Apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for yeast infections since the old days. Nowadays, yeast infections can affect men and women, young and adults alike. In fact, this kind of infection can also affect small children.
The common culprit of yeast infection is Candida Albicans which is difficult to treat. It is also important to find the best treatment. There are instances in which even if the infection is cured, it may recur. Once you are infected with Candida Albicans make sure to treat it effectively, otherwise it may infect other body organs.
According to studies, almost 75% of women may experience this annoying infection once in their life (1).
There are different reasons why yeast infection transpires such as hormone imbalance, high amount of sugar in the diet, taking antibiotic therapies and oral contraceptives, and poor immune system.
Types of Yeast Infections
Before we go further with the right treatment for yeast infection, it makes sense to know first the types of yeast infection.
- Yeast infection in the female or male sexual organs. This infection may cause redness and soreness around the vaginal area. It may cause pain when engaging in sexual intercourse and worse may infect the partner.
- Yeast infection in the mouth or thrush is manifested by white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth. The infection may also spread to the esophagus making it painful to swallow the food.
- Yeast infection may also affect the intestines and bloodstream which can be dangerous to life.
How to Treat Yeast Infections Using Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many ways to treat yeast infection such as using pharmaceutical creams and medications. But, before using creams make sure to consult first your healthcare provider to ensure that you’ll be using safe and effective treatment.
The good thing is that there is a natural remedy that you can use to treat yeast infection and that is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is popularly known for weight loss, but it can also help to reduce or treat yeast infection regardless of how it affects you.
Here’s how you can use apple cider vinegar:
Use apple cider vinegar as douche
Using apple cider vinegar as douche is effective to treat yeast infection. It also prevents further yeast formation and growth by regulating the vagina’s natural pH.
All you have to do is to prepare a solution by mixing one quart of clean, warm water and 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Put the solution in the douchebag. Make sure to clean first the affected area before pouring the solution.
This process will flush the fungus making your vagina not only clean but also free from pathogenic yeast. Repeat the process twice a day for fast and effective results.
Apple cider vinegar as a bath
Another method of treating yeast infections in the reproductive organ is by using it as a bath. You can add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of sea salt to the warm water bath. Sit and stay in the bath for about 20 minutes.
Drink apple cider vinegar solutions
It is safe to consume apple cider vinegar as it also supports good health. Drinking it regularly may reduce the risks of yeast infection because it helps to maintain the proper balance of pH of your body.
To make a solution, you can add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of fresh water and stir thoroughly. Drink it three times a day.
There are also other ways to consume apple cider vinegar such as adding it to your favorite salad or fresh juice.
Using apple cider vinegar as a treatment for yeast infection varies depending on the severity of the condition as follows:
- For severe yeast infections, you can employ douche and bath in the morning and drink the solution. At night you can repeat the process. But, if those processes are not enough, you can try the tampon method.
- For mild infection, drinking apple cider vinegar at least three times a day along with a bath can help to treat the infection.
To obtain the best results, you should get good quality apple cider vinegar. It should be organic, unpasteurized, and unfiltered. Look for the cloudy stuff inside the bottle that is called the “mother” of vinegar.
By using good quality vinegar you can get beneficial ingredients including trace elements, good bacteria, and enzymes.
Precautions in using apple cider vinegar
In spite of the fact that apple cider vinegar is safe and beneficial, there are some precautions that should be taken into consideration.
- Apple cider vinegar has a strong acidic content enough to make burns. That’s why it should be diluted with water to avoid skin irritations or burns.
- Always dilute ACV with water before using it on sensitive areas like the genitals or mucous membranes.
- Consuming apple cider vinegar can make changes in your digestion. You may feel bad for the next two days, but it’s a natural reaction.
If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days of home treatment, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ
Does Vinegar Kill Fungal Infections?
Yes, vinegar can kill some types of fungi. Its acidity creates an unfavorable environment for fungal growth. However, it may not be effective against all types of fungal infections, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Candida?
Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may be effective in killing candida, a type of fungus that can cause yeast infections. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this purpose.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal?
Yes, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. Its acidity can help inhibit the growth of some fungi. However, it’s important to use it with caution and consult a healthcare professional before using it to treat any fungal infection.
Final thought
Apple cider vinegar can be effective in treating yeast infections. But, you should also consider your diet and lifestyle. If you’re susceptible to such infection, as much as possible you should limit intake of sugary foods to prevent the production of the fungus.
Likewise, you should also ensure to maintain the proper pH balance of your body by consuming plant-based probiotics and natural yogurts.
It is also essential to practice proper hygiene. Keep your body clean always and wear clean, cotton panties. Avoid using scented hygienic pads as they can make the infection worse.
It’s not easy to overcome yeast infections that’s why you should find the right treatment that will work best for you.
is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science from Dhaka University and has worked with various clients to help them achieve their health goals through personalized diet plans. Mounota is passionate about educating people on the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle and has written extensively on the subject for various publications.
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