How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection Cure

Yeast infection or candidiasis is a common problem faced by people who live in hot and humid conditions. Yeast infections usually occur in the intestinal tract, in the mouth or in the vagina. Yeast infection in the vagina is known as “vaginitis” and it causes itchiness, redness of the exterior of the vagina and the inner thigh area, vaginal irritation and yellowish or white vaginal discharge. More than 75% of women are affected by yeast infection at some point in their life. Many women try over the counter medicines and topical creams to treat the problem, however, there are many natural remedies which will easily cure and prevent yeast infections.  The most important natural treatment available for yeast infection is Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a preservative and for various cooking purposes. Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the apples. Making apple cider vinegar involves two steps

Step-1 Apples are crushed to form cider and it is mixed with yeast, which will ferment the sugar in the apple into alcohol.

Step-2 Into the alcohol produced in the 1st step, acetobacter bacteria are added and by the action of bacteria, the alcohol is converted to acetic acid and malic acid. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar. Vinegar is the French word that means “sour wine”.

The unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar contains strands of proteins, friendly bacteria and enzymes this is called as “mother vinegar”. According to Hippo crates, ACV has many medicinal properties and can be used as a cure for many health problems. ACV is very effective in curing yeast infections and here are the different methods for using apple cider vinegar for yeast infections. Here are the properties of ACV which makes it a perfect treatment for yeast infection.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection:

1. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic and it helps the body to fight against bacteria, virus fungi and other disease causing organisms.
2. This mild acid helps to keep the natural pH balance of the vagina and prevents the growth of yeast infection. Yeast cannot thrive in the lower pH of the vagina.
3. ACV helps to increase the good bacteria in the intestine and in the vagina and improves the immunity of the body against yeast infections.
4. When taken orally, the proteins and enzymes present in the vinegar boost the immune system and help the body to prevent yeast infections.
5. It helps to reduce the blood glucose level and hence very useful in controlling the blood sugar. Diabetic patients are more prone to fungal infections and they can be benefitted by the use of vinegar.

Simple Methods To Cure Yeast Infection with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar can be used topically or orally to cure and prevent yeast infection. Here are some of the ACV methods that are commonly used to cure yeast infection. You can try out the different methods and can find which the most effective one for you is.

Method-1

• Take a glass of warm water and add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it
• Do not add sugar or honey to it as sugar promotes the growth of fungus
• Drink this mixture at least 2-3 times in a day to prevent yeast infection or to cure the infection.

Method 2

• Mix one tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and drink this mix before the meals two times a day
• It is better to take this mix on an empty stomach
• This natural remedy should be done every day to prevent the spread of fungus
• Make sure that you are taking organic ACV.
• You can also mix the vinegar in fresh fruit or vegetable juice or in herbal teas to prevent the spreading of yeast infection.

Also you can use other home remedies for yeast infection

Method 3 (soaking)

• Take 2-3 tablespoons of ACV and small piece of cloth or cotton
• Dip the cloth or cotton in the vinegar for a few minutes
• Apply the vinegar in the cloth or cotton to the yeast affected areas.
• Make sure that the vinegar is low acidic before using this remedy. The preferred  level is (5% or Less)
• If your yeast infection is severe you may experience a burning sensation when vinegar is applied. So, test the vinegar in a small area before applying to the whole infected area.
• If you feel that the infection is more and you cannot tolerate the burning sensation, then use the diluted ACV.
• You can mix equal quantities of vinegar and water to dilute the acetic acid and apply it on the affected areas to get faster relief from itching and irritation.
• Keep the vinegar applied for 10-115 minutes and wash it off with water and pat dry the areas to remove any moisture. Moisture promotes fungal growth. Hence, always try to keep the area dry.
• Do this remedy regularly to get complete relief from yeast and fungal infection.

Method 4 (ACV and Tea tree Oil)

• Take 3-4 cups of ACV and ½ cup of tea tree oil and mix this in your bathing water
• Have a bath in this mixture  regularly to get relief and to prevent the infection
• The tea tree oil also has antimicrobial property and prevents fungal growth.

Method 5 (Douche)

This method is highly effective as it regulates the pH of the vagina and prevents the growth of yeast fungus. Follow the process given below to safely do the douching

Process

• Mix well 3 tablespoons of ACV in one cup  of distilled water
• Use this mixture to douche
• As douching process introduces the vinegar-water mixture to the vagina, your symptoms of yeast infection like the vaginal discharge and itching will get reduced considerably by just one time use of the remedy.
• If you have severe symptoms of the infection use this remedy at least two times a day.
• Once you see improvement in the condition you can do the process once in a day
• Before using any concentrated vinegar mix, it is better to consult your doctor to know the concentration of the solution to be used for effective curing of the infection.

Method 6 (As Part of Your Diet)

ACV is used in different cooking process as they help in easy digestion of the food and they help in preserving the food.

• Regular intake of ACV as part of your diet reduces your chances of developing yeast infection as they will help to maintain the pH balance of the body.
• You can use them in pickling various fruits and vegetables and include the pickles in your diet
• ACV can be used in different salads such as coleslaw and can be consumed
• ACV is also a well known salad dressing and it can be sprinkled on baked potatoes and include them in your diet.

Method 7 (As Supplement)

• ACV is now available in the form of supplement you can take the supplement in tablet, tonic or in capsule form according to your convenience.
• Regular intake of ACV in the supplement form helps to improve the immune system and prevents bacterial and yeast infection.

Method 8 (ACV in Bath)

• Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, add it to warm water taken in a shallow container
• Soak  the vagina in this warm water by sitting on the container
• Keep the vagina soaked for at least 10 minutes
• Use this remedy till you get relief from the infection
• You can also add 2-3 cups of cider vinegar in your bath water  and use it for cleansing the body
• Repeat the remedy at least twice a day to prevent and cure skin yeast infections and vaginal infection

Method 9 (ACV Tampon)

• You can use tampons dipped in ACV as the applicator of vinegar inside the vagina
• This provides close contact with vinegar to the vaginal walls and prevents irritation and itching.
• Remove the tampon after 10-15 minutes and clean the area with warm water to prevent fungal growth.
• After showering the body dry yourself properly so that there is no moisture on the skin, which enhances the chance of fungal infections.
• You will find a great improvement in your condition  after 2-3 soaks
• Continue the remedy till you are completely cured of the problem

Important tips

1. If you want to use ACV for curing yeast infection you need to select organic, raw and unfiltered and unpasteurized form of the vinegar which contains the Mother.
2. This vinegar is acidic in nature and can cause burns when applied without diluting it.  It is recommended to use ACV diluted with water, eliminating yeast infections in our body.
3. Never use baking soda to clean the vaginal area if you have a yeast infection. Baking soda increases the pH level and promotes the growth of yeast cells. This can complicate the problem and make ACV ineffective in controlling yeast growth.
4. It is necessary that you  avoid sugar or sweet food items when you are having yeast infection as they worsens the infection
5. Always use loose fitting panties when you are having vaginal infection
6. Include more yoghurt in your diet to keep the balance of good bacteria in the body, if you are using antibiotics to treat the problem.

All the above mentioned methods are simple and easy to do and by using one of these apple cider vinegar methods you can surely get cured of yeast infections and the itching and irritation and discharge symptoms associated with it. Moreover, these ACV methods are natural and do not cause any side effects.

Top Thirty Quick and Easy Health Tips

Food and Nutrition

 Along with fresh veggies and fruits, eat slim meats (if you’re not vegetarian), nuts, seeds (sprouts) and salads. 

 Opt for fresh, seasonal and local produce over exotic foodstuff imported over ridiculous distances. 

 Make sure you get a balanced diet, as often as possible. 

 Drink water – you need to stay hydrated. Not only is it good for your internal organs, it also keeps your skin healthy and lessens acne. 

 To determine your water requirement, divide your weight (in pounds) by two. This gives the daily ounce-recommendation. 

 Cut down on caffeine and caffeinated and aerated beverages. 

 Limit alcohol intake. Tobacco and drugs should be an absolute No. 

 Steer clear of sugar, stimulants and processed food. 

 Maintain a healthy weight. 

Exercise

 Exercise at least four days a week for 20 to 30 minutes each day. If it’s all not possible at a go, break your workouts into smaller sessions. 

 Try to get as much physical activity as you can. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, walk to the supermarket instead of hunting for parking space etc. 

 Wake up early to practice simple meditation. It harmonizes body, mind and soul. 

 Doing household chores also counts as activity. 

 Pets can be a great source for your exercise. Especially a dog. Walking dogs, caring for them involves good amounts of physical activity. 

 If exercising alone bores you out, hook up with a partner or friend who is committed to exercise. The fun factor will also let you stay committed. 

 Exercise also works as an outlet for pent up stress. So keep exercising, especially when you’ve got work bearing down on you. 

General Health

Get adequate rest daily. Don’t deprive yourself of sleep for extended periods of time. 

 If you’re on medication for an illness, ensure that you follow the course all the way through. 

 Skin, teeth, hair, nails are all indicators of general health. Loss of hair or lack of lustre may mean poor nutrition. 

 Make friends with your family physician. Get regular check-ups done. 

 Watch out for the signs of major illnesses, especially cancer, heart disease etc. Early detection is the key. 

 When it comes to healthy living, even little things count. Like eye health. Make sure you rest them well. They’ll serve you a long time. 

 Take care of your teeth. Dental health has been linked, among other things, to premature heart disease. 

 Try to get all your nutrition from the food you eat. If you aren’t getting it though, multivitamins and nutritional supplements are a good option. 

 Get your vitamin D from the sun. But also stay UV-protected. 

Health and Happiness

 Slow and deep breathing is a good counter to stressful situations. Practice it.

 Surround yourself with positive energy and a strong social circle. Good vibes translates into good moods. 

 Engage in social work. Do things for the less-privileged. 

 Work on your looks, but don’t get obsessed. Pamper yourself occasionally. 

 Believe in your abilities. Work on your shortcomings. Life is a continuous self-help program.

3 mistakes of your asana

As India celebrates International Yoga Day, we review a practice that has been universally recognised as a way to diffuse stress, reduce tension, calm the mind and energise the body. 

But the increasing popularity of yoga has also lead to several misconceptions about the form. As a result, yoga is being approached more as a daily workout than as a way of life that includes both mind and body. As the fundamental rules of practising yoga disappear under the bed of misconstrued myths, experts point out the most common mistakes and offer solutions to overcome them:

THE WRONG ATTITUDE

The ideology of yoga extends to integration at every point as it is based on a holistic, wholesome and collective bedrock. The form of the asanas is what is seen but what remains unseen is equally important. "While technique and posture will get you far, having the wrong attitude can undo more than you can imagine," says fitness expert Mickey Mehta. "Compassion, reverence and regard are the three pillars of attitude that one must cultivate when performing yoga. Without it, the biochemistry won't be triggered and it will remain peripheral." That most people are over enthusiastic and less clued in to the right attitude makes the process counter-productive.Sneha Arora, a yoga teacher, says that many people approach yoga as a two week selfdevelopment and training programme. "Yoga classes thrice a week while eating junk food every night is of no use. If one takes it up, it's a commitment that calls for a review of lifestyle, habits and daily routine," she says. So don't leave yoga back in the classroom.

IN MECHANICAL MODE

Performing yoga requires one to be mentally focused. Yoga improves your glandular and hormonal secretion, liberates energy and neutralises toxins."But if your awareness isn't total, the healing mechanism won't be wholesome," warns Mehta. Arora adds that those who practise yoga with the aim of losing weight or to increase flexibility forget to include their mind while per forming asanas. She often finds students having difficulty with shavasan or the corpse pose. "This is because their minds are scattered and you can see frown lines on their faces and their eyelids moving." Dhan Palkhivala, a veteran Iyengar yoga instructor, says that it isn't enough to get the pose right; the mind needs to be firm as well.

RUSHING IN

Arora, who requests beginners to steer clear of over-challenging themselves, says, "On the first day of class, don't compare yourself with others." Yet, it is easy to get carried away and attempt the most complex asanas in the first week. But this can only lead to disas ter. "Some students confuse yoga with flexibility and over-exert and over-stretch themselves, leading to injuries of the back, hamstring and knees," says Mehta, who suggests spending a minimum of 45 days of regular practise before attempting complex aasanas such as chakrasan, dhanurasan, hala san, sarvangasan, naukasan and karnpidasan. "People try to be acrobats but yoga is not an exhibition but an expression of your totality and energies coming together."

HIDING ILLNESSES

It is of utmost importance that you consider your medical history, no matter how minor, before attempting yoga. "People perform kapalbhati indiscriminately. If you're acidic or have cardiac issues, then kapalbhati can aggravate your prob lems," warns Arora. Inform your trainer about your minor medical details. "For instance, if you've had a C-section, then you will be asked to stay away from certain asanas that stretch the abdomen," clarifies Shalini Bhargava, a yoga mentor with the Dance with Madhuri workshops.

SKIPPING A WARM UP

A common mistake of any workout, applicable especially to yoga, is skipping a warm up. "A paradox about yoga is that the best and essential warm up is to be in a state of inaction. Sitting with your legs crossed in sukhasan with your eyes shut and in gyaan mudra while breathing slowly can help orient, compose and integrate you.Throughout the day, we're running about and need to get centred, have our breath in rhythm, before practising the asanas," says Mehta, who feels that the process would only be 10 per cent effective without prior warm up.

FORCEFUL BREATHING

The way you breathe is of utmost importance, too. "One should never aggressively close their nostrils or force their breath" says Arora.Bhargava adds that holding of the breath the wrong way tightens the muscles and can even make your blood pressure spike or make you dizzy. Breathing improperly may also affect the ease with which one assumes postures. "The trick is to keep it gentle and manipulate your natural breathing," advises Arora.

Could Your Fat Past Mess You Up Today?

If your belly bulged as a teen, your risk for this deadly disease might be greater now

Your old junk-food days could come back to bite you: Being overweight as a teen can increase your risk of colon cancer later on, suggests new research from Sweden.

After analyzing medical records of over 200,000 men, the researchers discovered that guys who had obese BMIs between the ages of 16 and 20 were twice as likely to have developed colon cancer 35 years later than those in the normal weight groups.

(We should note that BMI isn’t exactly the best tool to assess whether you’re lean or fat. In fact, when you use BMI, it means Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Is Technically Obese!)

Overweight people tend to have problems with inflammation, which may play a role in development of colon cancer. But it’s not clear whether or not this was the reason for the link in the study, says author Elizabeth Kantor, Ph.D. 

While researchers couldn’t determine whether dropping the extra weight as adults would reduce colon cancer risk, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a shot, since shedding pounds is essential to staying healthy. Research shows overweight people hold a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

(Looking for a simple, smart way to shrink your gut? Try our Lose Your Spare Tire! Program. It’s the easiest way to drop 10, 20, or even 50 pounds!)

In the meantime, make small changes to your diet to help protect yourself against colon cancer. Upping your daily fiber intake could reduce your risk, according to a British study.

Stick with naturally fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—fiber supplements haven’t been found to have the same cancer-slashing effects. 

8 Surprising Causes Of Constipation

Some 1 in 4 Americans suffer a little backup in the old plumbing now and again, according to data from the National Institutes of Health. "Every day I see patients complaining of constipation," says Connecticut-based gastroenterologist Ed Levine, MD. More often than not, your toilet trouble comes from lifestyle habits such as a low fiber diet, not drinking enough water (up your water consumption with these slimming sassy water recipes), lack of exercise, and repeatedly blowing off the urge to go. But occasionally there's a more surprising cause of constipation, which is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week or ones that are hard, dry, small and painful, or difficult to pass. Check out the more unexpected reasons why the going may be slow.

1. Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid is responsible for controlling metabolism, so when it's less active, so is your plumbing. "The muscles in the intestinal tract slow down, causing the stool to travel through the colon at a slower pace," Levine explains. "The longer a stool hangs out in the colon, the more water gets drained from it, making it harder and tougher to pass." Hypothyroidism gets more common as we age, affecting some three million Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, there's a simple, accurate blood test to diagnose the condition and safe medications to treat it.

2. Depression

While your body's systems can slow down with depression symptoms, you're also likely to be following a different lifestyle. "People with depression aren't as active—you might be lying in bed all day," says psychiatrist Wendy Levine, MD, of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT. "You may be eating more carbs or eating more—or less—in general; a change from your regular, balanced diet." Moving less and eating more, especially comfort foods that are low in fiber, can spell gut trouble. Many people are slow to seek help for their depression, but if you or a loved one is persistently down, don't hesitate: Medications, psychotherapy and other treatments have been proven to help.

3. Medications

Popping certain types of pills can potentially cause constipation. Topping the list is painkillers, particularly opioids and narcotics. These drugs cause a body-wide slow down—including your colon. Other meds that can stop you up, according to the American Gastroenterological Foundation, include some antidepressants, antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant drugs (for epilepsy), tranquilizers, anti-Parkinson's drugs, and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure and heart conditions."A lot of these medications have an anti-cholergenic effect," Levine explains: Anti-cholergenics are drugs that interfere with parasympathetic nerve impulses, which direct the behind-the-scenes work of the GI tract, lungs, urinary tract, and other parts of the body. You could be prescribed anti-cholergenic drugs for asthma, allergies, incontinence, GI cramps, and muscle spasms. If you suspect your prescription is slowing your GI tract down, talk to your doctor about alternative meds or laxatives.

4. Supplements

Calcium and iron in particular have been known to trigger constipation. "Iron and calcium are binding—they make everything stick together," Levine says. If you've been prescribed iron supplements to treat a deficiency, don't cut back to avoid constipation. Instead, add more fiber to your diet or take a gentle laxative. 

5. Pregnancy

Blame your hormones. "During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles in the bowel, so it moves more slowly," Levine explains. The bowel also bears the weight of your growing uterus. "The uterus sits on the bowel, squishing it, so your stool is moving through a thinner pipe—it's going to travel more slowly," Levine adds.

6. Laxative overuse

There's little harm in taking a laxative once in a while, but daily use can lead to stoppage. Especially troublesome are the type that work by stimulating the nerves of the colon, such as Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, and Senna. "Over time, your muscles are not being used, so they can weaken," explains Levine, and then they start to depend on the laxative effect. A safer bet, he suggests, is a bulk-forming laxative such as psyllium that doesn't change the body's natural actions but simply bulks up the stool with water and stimulates the intestines for easier passage. (Look for brands such as GenFiber and Metamucil.)

7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

You could have a chronic condition such as IBS, a disorder of the large intestine that may affect as many as 20% of adults, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. With IBS, spasms of the colon can delay movement through the digestive tract, leading to constipation—which can alternate with diarrhea—as well as abdominal pain and cramping. Mild cases of IBS can usually be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. For moderate to severe cases, there are prescription medications.

8. Chocolate

Dark chocolate often wears a health halo because of its high antioxidant content, but the indulgence may also stop you up, especially if you have IBS. According to researchers writing in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, people with IBS often have trigger foods, including chocolate, which can cause symptoms, namely abdominal discomfort and constipation. If you suspect a connection between eating chocolate and constipation, try cutting the treat out of your diet to see if symptoms improve.