Yeast is almost always found in our bodies in a harmless small amount. When an outside force causes our body's pH level to change, the yeast will grow and multiply, and you have the dreaded yeast infection. By knowing what causes a yeast infection and how it affects you, you can hopefully prevent them. We will talk briefly about what causes a yeast infection and tell you how you can get more information and some natural cures.

There are some things that are really annoying in this world and I cannot imagine anything worse than itching related to a yeast infection. Whether it is female, male or baby yeast infections caused from candida (bacterial over growth), they are all annoying. You know what I mean - the kind of itching that will not stop and you scratch until swelling and bleeding occur. It is pure insanity BUT there is reason for good news: You can get rid of a yeast infection in a matter of 24 hours or less.

This 'unbalancing' within the vagina can occur for various reasons and many women can not make a direct link between cause and effect. Typical triggers are menstruation, antibiotics (because they kill the 'good' bacteria as well as the 'bad'), douching (cleansing the vagina with water or perfumed products), pregnancy and diabetes. However, there may be no direct link with any of these factors. Keeping the vulva and vagina moisture free can help prevent the growth of yeast.

It is important to remember that an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans is not in itself dangerous but it can cause severe discomfort. The symptoms include itching and soreness around women's private parts. There is often inflammation which can make wearing tight clothing very uncomfortable. There is commonly a change in vaginal discharge, it will become thicker and sometimes white and 'cottage cheese' like.

So instead of drugs, the optimal way to help yourself should be that you give your body the tools it needs to fight off Candida albicans overgrowth on its own. With health care costs on the rise, and more options for over-the-counter (OTC) Candida treatments becoming available everyday, more women are self diagnosing yeast infections. The result is that these drugs are being used when there is no need. Studies show that as many as 2/3 of these OTC drugs purchased to treat yeast infections were used by women without the disease.

Here are 3 popular natural yeast infection remedies:

1. Garlic. Yes, you read that right. This wonderful and ever present agent will give you bad breath but it will also kill the bacteria that is causing the yeast infection in the first place. You should eat fresh garlic and make sure that you digest enough for it to really be effective.

2. Yogurt. This will really help out as it neutralizes the bad bacteria with the good bacteria. A good amount of yogurt eaten or dipped on a tampon and applied to the infected area works wonders.

3. Apple cider vinegar. Another powerful force a giant the spread of Candida. It is a great treatment for yeast infection, especially when you catch it in the early stages.