One of the world's most versatile and effective natural remedies may already be lurking in your kitchen. Once considered to be mere folklore, the scientific community has proven the numerous beneficial aspects of garlic. From lowering cholesterol to preventing cancer and boosting the immune system, this wonder food continues to show its promise in the field of health and wellness because of the over 100 biologically useful chemicals it contains. It supports immune system vitality by encouraging white blood cells to fight infections and promoting other immune cells to combat bacterial and viral infections and scavenge for cancer cells. Garlic is also a powerful antimicrobial, as it eliminates or slows the growth of harmful microbes such as yeast or candida.
Using garlic is a highly effective, not to mention inexpensive, way to fight even the most persistent cases of candida albicans. Its ability to reduce the amount of candida in the body makes it a natural choice for the treatment of thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Candida, is a fungus that causes thrush and vaginal yeast infections, is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the mouth and other mucus membranes. This yeast, when maintained in a balanced state along with other necessary bacteria, is harmless. But uncontrolled growth may lead to an imbalanced state and infections that may invade neighboring tissues. Male candida infection can also occur however it is much more common in women.
Thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida; this situation often occurs when the immune system is weakened, if there is poor dental hygiene or during pregnancy. Additionally the use or overuse of antibiotics may lead to an overabundance of candida, causing thrush.
There are several ways that thrush is commonly spread. Newborns may become infected with it if his or her mother experienced a yeast infection during birth, with symptoms becoming apparent after 7-10 days. Because the immune system of a newborn is not yet fully developed and a healthy balance of bacteria and fungus has not been achieved in the mouth, thrush can become an ongoing problem. Often those infected will experience yeast symptoms such as white patches in the mouth that may bleed if aggravated; however, some cases of thrush present no symptoms. A sore mouth may also be prevalent, with infected babies showing reluctance to eat. Babies may develop diaper rash as the yeast is passed through the infant's stool. Mothers who breast feed may also experience unusually red and sore nipples from the infection.
An abundance of candida may also cause vaginitis, commonly known as a yeast infection. Ordinary symptoms are vaginal itching, a white discharge, sensitive skin at the vaginal opening and pain during urination or intercourse. This condition is especially common in women who are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women using contraceptives with a high estrogen level are also more susceptible to yeast infections. Because the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections is responsible for thrush, it may also be spread through oral sex.
Although there are many medications available for the treatment of both thrush and vaginal yeast infections, there are numerous safe and natural alternatives to help return the candida levels in the body to healthy levels. An easy way to treat candida overgrowth is to simply add garlic to your diet. For those who do not care for the odor or taste of garlic, capsules are available, although fresh garlic provides the greatest benefit. For severe cases of candida overgrowth, eating up to six cloves of raw garlic per day is advisable.
It may be a bit more difficult to introduce garlic into the diet of an infant or young child. If your baby has a severe case of thrush it is permissible to dissolve a scant amount of garlic powder in water and use a washcloth to gently swab the inside of his or her mouth. Your baby may not be appreciative of the taste, but it is less painful than the sores that can develop if the candida overgrowth is allowed to continue unchecked.
To prevent the occurrence of a vaginal yeast infection, it is a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing and do not wear wet clothing such as a swimsuit for extended periods of time. Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing as well as using an antiseptic mouthwash, is a must. If thrush has developed, discard and replace any and all infected toothbrushes. In order to restrict the spread of infection, frequently wash hands. It is also important to rinse the mouth out with water after taking a liquid antibiotic to preserve the balance of bacteria in the mouth. It is important to take these common sense measures to prevent the contraction and spread of thrush and to maintain an appropriate balance of candida. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and limiting the use of antibiotics will encourage a balanced level of candida in the body and control the occurrence and severity of these fungal infections.
About the author:
Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and wellness. Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungus Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and anti-microbial products.
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