{"id":9432,"date":"2019-08-09T07:07:56","date_gmt":"2019-08-09T07:07:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9432"},"modified":"2021-05-05T14:16:58","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T14:16:58","slug":"14-natural-remedies-for-bacterial-vaginosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-natural-remedies-for-bacterial-vaginosis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Natural Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When the body\u2019s natural balance of bacteria gets thrown out of alignment, then conditions like bacterial vaginosis can occur. This happens when one culture of bacteria is allowed to grow out of control, upsetting the natural balance of bacteria and causing a wide range of symptoms related to infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are conventional medical treatments for this condition, the most common being antibiotics. These medications are effective but are not very selective, so they can wipe out lots of bacteria \u2013 including cultures that may be beneficial. Also, these medications require a visit to your doctor and a prescription, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are some natural remedies that help treat this condition. If your symptoms are fairly mild and you\u2019re not running an extreme fever that warrants immediate medical attention, then you may want to try some of these first. Here are 8 natural remedies you can try at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Start Eating Yogurt<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember, bacterial vaginosis <\/a>isn\u2019t like other infections that are caused by bacteria being introduced where it normally shouldn\u2019t be. This condition is caused by bacteria that are normally present, it\u2019s just that the balance between that bacteria and other types of bacteria is thrown off.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to restore the bacterial balance that is found naturally, then sometimes it makes sense to introduce beneficial bacteria into your system to help even things out. A good source of healthy bacteria is in yogurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any yogurt that has live and active cultures will help, although some brands of yogurt are optimized to provide even more beneficial bacteria than normal. You don\u2019t have to do anything weird or uncomfortable with the yogurt (there is no need to apply it directly to the vaginal area). Just eating a serving or two of yogurt every day can be enough to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Use Tea Tree Oil Topically<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil<\/a> is a natural product that has been used for many years due to its antibacterial properties. It\u2019s good at killing off bacteria, allowing your natural levels to be restored over time. Unlike yogurt, this is something that can be applied directly to the affected area \u2013 it\u2019s not an oil you want to ingest since it can be harsh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This oil has a pretty strong smell, and it can be a bit irritating to the mucous membranes (such as your vagina). For this reason, you don\u2019t want to apply it directly since it can cause irritation and inflammation. Instead, add a drop or two to a lotion, ointment, or douching product that is mild and wouldn\u2019t otherwise irritate your vagina. Then apply the product directly to the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to mix the above concoction and spread it on a tampon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Probiotic Supplements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kind of This work of like yogurt in that it helps introduce beneficial bacteria into your system to balance out the bacteria that is causing harm and leading to an infection. Probiotic <\/a>supplements can come in many forms, but over the years this product has become easier to ingest, and it is quite an affordable option that is available in most places where supplements are sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common form of this supplement in pill form, which is easier to ingest than other forms. This is a simple pill that you can take once per day and it introduces huge colonies of beneficial, natural bacteria into your system that can help with both vaginal issues and digestive issues. It\u2019s also a good idea to take this supplement anytime you take antibiotics, so even if you pursue treatment with regular medicine, it can be a good idea to add a few doses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hydrogen peroxide<\/a> is a topical liquid antiseptic that is naturally formed in the body. When an infection occurs, especially when there is inflammation, the body releases hydrogen peroxide to help kill germs and fight the infection. Peroxide is H2O2, which might sound familiar to another molecule you encounter every day, which is H2O (aka water).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peroxide works by killing germs through oxidation. It is a water molecule with an extra oxygen atom. When the oxygen has done its thing to kill germs, it bubbles away, leaving only water behind. Since your body produces this product, it is a very natural way to kill germs. It\u2019s also cheap and easy to find in nearly any store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to use too much, but studies have found that applying a little bit of peroxide every day is an effective way to kill off bacteria and restore normal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Sanitation Practices <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since this condition is caused by a bacterial infection, making sure that you take steps to avoid contamination <\/a>will help speed your recovery. Even more, forming hygienic practices can help prevent the problem from happening again in the future even after you have recovered from this bout of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic sanitation involves carefully ensuring that you wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. Wiping in the wrong direction can introduce unhealthy bacteria to the vaginal region and causing another infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathing or showering regularly is also important, but good hygiene can be attained through normal cleaning. There is no need to use a specific product like a douche or spray. These products can be far too aggressive and strip away beneficial bacteria that help fight off infections. If you have made a habit of using these products in the past, now is a good time to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Eat More Garlic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This one might sound a bit weird at first, but it is one treatment that is backed by science. Studies have shown that increased garlic intake can help fight off bacteria that cause infections, such as bacterial vaginosis \u2013 although you might want to keep a few breath mints on hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garlic <\/a>not only makes your breath smell bad, but it can be detectible when you sweat, which in high amounts can make you smell less than perfect. Everyone\u2019s biochemistry is unique though, and some people don\u2019t seem to experience this issue. If you do notice an odor, you can make sure to consume the garlic close to bedtime so it is out of your system by the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can buy a bunch of fresh or jarred garlic and add it to your food, but a much easier way is to buy garlic supplements or capsules. These let you take a large dose without the taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Careful Sexual Practices <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During sexual intercourse<\/a>, bacteria are exchanged from one partner to the other. This makes it possible for an infection to occur during the act. There is research that shows women who have sex with multiple partners are at increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. The connection is even stronger among women who have partners who are also female.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practicing safe sex or reducing your number of partners doesn\u2019t directly treat the condition, but if it might contribute to the cause, then avoiding those activities will help your body heal and not have to fight off additional infection. This helps lead to quicker recovery time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it might make sense to abstain from sexual activity for a period of time to allow your body to recover. In other cases, wearing a condom is a good idea, especially since bacteria can be transmitted to your partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Be Careful of What You Wear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clothing can be an important factor in curing this type of infection. Cotton underwear is a good idea, which is a material that breathes easily and provides decent air circulation across the area. Try to avoid wearing any non-breathable material, like leather or vinyl shorts. These materials trap moisture and provide a strong breeding ground for bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s good airflow over the area, that will help your healing process and will prevent infections <\/a>in the future. The same concept applies to clothing like swimsuits. Wearing swimsuit bottoms after getting out of a pool, spa, or body of water can help contribute to infection. It\u2019s important to change immediately after getting out of the water and not sit around in wet clothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also applies to tampons. Changing them every few hours is important, or you provide a great environment for bacteria survival and infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Fermented Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bacterial imbalance caused by BV leads to changes in the vagina. As a result of the disorder, the patient starts to find that they experience changes in discharge, as well as a foul smell emanating from the vagina. These symptoms are clear signs that the vagina is experiencing a bacterial imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best natural remedies for dealing with BV is to control your diet. Eating fermented foods helps to restore the bacterial balance, and prevent reoccurrence of the condition. Both kimchi and sauerkraut are excellent examples of fermented foods worth adding to your diet to beat the symptoms of BV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These foods contain natural probiotic bacteria which help to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in both the gut and the vagina. Eating one or two portions of these foods alongside a healthy diet <\/a>helps to boost the colonies of good bacteria in your vagina, making it a hospitable environment for the progression of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Alkaline Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Water is an essential part of human life. Without water, we perish of dehydration in a few days. Given this fact, it\u2019s surprising how few people drink plain water. Most people prefer the sweet taste of a soda or prefer fruit juice as their drink of choice. Both of these options will exacerbate the symptoms of BV in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you come down with BV, it\u2019s vital that you increase your intake of clean, healthy water. Water helps to flush the kidneys, urinary tract, and urethra. Increasing your water intake gets things moving, and helps the body to rebalance bacteria levels in the vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend that you drink alkaline water<\/a> if you are dealing with a case of BV. Bacteria thrive in an acidic environment. By reducing your intake of acidic foods and beverages, you speed up your recovery time. You can purchase bottled alkaline water at your local grocery store, or install a reverse osmosis filter with a mineralizing cartridge that turns the water alkaline.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Avoid Refined Carbohydrates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, bacteria thrive in an acidic, inflammatory environment. Eating refined carbohydrates <\/a>increases the level of systemic inflammation in your body, increasing your symptoms associated with BV. Refined carbs like flour and sugar cause swelling of the intestinal wall. As the permeable barrier expands, it releases inflammatory particles, toxins, and bacteria into the bloodstream.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These particles spread throughout the body, causing an increase in symptoms of inflammatory disease. Bacteria thrive on sugar and other refined carbs. Therefore, it\u2019s best if you remove these foods from your diet entirely, at least until you get healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace these foods with healthy sources of carbs, such as sprouts and whole grains. Eat more vegetables to increase your fiber intake, and make sure you are drinking at least six 8-oz glasses of water every day. By limiting your intake of refined carbs, you give the harmful bacteria less to feed on, reducing its ability to spread in the vagina and pelvis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who come down with a case of BV should turn to apple cider vinegar<\/a> for relief from their symptoms. ACV is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic agent. The unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar contains a probiotic bacteria called, \u201cthe mother.\u201d The mother exists as a brown suspension in the ACV, which you can see when you hold a bottle of the ACV up to the light.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfiltered versions are the only type of ACV suitable for treating bacterial vaginosis. The filtering process removes the mother and the natural healing properties of the vinegar. Some people may not be able to handle the sharp taste of ACV. Instead of drinking it raw, add two or three tablespoons to a half a glass of water and drink it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The natural antimicrobial agents found in the ACV will help to reduce inflammation symptoms associated with BV. The ACV also helps to eliminate the harmful bacteria responsible for causing the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Boric Acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best reasons for eating more garlic when you have a case of BV is to take advantage of the boric acid<\/a> found in the bulbous herb. However, eating multiple cloves of garlic every day will leave your breath smelling worse than your BV symptoms. Therefore, it’s a pragmatic solution to try using a boric acid supplement instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many supplement manufacturers make boric acid suppositories to treat BV. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about using the supplement to help you with managing the symptoms of BV, and clearing the harmful bacteria from your vagina. The natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties of boric acid can eliminate the harmful bacteria in your vagina while promoting the growth and spread of beneficial bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that the use of boric acid is useful in providing a solution for women that receive frequent BV infections. However, pregnant women mustn’t use these supplements, as it may cause issues with your unborn child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Raw Honey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are dealing with a case of bacterial vaginosis, you can try raw honey as a natural treatment for your condition. Raw honey contains polyphenol antioxidants <\/a>and beneficial bacteria that help restore the bacterial balance of the vagina. Raw honey differs from commercially produced honey in the fact that it does not undergo any filtering process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of remaining unfiltered, raw honey retains all of the pollen, royal jelly, and polyphenol antioxidants. Commercial brands remove these products during the filtering process, destroying the nutritional benefit of the honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can eat raw honey with your breakfast in the morning to benefit from the properties of the remedy. Affected individuals may also use raw honey as a topical treatment as well. Dip your finger in the honey and then work it into your vagina. The natural anti-bacterial properties of the honey go to work in reducing the levels of harmful bacteria found in the vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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