infection medications include natural remedies like application of tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar( diluted with water), gentian violet, curd or garlic. Having curd and raw garlic internally also has several other health benefits. Curd has beneficial bacteria which combats yeast infection. It also arrests frequent motions if one is suffering from diarrhoea. Garlic reduces bad cholesterol apart from killing germs. So those who have a lot of garlic are less likely to get heart blockages and even cancer not to speak of yeast infection.

There are certain very important things to be followed diligently in order to avoid getting or aggravating yeast infections:

•    Avoid intercourse while the infection is there.

•    Avoid chemical potions as they aggravate the infections.

•    Avoid perfumes and deodorants as they irritate the vagina.

•    Too much of washing with soap can make the area very dry and the friendly bacteria may also get killed which may increase the chances of another infection. Rinse with plain water is better though, that too, not too often.

•    Avoid coloured and scented toilet paper.

•    Avoid nylon clothing as it traps moisture and warmth thus encouraging the growth of yeast.

•    Avoid tight clothing and use only cotton under garments which should be washed nicely, preferably with boiling water so that the infection does not recur.

•    Blood sugar must be kept under control.

•    Add salt to warm water to have a healing bath. Douche with vinegar in water can also help. The proportion is 4 teaspoons of vinegar to one pint of water. This helps to rebalance the vaginal pH to 4.5.

•    Avoid bath salts and oils as also shampoo and soap to prevent washing off the natural protective oils which are present on the surface of the body.

More than yeast infection medications, it is these precautionary methods which are more effective in the longer run. Drinking plenty of water to remove the toxins from the body and having a diet which enhances the immune system will make the body strong enough to fight any infection. For example, having a lot of green vegetables  will give the body vitamin C to fight diseases. Broccoli, carrots, tomatoes,spinach, mangoes and the Kiwi fruit are some examples of immunity enhancing fruits and vegetables. High sugar diet should be avoided. Curd and garlic can be included in our diet. In other words we should  have a balanced diet. Regular exercise will further ensure good health which in turn will fight diseases.