Usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans, yeast infections can affect many areas of your body, including the feet, the skin, the mouth, genitals and blood. Candida is found naturally on your body, but it is in such small amount that it does not cause any infection. Your immune system works to prevent an overgrowth of yeast. If you already have a yeast infection, you can try several home remedies, including apple cider vinegar for yeast infection.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Help Yeast Infection?
You may develop a yeast infection when your immune system is weak or there is an imbalance in your body pH levels. That is when ACV can help.
- It contains several enzymes, nutrients, and friendly bacteria to help control candida growth and restore your body's pH levels. Keep in mind that ACV is acidic but it has an alkaline effect when metabolized by your body.
- It helps increase the number of good bacteria in your gut, which in turn will improve your immunity. A stronger immune system can handle yeast infections in a much better way.
- It can help control blood sugar levels. Some studies show that diabetics are more likely to experience yeast infections because of high blood sugar levels, but ACV can help by controlling insulin and glucose responses in the body.
- It contains malic acid and also has antibiotic properties, which is why regular consumption may help clear yeast infections.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection
Now that you know apple cider vinegar is good for yeast infection, you may be wondering how you can include it in your routine. Here are some suggestions:
1. Enjoy an ACV Soak
To deal with yeast infections on vagina or penis, simply soak a clean cloth in diluted ACV for a couple of minutes and then place it along the wall of your penis or vagina. Leave it there for a couple of minutes and then remove. Repeat several times to get positive results.
2. Combine ACV and Tea Tree Oil
Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can always be used with ACV to treat yeast infections. Take a bowl and add 3 cups of ACV to it. Now, add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water and mix it with ACV. Combine well and soak in it for 15 minutes. Do it daily until your infection is gone.
3. Use ACV in Tampons
Another great way to use apple cider vinegar for yeast infection is to dip tampons in an apple cider vinegar solution. Not only will this help clear the infection, it will also reduce irritation and itching. Be sure to remove the tampon after 15 minutes. Do not forget to clean the affected area. Using this remedy a couple of times will show clear improvement and reduce itching to a great extent.
4. Try the Douche Method
Take a quarter of warm distilled water and add 3 tbsp. of ACV to it. Mix well and then douche with this solution. Do it twice a day until there is no discharge. Then, do it once a day until the infection clears completely.
5. Include ACV in Your Diet
One great way to use apple cider vinegar for yeast infection is to include it in your daily routine. Simply add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink thrice a day. This will help restore the pH balance of your body and clear infections quickly. Moreover, you can also mix ACV with vegetable or fruit juice to control yeast infections.
6. Enjoy an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
If you cannot seem to find relief from irritation, you may consider taking an ACV bath. Simply fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups of ACV to it along with a cup of iodized sea salt. Sit in the bathtub while keeping your knees folded towards your chest. Stay in this position for up to 15 minutes. Come out and pat yourself dry. Wear your clothes only when the affected area is completely dry.
Tips and Precautions
While it makes great sense to use apple cider vinegar for yeast infection, you should also keep some important tips in mind to get better results. For instance:
- Be sure to opt for organic, raw, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to treat yeast infection. It should contain the Mother to prove effective.
- Be sure to dilute ACV before applying it to your skin. It is acidic and may cause burns on sensitive skin. Simply dilute it with water to avoid any problems.
- Never make use of baking soda to clean the affected area because it can increase the pH levels and make ACV less effective.
- Limit your intake of sugar food when dealing with yeast infections because sugar can worsen your infection and make ACV ineffective.
- Pay attention to what you wear because your clothes can aggravate your condition. Stick to loose-fitting panties and cotton clothes while dealing with vaginal yeast infections.
- Consume yogurt to help increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. This will increase immunity and make ACV much more effective.