A yeast infection is a sort of fungal infection that is a consequence of a yeast called candida. The proper term for a yeast infection is candidiasis and typically occurs in moist and warm parts of the body, predominantly the mouth, sex organs and digestive system.

Yeast infections arise for a variety of reasons. Pregnancy, emotional and physical stress, and other hormonal changes in the body including menstruation can lead to an infection. A number of prescription medications, particularly antibiotics, and medical conditions that lower the defenses of the immune system can also result in a candida overgrowth. Yeast can multiply quickly in individuals who have high levels of blood sugar, often as a result of a poor diet. Other triggers can include tight clothing that traps moisture or using any type of vaginal douches that enhances the chances of yeast developing.

As with any medical condition, candidiasis exhibts a range of common symptoms. An infection in the vagina, for example, may bring on itching or unpleasant irritation in and around the vagina. Redness and swelling may occur on the outer skin of the vaginal region, and many women may suffer pain while urinating or taking part in sexual activity. In very unpleasant cases a strong burning sensation will also be present. Some women may notice a thick seepage from the vagina that can either be white or pale yellow. As you would expect, thrush in the mouth may cause burning or pain in the mouth and throat, and white lesions can form on the tongue and mouth. The affected area may be sore and become bright red. When you have a yeast infection in your digestive system then you will experience general discomfort, gas and bloating.

Luckily there are a many effective home remedies for yeast infections. Importantly, holistic treatments are usually more effective than prescription medications because they lack the detrimental side effects associated with prescribed meds. In particular, the use of antibiotics should be avoided. Antibiotics have the unfortunate side effect of destroying both benefical and bad bacteria which allows the candida yeast to rapidly multiply, adversely altering the internal chemistry of your body.

One of the familiar natural remedies for yeast infections affecting women is a vinegar douche. Vinegar is useful because it is effective in balancing the acidity in the body. Women experiencing mild infections may pour a few tablespoons of vinegar into a bathtub filled with warm water and soak for half an hour. A yogurt douche may also be an effective treatment because yogurt is very good at restoring the bacteria balance in the vagina. Tea tree oil is also helpful in cleaning out candidiasis. A sterile pad treated with the oil can be placed onto the vaginal area for a few hours and changed two or three times daily. A garlic clove placed into the vagina for a few hours a day and repeated for two to three days can fight the yeast as well.

A yeast infection may be irritating and painful, but by implementing safe, proven, natural treatments, you can easily find quick, long lasting relief.