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Thrush is a condition caused by the unrestricted growth of the yeast Cabdida albicans. This yeast, a type of fungus, is usually present in our bodies and its growth is kept in check by the good bacteria within our bodies. Anything that affects the levels of good bacteria in our bodies will allow the Candida albicans fungus to grow unchecked, resulting in thrush. Thrush usually occurs in dark and damp areas such as the mouth, vagina and genital areas.

While there is no cure as such for thrush, there are quite a few natural remedies that can be used at home to treat an outbreak or a recurrence of thrush. These home remedies can be quite effective in the treatment of thrush. They include:

• Avoid sweet foods as their sugar content provides fertile ground for the yeast to thrive on.
• Fermented foods as well as food products with yeast such as wine and bread should be avoided. These will further tip the balance in the favor of Candida albicans.
• Antibiotics kill bacteria in our bodies indiscriminately. Use of antibiotics can result in the depletion of good bacteria, allowing Candia albicans to grow unchecked. If you have been treated with antibiotics, try taking probiotics. These foods contain good bacteria which can replenish the depleted levels in your body and keep a check on the growth of Candida albicans.
• Supplements of lactobacillus acidophilus, a good bacterium, can help combat thrush.
• A good multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement can complement your diet, ensuring that your body gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
• Studies have shown that women with zinc deficiency are prone to a recurrence of thrush attacks. A zinc supplement will help overcome this deficiency and keep the immune system healthy.
• Studies have shown a link between beta carotene deficiency and thrush. Eating foods rich in beta carotene such as carrots can help combat thrush.
• The essential fatty acids in fish oil such as omega-3 and omega-6 have anti-fungal properties which can help combat thrush.
• Linseed oil supplements can be quite effective in treating recurrences of thrush.
• The anti-fungal properties of garlic make it quite effective in treating thrush. Garlic can be taken either in its raw or cooked form or in the form of supplements.
• Echinacea can help provide a boost to your immune system and help it to fight the growth of Candida albicans. Echinacea supplements should not be taken for more than six weeks at a stretch.
• Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that make it quite effective in treating thrush. The oil needs to be diluted with carrier oil such as almond oil and applied topically. Alternatively, a few drops could be added to your bath. A pessary of tea tree oil is available for use in cases of vaginal thrush.
• For vaginal thrush, a yogurt douche can also provide immense relief from the condition.
• A newborn baby is prone to developing thrush that usually affects the mouth. While not a serious problem it can prove to be a major irritant. The good part is that it can be easily treated. If your child has mild thrush, you should keep the nipples and pacifiers clean. If you are nursing your child, clean your nipples with an anti-fungal cream and dry them thoroughly after breastfeeding. To relieve nipple soreness, you can apply some lanolin lotion on the affected nipples.
• If you wear dentures, it is important to clean your mouth and dentures every night. Scrub them well with a toothbrush and leave them to soak overnight in chlorhexidene or any denture cleaner and rinse them well in the morning.
• In cases of oral thrush, rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help relieve discomfort.
• Yogurt is a good probiotic and should be eaten regularly. It can also be applied topically to the affected areas to provide relief.

References

1. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/candidiasis-000030.htm