Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called candida. While candida occurs naturally and harmlessly in a healthy body, certain conditions, such as damp heat, can make it grow uncontrollably, causing the yeast infection. The use of apple cider vinegar to treat yeast infections is a centuries-old regimen that is a popular alternative to commercial drugs.

Intestinal

The acidity of apple cider vinegar has a very therapeutic effect on yeast infections, because rebalances the acid levels that cause the proliferation of the candida fungus. It helps to fight intestinal yeast infections by creating unfriendly conditions that kill off the candida. It also creates a friendly environment for friendly, beneficial gut bacteria.

Vaginal

Apple cider vinegar is effective in curing vaginal yeast infections. One way to take advantage of this benefit is by means of a douche. To make the douche, stir 2 tablespoons of the cider vinegar in 8 ounces of warm water. Douche with this solution twice a day. Never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the skin. Do not use the douche longer than 10 days.

Prevention

Making apple cider vinegar a regular part of your daily diet will help to prevent yeast infections by helping maintain a proper pH balance, which hinders fungal growth. Use it on salads as a dressing, marinate meat, sprinkle it on baked potatoes and fries, use it in your coleslaw or use it as a pickling agent.

Tonic

To enjoy the apple cider vinegar benefits for yeast infections, take 2 to 3 table spoons a day. This can be taken undiluted--for those who can handle the sour taste--or diluted in a glass of warm water. Fruit or vegetable juice or even herbal tea may be used instead of water. Try 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup to sweeten and further mask the taste.

Considerations

Always opt for the "raw" murky, brown apple cider vinegar to treat your yeast infection. This variety of unpasteurized, organic cider vinegar offers far more benefits than the processed varieties. Vital, beneficial nutrients are stripped from apple cider vinegar when it is filtered, distilled and pasteurized to make it clear and sparkly.