Cranberry juice may help cure yeast infections. When taken regularly, it's said to prevent recurrent yeast infections. The high levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice may aid in upper respiratory infections. It may reduce the frequency and severity of these infections.
Cranberry juice and yoghurt are two foods that taken regularly may help prevent thrush occurring. Candida loves a damp warm environment.
Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush. According to a small 2009 study, lemon juice was found to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV.
Cranberry juice or pills
Drinking cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of the Candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections). While studies have not shown its ability to help cure Candida albicans in the vagina, some women claim to have results.
Cranberry juice exerts a significant in vitro antifungal effect on eight representative species of dermatophytes, whereas it has no apparent effect on Candida albicans. The antifungal effect is fungistatic. Benzoic acid or other small molecular weight components, or both, were responsible for the fungistatic action.
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight.
You'll usually need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation. Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment. You do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms.
If you have a mild case of oral thrush after a course of antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acidophilus pill. Probiotics help repopulate the "good" bacteria in your body. Severe cases of thrush are usually treated with antifungal medications.
Food #1: Cranberry juice
Although scientists aren't sure cranberry juice prevents yeast infections, it does appear to help lower the risk of urinary tract infections, which can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and burning in the vaginal area.
The research suggests that the beneficial substances in cranberry juice could reach the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion within eight hours.
If you have mild thrush symptoms you can use over the counter antifungal creams to treat your thrush, however if your symptoms are severe you'll need to visit your GP who may be able to prescribe stronger anti-fungal medicines.
What causes thrush? Your vagina naturally has a certain amount of yeast. Thrush is caused by the growth of too much yeast. You are more likely to get thrush if you have recently taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or your immune system is weakened (for example, because you have HIV).
Fluconazole is the most effective form of oral thrush treatment.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
Don't wear nylon or other fabric that holds body heat and moisture close to the skin. Try sleeping without underwear. Don't scratch. Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath.
If thrush isn't treated it eventually goes away on its own. There's no need for your partner(s) to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms of thrush.
However, while you wait for a doctor's appointment, here are some remedies you can try at home to stop the thrush from getting worse. Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Salt kills yeast, so rinsing your mouth with salt water is a good way to fight the yeast infection.
Lean chicken, fish and meats. Non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bean sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, salad greens, tomato and zucchini. Healthy fats like avocado, eggs, nuts and extra virgin olive oil.
In particular, foods high in sugar, refined grains, dairy products, processed meats, and alcohol may promote the growth of Candida ( 28 ). While more research is needed, one study found that people who avoided these foods during treatment for Candida had better outcomes after 3 months ( 28 ).
The symptoms will usually clear up within a week or two. However, for some women, vaginal thrush can be difficult to treat and keeps coming back.
Cranberry juice may be suggested in amounts from 6 to 10 ounces total per day. It's often taken in divided doses between meals.
Although cranberry juice is safe to consume in moderation, drinking too much can cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. In the past, it was believed that cranberry juice can slow the growth of bacteria and therefore is useful in treating urinary tract infections.
Cranberry has relatively high levels of oxalate, chemicals that may raise the risk of kidney stones in some people. If you have kidney stones, talk to your doctor before taking cranberry supplements or drinking a lot of cranberry juice. DO NOT use cranberry if you already have a UTI.