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Yogurt and Yeast Infection

Yogurt and Good Bacteria

Yogurt and yeast infection have been linked in the past, but yogurt may do more to prevent infections and treat the symptoms than to cure the infection.

Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria and has been used both internally and externally to treat yeast infections.

It is vital to get the right type of yogurt, or it could be less effective, or even make the problem worse.

Yogurt has been used for yeast infections because it contains a type of bacteria normally found on and in the body, which helps to control the amounts of yeast.

Candida yeast is often found on the skin, in the digestive tract, and on the mucous membranes.

It does not normally cause infections. However, when conditions change and the yeast is able to grow out of control, it may cause a yeast infection.

To get all the benefits of yogurt but in capsule form read our how to cure a yeast infection fast page.

Yeast Infections and Anti Biotics

Antibiotics, steroid medications, and diseases of the immune system can contribute to developing a yeast infection.

Antibiotics work by killing bacteria, and they may kill beneficial as well as harmful bacteria on the body.

Some bacteria keeps the levels of yeast under control, and if these types are killed, a yeast infection can occur.

It is very common to develop a yeast infection after taking antibiotics.

Yogurt is used to attempt to restore the balance of bacteria and yeast on the body.

The immune system also plays a role in keeping yeast levels under control. For this reason, people who have diseases such as HIV or AIDS may have trouble fighting off yeast infections.

Steroid medications can suppress the immune system, and can also contribute to the overgrowth of yeast.

To use yogurt for treating a yeast infection, you should purchase some plain yogurt. It must contains active or live cultures. It is this that repopulates the good flora in your digestive system.

Yogurts to Avoid

Sugar can provide nourishment for the yeast, so sweetened and flavored yogurt should not be used.

How to Use Yogurt in Yeast Infections

For internal use, the yogurt can be used to coat a tampon, which can then be inserted into the vagina.

Yogurt can also be rubbed externally on the affected areas for men or women. This can provide cooling and soothing relief, and could add some beneficial bacteria to the area.

This is best used for short term relief for the itching and burning symptoms of a yeast infection.

Excess moisture can cause more itching, so it best to wipe the yogurt off shortly afterward rather than leaving it on for a prolonged period of time.

How Much Yogurt to Take

This is repeated once or twice a day for a few days.

Yogurt can also be eaten to try to reduce yeast infections, but not all yogurt bacteria survives the digestive process, so this may not always be beneficial.

It is recommended that you eat half a cup of yogurt each day. This is best used as a way to try to prevent yeast infections in the long term.

Yogurt used topically and eaten has been used to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of a yeast infection, but it may not get rid of an existing yeast infection. To do that see the link to the guide below this post.

It can be used to cool and sooth the affected area.

If a yeast infection will not clear up or returns, it may be best to go to a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and recommend further treatment.