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Yeast infections are one of the most prevalent maladies in both men and women. While easy to contract, they can sometimes be more difficult to treat, particularly if the infection has spread throughout the body. This more serious condition is referred to as Candidiasis, most common in those who are immuno-compromised but occurring in more people than even realize it.
Many people prefer a natural remedy for minor yeast infections. Sometimes a simple change in diet along with an herbal supplement is enough to treat the problem in a couple weeks. Adding fiber and acidophilus, such as that found in yogurt, to the diet aids in restoring the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Capsules of essential oils such as oregano or peppermint or garlic are effective for some people, but they require two or more months of regular ingestion, in capsule form, to work.
For more severe infections, medication is usually necessary to effect a faster treatment and provide more immediate relief of symptoms.
The Effect of Nizarol on Candida Symptoms
Nizoral (Ketoconazole), is a medication of the triazole family of drugs often prescribed to treat yeast infections. It is taken orally and can be used for any of the Candida infections, including oral thrush. It targets the fungus, inhibiting further growth, and retards all symptoms associated with the infection.
Treatment with Nizarol can take anywhere from several days to two months, depending on the severity of the infection; Candidiasis will take longest to treat while a condition such as foot fungus may dissipate within only one week of dosages. Effectiveness is largely dependent on the individual patient and their genetics, diet, and other prescriptions. Nizarol works best when used on localized infections (confined to only one area of the body).
Side Effects of Nizarol
As with any drug, side effects vary from person to person. On the whole, Nizarol is a very safe medication. The side effects most commonly reported are:
• Pain in the abdomen
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Headache
• Sexual impotence
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Dry mouth
• Sensitivity to light
Anyone susceptible to liver problems should be advised to avoid Nizarol, or any of the triazole class of drugs. Long-term and high dose prescriptions require regular blood tests to determine effects on the liver. There are no long-term side effects associated with the medication.
Recommendations
Nizarol is a safe and effective alternative to other medications commonly prescribed for yeast infections, such as Nystratin or Clotrimazole. However, for conditions such as Candidiasis, the risk for developing liver problems while taking Nizarol is great. In this instance, alternative therapies are probably best.
For the average person contracting a yeast infection, there are typically no concerns over taking a prescription for Nizarol. Be sure to take the oral medication with plenty of water and on a full stomach to avoid dry mouth and abdominal pains. Patients should also refrain from taking antacids since they reduce the acid in the stomach, and thus the effectiveness, of a triazole drug.
The most common home remedy for vaginal yeast infections is non-sweetened yogurt that contains active bacteria. Many commercial brands do not contain live acidophilus bacteria, so be sure to read the label. Nancy's Yogurt, made in Oregon, contains several different types of live cultures and may help you re-establish your yeast/bacteria balance.
If you don't live in an area that sells this particular brand, check the labels on the yogurt available at your local supermarket - "live cultures" should be prominently noted.
If you add sugar to the yogurt you will cancel out its benefits by feeding your yeast - if you really can't bear the idea of eating unsweetened yogurt, add a small amount of honey instead of sugar. Honey has been proven to increase the numbers of beneficial bacteria in your gut, while sugar inhibits bacteria and feeds yeast. If you have to choose between sweeteners, always choose honey.
Brown sugar, raw sugar, and other forms of sugar are just sugar - they aren't any better for you, and they should be avoided like the plague if you have a yeast infection.
Some people put yogurt in the vagina instead of eating it, in order to get the acidophilus down where it's needed more quickly, but some studies have shown that this is not needed or effective. If you want to try it, you can insert the yogurt directly into the vagina by dipping a tampon (the kind without an applicator, like the OB brand) into unsweetened yogurt and then inserting it into the vagina. Remove the tampon after an hour or so.
You can also freeze yogurt in the fingers of a sterile plastic glove, and then insert the frozen yogurt popsicle in the vagina like a tampon. This can be a bit messy, so you may want to use a sanitary pad for a few hours. Believe it or not, the icy yogurt will feel good against your inflamed vaginal walls.
You can also find suppositories containing live bacterial cultures at the natural food store and online. These products deliver the beneficial probiotics directly to the affected area. Make sure you select a capsule that contains only live bacterial cultures, and which does not contain herbal remedies such as Pau D' Arco bark extract or black walnut that may kill the bacteria.
If you use one of these products or put yogurt in the vagina, you should also eat a cup of unsweetened yogurt every day as well. You need a strong population of acidophilus in your intestinal tract to help build up your natural defenses and keep your infection from coming back.
Since yogurt is not an antifungal treatment, there is no risk that it will cause your yeast population to mutate and become drug resistant. Even if you are lactose-intolerant, you may be able to tolerate yogurt, but if not, try one of the acidophilus capsules sold at the natural food store, instead.
If you want to use yogurt as a natural home remedy for your yeast infection, go ahead and experiment to see if it works for you. You may decide to cover all your bases, and use yogurt both as a topical treatment in the vagina or on your genital area, while also including it in your diet. As always, if your yeast infection does not clear up in a few days while using this remedy, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. Most home remedies, including yogurt, will only work if you catch your yeast infection while it's still fairly mild.