Using olive oil for thrush type conditions may well be a safe and natural solution to problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. Many mothers experience problems due to soreness and inflammation of their nipples. This is often caused by a fungal infection, known as candida, which can soothed and eased by several different natural remedies.
Carrying the yeast which causes the condition is a universal thing, with most people carrying it with no issues. Primarily existing in the damp areas of the body, such as the mouth and genitals. The yeast only causes health issues when there is some kind of unbalance in the body's immune system.
The kind of thing which can cause this unbalance varies. Taking antibiotics for any sustained length of time can disrupt the body's natural immunity to the yeast and will often lead to thrush. Stress, lack of sufficient rest and poor diet can also be causes.
Childbirth and its associated experiences can unbalance the immune system in many ways. Breastfeeding can result in inflammation and soreness of the nipples, often due initially to an injury incurred when the baby's mouth connects. When a fungal infection affects the area, it can become more inflamed, as well as cracking and bleeding, while stabbing pains can also occur.
Linoleic acids are anti-fungal agents which occur naturally in olive oil, and work probably by denying the yeast which leads to problems oxygen. Applying oil to the nipples in small amounts gently should soothe any issues relating to fungal infections. Many olive oil based herbal salves are widely available, and enquiring at a local herbalist store or health food shop should bring some positive results.
Other ways of minimising further risk from the condition are to eat plenty of garlic, which has anti-fungal qualities. Washing nipples with a highly diluted mix of vinegar and water can also keep the risk low, though using soap on them should be avoided as this can cause dryness which will exacerbate the condition. It can also be useful to avoid wearing a bra and to expose the nipples to sunlight and air whenever possible.
Using olive oil for thrush treatment has the advantage of being completely natural and safe for your baby to absorb when feeding. Other 'natural' methods can have side-effects though, many of which are dangerous. For this reason, no treatment should ever be undertaken without consulting a properly qualified medical professional.
Carrying the yeast which causes the condition is a universal thing, with most people carrying it with no issues. Primarily existing in the damp areas of the body, such as the mouth and genitals. The yeast only causes health issues when there is some kind of unbalance in the body's immune system.
The kind of thing which can cause this unbalance varies. Taking antibiotics for any sustained length of time can disrupt the body's natural immunity to the yeast and will often lead to thrush. Stress, lack of sufficient rest and poor diet can also be causes.
Childbirth and its associated experiences can unbalance the immune system in many ways. Breastfeeding can result in inflammation and soreness of the nipples, often due initially to an injury incurred when the baby's mouth connects. When a fungal infection affects the area, it can become more inflamed, as well as cracking and bleeding, while stabbing pains can also occur.
Linoleic acids are anti-fungal agents which occur naturally in olive oil, and work probably by denying the yeast which leads to problems oxygen. Applying oil to the nipples in small amounts gently should soothe any issues relating to fungal infections. Many olive oil based herbal salves are widely available, and enquiring at a local herbalist store or health food shop should bring some positive results.
Other ways of minimising further risk from the condition are to eat plenty of garlic, which has anti-fungal qualities. Washing nipples with a highly diluted mix of vinegar and water can also keep the risk low, though using soap on them should be avoided as this can cause dryness which will exacerbate the condition. It can also be useful to avoid wearing a bra and to expose the nipples to sunlight and air whenever possible.
Using olive oil for thrush treatment has the advantage of being completely natural and safe for your baby to absorb when feeding. Other 'natural' methods can have side-effects though, many of which are dangerous. For this reason, no treatment should ever be undertaken without consulting a properly qualified medical professional.
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Are you a breastfeeding mother that has been using a natural skin care for thrush? Olive oil is a natural treatment for thrush that many use.