Once a fungus invades the human body it can manifest itself in a variety of ways. This can cause athlete's foot, fungus toenails and fingernails, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and even the condition called candidiasis. An array of simple home remedies can prevent or destroy fungus infections in the body.
Kill Fungus in the Colon
The use of antibiotics can have a negative effect on the balance of good bacteria and yeast in the colon. Yeast is a fungus and it is important to replace the good bacteria after dosing with antibiotics so that the yeast cannot grow out of control. This can be accomplished by supplementing with acidophilus or another probiotic.
Eating yogurt that has active and live cultures can put good bacteria back into the colon, as well as consuming even a small amount of sauerkraut and kefir on a daily basis. Probiotics can be purchased in pill form over the counter at must drug stores and the dosage for this good bacteria supplement is usually one capsule per day. Fungal infections feed on sugar and carbohydrates and can grow very rapidly on a diet that is high in refined foods so these should be restricted or eliminated from the diet when fighting fungus and yeast.
Kill Fungus Topically
Fungal infections on the skin are often referred to as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot, depending on what area of the body is affected. The area in question should be washed with warm water and mild soap and patted dry. It is very important to keep the infection dry because moist conditions allow the fungus to grow and spread. Tea tree oil is an excellent antifungal, which can be purchased at most drug stores. Apply the oil liberally to the affected area and keep the area uncovered, or if the fungus is present in the groin area be sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton undergarments.
An alternative treatment for fungal infections on the feet is to soak the feet in a foot bath that has added to it. About 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar to each gallon of warm water is enough to kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
This is also a good remedy for toenail fungus. The nails, too, should be allowed to air dry after soaking. Apply hydrogen peroxide liberally to the affected nail using a cotton ball, allowing this to air dry. It is important that the feet be kept as dry as possible, so open-toe shoes should be worn, or at least wear cotton socks if closed-toe shoes must be worn.
Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by inserting sugar-free yogurt directly into the vaginal canal. Garlic is considered an antifungal and a clove of garlic can also be inserted into the vagina. Some people are extremely sensitive to the oil that seeps from the garlic if it is nicked so use this remedy with caution. The garlic can be tied in a small piece of cheesecloth with dental floss wrapped around the end to keep it in place. The garlic is removed by gently tugging the dental floss. Alternatively, the clove can be inserted alone, kept in place overnight and removed the next morning by bearing down.
If these homemade methods for a vaginal yeast infection are uncomfortable, natural probiotic kits specially made to treat this can be purchased at your local health food store.
Tags: good bacteria, athlete foot, affected area, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cider vinegar,