Yeast infections are a common issue among women, caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. The symptoms of a yeast infection can include itching, burning, and discharge. While over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are available, some people prefer to explore natural remedies.
One of these options is to drink certain types of beverages that may help with yeast infections. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the drinks that may help with yeast infections.
What Is A Yeast Infection?
Before we dive into the drinks that may help with yeast infections, let’s take a quick look at what a yeast infection is. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that is naturally present in the body.
When this fungus overgrows, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and discharge. Yeast infections are most commonly found in the vag**al area, but can also occur in other areas of the body, like the mouth or skin.
Can Drinks Help With Yeast Infections?
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of drinks to treat yeast infections, some people may find them helpful. Some drinks contain ingredients that may help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. This can help fight off the yeast infection-causing Candida fungus.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular drink that is known for its many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Some studies have shown that green tea may have antifungal properties. This would help to fight off the yeast infections caused by Candida fungus.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is another drink that may be helpful in treating yeast infections. It is often recommended for urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it may also be helpful in treating yeast infections. Cranberry juice contains compounds called proanthocyanidins, which can help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. This same mechanism may also help to prevent Candida from attaching to the vag**al walls.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. Probiotics have been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions, including yeast infections. They can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the body, which may help to prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
Garlic Juice
Garlic is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It is rich in compounds called allicin and ajoene, which have been shown to have antifungal properties. While there is limited scientific research on the use of garlic juice to treat yeast infections, some people believe that drinking it may help to fight off the Candida fungus.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. While there is limited research on the use of turmeric milk to treat yeast infections, some people believe that it may help in the treatment of yeast infections by reducing inflammation in the body.
Conclusion
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of drinks to treat yeast infections, certain drinks may help to fight off the yeast infection-causing Candida fungus. These drinks may also help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Green tea, cranberry juice, kefir, garlic juice, and turmeric milk are all drinks that may be helpful in treating yeast infections.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic. Yeast infection (vag**al) – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
- Chen, Y. et al. (2018). Antifungal activity of green tea polyphenols and their synthetic derivatives. Journal of Fungi, 4(3), 105. doi: 10.3390/jof4030105
- Reid, G. et al. (2017). Cranberry consumption and the microbiome. Advances in Nutrition, 8(6), 931-941. doi: 10.3945/an.117.015164
- Damodharan, K. et al. (2016). In vitro evaluation of anticandidal activity of garlic (Allium sativum) extracts on Candida albicans isolates. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, 7(1), 102-105. doi: 10.4103/0976-9668.175489
- Hewlings, S. J. & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its’ effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. doi: 10.3390/foods6100092
