Can Garlic Cure a Yeast Infection Caused by Candida Albicans?
If you've been struggling to successfully treat your yeast infection with drugs, it may be time to try something new. Eating raw garlic may offer an effective natural remedy for fighting Candida albicans, the underlying cause of yeast infections or thrush in women. Numerous studies have shown garlic to be effective at killing Candida due to the strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties of this powerful anti-candida herb. The infection-curing and anti-candida properties of garlic have been largely attributed to ajoene, a disulfide that is formed when allicin molecules interact with each other in solvents such as edible oils. Allicin, in turn, is formed when a raw garlic clove is crushed or chopped.
Garlic is also known to improve immune system function, which may further contribute to the ability of garlic to fight off candida and cure yeast infections naturally. Other foods that have been reported to inhibit the growth of Candida, and thus fight yeast infections, include onions (a relative of garlic), horseradish, broccoli, cabbage, turnips and kale.
Possible Side Effects
For most of us, garlic has no serious negative effects when eaten as part of an overall healthy anti-candida diet. However, mild side effects do sometimes occur, especially after a sudden increase in garlic consumption. So if you are planning to use garlic as a natural remedy for yeast infections or other conditions linked to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, don't be surprised if you experience upset stomach or bloating, increased sweating, or garlicky body odor.
In addition, in individuals with a garlic allergy, this anti-candida food may cause respiratory symptoms (such as sneezing, wheezing, or a stuffy nose), itching of the mouth or tongue, diarrhea, irritable bowel, and allergic skin reactions. Fortunately, allergic reactions to garlic are fairly uncommon.
In addition to people who are allergic to garlic, people who have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder or who receive HIV/AIDS treatment should avoid garlic. Furthermore, people on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication as well as pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult with a doctor before eating large amounts of garlic. An upcoming surgery is yet another reason to talk a doctor before increasing your garlic intake since garlic can increase the risk of prolonged bleeding during and after surgery.
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