How to Get Rid of Candida – A Not So Easy Thing to Do
To get rid of candida, a fungus that causes yeast infections, you will need some patience and a lot of alternatives. This infection occurs in men and women, but typically it is a vaginal problem. Often you can knock it out with an over the counter anti-fungal such as miconozole, or prescription pills, but then it comes back. If you are reading this, you probably know that already.
Some things to try if creams and pills don’t work are dietary changes, gentian violet, and lifestyle changes. These approaches can be effective for both men and women.
Gentian violet
This can be obtained in drug stores, an inexpensive anti-fungal. There is a process that a doctor can use, in which the physician literally paints the cervix with gentian violet. More commonly, you can apply it yourself by soaking a tampon with gentian violet and inserting it as usual. Web MD recommends you do this only under a doctor’s supervision. Some people claim this has solved the problem almost over night. You must were gloves and avoid getting any of the liquid on clothing, and everything else. It stains anything it touches, including skin.
Dietary changes
This involves eliminating certain foods and beverages; it may seem like you’ll never enjoy your favorites again. But consider what a relief it would be to finally get rid of candida. You should avoid foods made with yeast, sugar and carbohydrates. Here are some of them:
Tubers such as potatoes and carrots
Vinegar in salad dressings, sauces, olives, pickles, soups, catsup, mustard, and many other products. Check labels carefully, as vinegar hides in numerous canned and processed foods such as packaged dinners and frozen foods.
Liquor, beer and wine – all either contain forms of sugar or are made with a yeast fermentation process.
Root beer, coffee, black tea, and cider.
Baked goods - Some may be considered healthy, but they contain yeast and/or sugar; bagels, some granola bars and energy bars, crackers and bread, and the obvious culprits; cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream and candy.
Peanuts and peanut butter
Cheese
Smoked meats, dried meats like jerky
For some people, supplements can help you get rid of candida. Acidophilus, which is a probiotic, peppermint and oregano oil capsules are recommended. Also eating yogurt with live Lactobacillus cultures every day can help.
Avoid antibiotics, and do not douche frequently, as it can kill good bacteria that help control yeast. However, you may use a yogurt douche. Use plain, fat free yogurt continuing live Lactobacillus cultures. One suggestion is to freeze yogurt in a sterile surgical glove, then cut off a finger, remove the rubber, and insert into the vagina. Sounds chilly (and silly) but it’s said to alleviate discomfort immediately, and eliminate the infection in 4-5 days.
And finally, try to reduce stress, which can weaken your immunity to infections. You will ultimately get rid of candida, or at least find ways to decrease and manage it so that it does not keep you from enjoying life.