Treatments for Thrush

Thrush is the oral version of a vaginal yeast infection.  It is usually marked by small white patches that are found within the cheeks of the mouth.  Typically they feel a lot like mouth ulcers and are painful.  In this article I am going to go over various treatments for thrush and how to treat thrush naturally without relying on medications and prescriptions

The medical term for thrush is candidiasis and like I said in the first paragraph, thrush is typically found in the mouth.  It is caused by a fungus that lives on our body and typically is kept in check thanks to our immune system as well as probiotic (good bacteria) that is found in our mouths and in our digestive system.  People develop thrush mainly when either our immune system is suppressed or something kills off our good bacteria.  Most conventional doctors view an over-proliferation of this fungus as a small symptom to a much bigger problem. 

Thrush tends to affect people with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS and chemotherapy patients, or the elderly or very young.  All yeasts feed on sugar and if the body's pH balance is tilted in any way, the probiotic bacteria that would normally metabolize the sugar, can't thrive and the result is a heightened risk of Candida Albicans.

Thrush can affect men and women but is rarely transmitted sexually.  

There are several treatments that you can try if you are having a problem with thrush. Since we know that thrush is caused by a suppressed immune system and/or a lack of probiotics to curtail the build up of the fungi, the obvious solution would be to try things that will enhance our immune functions and create an environment that is good for the "good bacteria".

Aloe vera juice will help to boost white blood cells and improve their ability to kill yeast cells.

There are some herbal formulas that have very strong antifungal agents like polygodial such as horopito. Studies have shown that Kolorex is an effective herbal solution to controlling the effects of thrush.

There are also other herbs that actually heal microbial infections such as olive leaf extract.

Pau d'arco (aka lapacho or taheebo) has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may help cure thrush. This is actually best if used in a tea and will help kill all candida, not just the kind that affect the mouth. Some people won't benefit from this herb though as its base is alkaloid. If this is the case, you can try a tea called maitake.

You can also check out thrush home remedies that will give more introspection to treating thrush at home with your diet.

The fungus that causes thrush has been known to mutate so rotating remedies is recommended.

Additionally, if you have been taking antibiotics long term or are undergoing chemotherapy, then you will be at a much higher risk of developing thrush.  This is because these types of treatments kill all bacteria and fungi in the body.  Excessive antibiotics will also affect the levels of vitamin K in your body which is manufactured by probiotics in your intestines.

A good, clean diet is strongly recommended for anyone who is at risk of candidiasis.  Yogurt, green leafy vegetables, fruits and alfalfa are all good things to eat as they help to replenish the vitamin K you might be deficient in.

If your problems with thrush are chronic, then you may want to get an allergy test done.  Worse still, chronic thrush could be the beginning of systemic candidiasis and is usually the symptom of a much bigger problem.