What is Diverticulitis?: Home Remedies for Colonic Diverticular Disorder

Diverticulitis is a lifestyle disease that develops due to insufficient exercise and consuming a diet that is lacking in fiber. The prevelence of the condition is estimated at 5% in younger age groups and increases with advancing age. Early diagnosis and treatment of diverticulitis is very essential to ward off complications. There are a host of natural remedies and dietary suggestions that help manage the symptoms of this colonic disorder successfully, and prevent flare ups.

Diverticulitis Appearance

What is Colonic Diverticular Disorder?

The inner lining of the colon pushes through the muscle layer that limits it; and forms a pouch. This out-pouching is called diverticulosis. Food gets caught in the pouch and this leads to inflammation and infection. This serious inflammatory condition is called diverticulitis.

By and large, the key cause for the occurrence of diverticulitis is a low fiber diet. When your diet lacks fiber, your colon works harder than usual to expel feces; and straining aggravates the condition. Wastes and feces move slowly through the bowel, thereby, allowing more time for the food to get caught within the pouch, resulting in inflammation and infection.

No exercise makes your alimentary canal still more sluggish and contributes to the development of diverticulitis.

Other caustive factors include indiscriminate use of NSAIDs, ciggarette smoking, caffeine intake, alcohol abuse, etc.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

In most cases the condition is usually asymptomatic, however some of the common symptoms associated with it include,  

• Pain is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen.
• Fever is a presenting symptom
• Constipation is an important symptom; and may alternate with diarrhea
• Nausea may be present in some cases
• Stool may contain blood and mucus

Natural Treatment for Colonic Diverticular Disorder

Here are some natural treatment options that can help in the treatment of this colonic disorder,

• Avoid NSAIDs. Opt for natural products like tumeric and garlic to deal with inflammatory conditions and pain.
• Exercise regularly, at least 3 times a week. Exercise boosts the working of the bowel and checks slow bowel movement and thereby eases constipation.
• Drink 2 to 2 and ½ liters of water every day. Water drives out toxins from the colon and sluices the GI tract clean and detoxifies that body.

Home Remedies for Diverticulitis Treatment

Diet acts as a natural cure for the management of diverticulitis. Here are some simple home remedies and dietary suggestions that can help in the management of the condition.

Peppermint Tea Treats Diverticulitis

1. Psyllium seeds: are packed with dietary fiber. Soak a spoon of psyllium seeds in a bowl of warm water for 20 to 30 minutes; consume. Psyllium seeds add bulk to the stool and scrape the colon clean. Psyllium seeds can help get rid of old, encrusted waste matter successfully.
2. Dates: combat the most obstinate case of constipation almost instantaneously. Dates are chock full of beta D glucan, a dietary fiber that adds bulk to feces and facilitates rapid expulsion from the colon, thus lowering its transit time within the colon. Consume 5 to 10 dates every night
3. Peppermint tea: peppermint is known to sooth the lining of the gastro-intestinal system. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and allays spasms and pains in the abdomen. Have 200 ml of peppermint tea daily.
4. Chamomile tea is recommended by most nutritionists and experts. Steep a spoon of fresh or dried chamomile in a bowl of hot water for about half an hour; have this decoction twice daily. Chamomile is a potent anti-inflammatory which soothes the mucus membrane of the GI canal. It treats inflammations and gastric upsets effectively.

Home Remedies and Diet for Lightheadedness: Stop Dizziness Tips

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009, about 35.4% of American adults above the age of 40 years suffer from vestibular dysfunction, severe dizziness or giddiness and lightheadedness. The same report suggested that vertigo and giddiness attributed to more than number of accidental deaths among elderly due to falls or injuries. These symptoms also significantly affects the quality of life of elderly individuals. This article provides insights into factors contributing to dizziness or lightheadedness and simple home and natural remedies to treat the condition effectively and naturally.

Dizziness affects Elderly
Individuals

What Causes Dizziness? 

This condition characterized by lightheadedness or a sensation of loss of balance and disorientation. The condition may be associated with symptoms like nausea, blurring of vision and a feeling of uneasiness. Often it is associated with a sensation of head rush and excessive perspiration and hyperventilation. Here are some common causes that are associated with dizziness,

• Vertigo: This condition is often attributed to vestibular dysfunction which often results in the loss of control of balance with a sensation of falling. This is the most common cause of lightheadedness among the elderly age group.
• Altered Blood Pressure: Hypertension or elevated blood pressure can result in giddiness. On the other hand drop in blood pressure below normal due to dehydration or other factors can also result in reduced blood supply to the brain and cause dizziness.
• Inadequate nutrition, long standing fever or chronic ailment, vomiting and diarrhea can also result in episodes of giddiness and imbalance
• Cardiovascular disorders like peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, angina, etc can also contribute to lightheadedness.
• Panic attacks often associated with elevated levels of stress can result in episodes of giddiness and light headedness.
• The condition when associated with nausea can be indicative of gastrointestinal disorders which include gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning and even diabetes.

Home Remedies to treat Lightheadedness Naturally

Here are some simple tips and home remedy suggestions for management of light headedness and dizziness,

• Ensure that you drink lots of water and fresh fruit juice. Often dehydration or sudden drop in blood pressure is one of the most common causes. Avoid soda drinks and caffeine as these can be dehydrating.



Coriander Seeds for
Light headedness

• Ginger is considered to be highly beneficial in treating lightheadedness associated with symptoms of nausea. Crush ginger roots and consume them fresh or boil them in a bowl of water and drink the decoction. Chamomile or peppermint is also good natural substitutes for ginger to manage light headedness.
• Wheat germ is also found to be beneficial in the management of light headedness. Consuming about two teaspoons of wheat germ with a glass of warm milk can help ease dizziness and light headedness. It is highly beneficial during pregnancy.
• Soak about five grams of coriander seeds in water overnight and consume the seeds along with a tablespoon of honey in the morning. Coriander seeds are bitter and honey helps sweeten it.
• A mixture comprising of freshly squeezed lemon juice, black pepper and salt in a glass of water is also considered to be a good treatment for vertigo.

Foods to Treat Dizziness Naturally with Diet

For individuals with frequent episodes of dizziness, there are certain diet and food suggestions,

Coconut Water to
Treat Dizziness

• Dizziness is linked with sudden drop in blood sugar levels and hence consuming foods like honey or fruit juices is considered to be highly beneficial. Consume coconut water and lime water to help retain normal blood sugar levels. However diabetic patients need to consult their doctors in cases of emergency.
• Anemia is another cause for dizziness. Consume foods rich in iron, Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Increase intake of chicken and lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, soy, etc. These foods are loaded with iron and Vitamin B12.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine in your diet. Reduce the intake of salt and sweets, especially containing refined sugar.
• Never skip a meal and eat small quantities of food frequently. Don’t stay hungry for more than four hours at a stretch.

Stop Dizziness Tips

Here are some simple tips to treat and prevent dizziness and attacks of light headedness,

• Avoid sudden jerky movement. Avoid standing up or reclining suddenly. This can result in positional hypo-tension and affect the circulation of blood to the brain
• Stress management plays a crucial role in the treatment of dizziness. Yoga and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial in the management of the condition.
• In case of dizziness one must relax and take deep breaths. Press the ridge above the nose, between the two eyes for a couple of seconds with your thumb. This can provide instant relief from giddiness.

In case of frequent episodes of dizziness, consult your physician to identify the underlying cause for the condition and treat it promptly. 

Home Remedies to Treat Excessive Sweating and Body Odor

Sweating is a natural process to keep the body cool. There are a host of products including antiperspirants, deodorants, etc to control body odor caused due to excessive perspiration or sweats. Fortunately there are several natural remedies and natural techniques to manage sweats and hyperhidrosis. If you always think, I sweat too much, here are some solutions to resolve your problem.

What causes too much Sweating or Hyperhidrosis?

Excessive Perspiration can
be annoying

Sweating or perspiration is a natural phenomenon which is associated with the sebaceous glands releasing natural sweat to cool down the body.

Perspiration or sweating is often in response to the environmental conditions like high temperature and humidity. However, there are a group of individuals who suffer from excessive perspiration or a condition known as ‘hyperhidrosis’.

As per a report, the antiperspirant and deodorant market in the United States was valued at $1.9 billion in 2005. Latest estimates suggest that the demand for these beauty products is estimated to rise at the rate of 7% per annum globally due to increasing demand in Asia, African and South American countries.

Fortunately, there are several different home remedies and diet suggestions that can help control excessive sweating. Though the use of talc powder and antiperspirants is rampant, the use of these products is often associated with allergies which may result in redness and irritation of the skin under the armpits. Suppression of perspiration can result in dermatitis in the underarms and also have detrimental impact on the health of an individual.

Home Remedies to Prevent Sweat and Body Odor

Here are some simple natural home remedies that have been found to be effective in the management of body odor and excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis,

Tomato Juice helps
manage excessive sweating

• Tomatoes: Consuming a cup of tomato juice each day is considered to reduce excessive sweating and reduce body odor. Tomatoes are loaded with anti-oxidants which can help regulate the activity of the sweat glands and also help in keeping the body cool.
• Grapes: Consuming about 10-15 grapes each day is also recommended. Grapes help to cool the body and also loaded with anti-oxidants that can help regulate the internal body temperature and prevent excessive sweating
• Eliminate foods like onions and garlic from your diet. These foods are highly pungent and are responsible for the offensive odor of the sweat. Also limit the intake of animal foods include chicken, lean meat and red meat.
• Zinc: Zinc is considered to reduce sweating naturally. Increase the intake of foods that are loaded with zinc which include turkey, spinach, nuts and sea foods. Zinc also helps control of offensive odor of the sweat.
• Consumption of herbal tea or green tea has also been claimed to be beneficial in prevent excessive perspiration. Herbal tea is also loaded with anti-oxidants; however its role in limiting sweating and body odor is not clear.

Natural Remedies to get rid of Body Odor and Hyperhidrosis

Here are some simple natural home based remedies that can help in the management of body odor and treat excessive sweating,

• Local application of freshly sliced lime or lemon around the armpits is considered to be the most effective natural measure to prevent excessive sweating and treat body odor. However application of lime can result in burning and should be avoided if there are cuts or bruises on the skin.



Sage Leaves for reducing
excessive sweating

• Another method of cooling the body includes boiling tea leaves in a large vessel. Allow the water to cool and soak your body including hands and feet in the tea water. Tannic acid in tea is considered to be beneficial in controlling perspiration and fight body odor
• Boil sage leaves in a large container and soak your body with the water once the water cools down. Sage is considered to be the best natural treatment for excessive sweating.

 Tips to Remember while Treating Hyperhidrosis

In addition to the home remedies, here are some additional tips that can help treat excessive sweat and hperhidrosis,

• Don’t reduce the intake of water. Water is essential to keep the body hydrated, though excessive consumption of water can result in excessive sweating. Ensure that you consume a minimum of 2.5 liters of water if you live in a relatively pleasant environment and about 3.5 liters if you live in a hot and humid climate.
• Avoid the consumption of spicy and hot foods which are known to raise the body temperate by boosting metabolism.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Ensure that you have an adequate intake of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet at all times. 
• Avoid wearing synthetic clothes. Instead use cotton cloths. Also avoid dark colored cloths. Cotton absorbs the sweats while light color cloths repel heat and keep you cooler.

A multidisciplinary approach should help in effective management of excessive sweats and treat hyperhidrosis naturally.

Home Remedies and Natural Treatment for Athralgia (Joint Pain)

Athralgia or joint pain is a condition that affects individuals above the age of 40 years. Arthritis including rheumatoid or osteoarthritis are the most common causes associated with pain in the hip and knee joints. With limited options for management of this condition available in contemparary medicine, there are several natural treatments and home remedies that are beneficial to deal with this condition. In most cases, the beneficial effect ranges from reduced pain to significant relief in stiffness and improved joint mobility. 

Joint pains commonly occur in people of 40 years and above. The commonest cause for joint pain is arthritis, either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Pain is often accompanied by stiffness and reduced mobility. While the condition can affect any joint, it is more frequently observed in weight bearing joints namely knees, hips and ankles. Occassionally joint pain in the wrist and fingers may also be observed.

Joint Pain results in
Limited Mobility

Home Remedies for Reducing Joint Pain and Improving Mobility

Here are some simple home remedies that have been found beneficial in treating athraligia. These home remedies are usually effective, irrespective of the joint involved,

• Carrots: Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant and neutralizes the free radicals that are responsible for damage to the joint tissue. Experts recommend consumption of one carrot each day, to reduce the symptoms of athralgia. Other foods that supply this anti oxidant include mangoes, parsley, apricots, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, peaches, etc

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar is another simple home remedy which is considered to be beneficial in sustained and immense pain relief for joint pains. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a tablespoon of honey and consume at least once a day.
• Epsom Salts: Add about five spoons of Epsom salt to bath water and then soak the affected joints. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which has strong anti inflammatory action in the joints and helps reduce stiffness and pain.



Apple Cider Vinegar
is beneficial for
Joint Pains

• Olive Oil: Local application of olive oil is considered to reduce pain and discomfort associated with athralgia. Olive oil should be applied to the affected joints just prior to retiring to bed.
• Papaya Seed Extract: Boil the papaya seeds in a bowl of water and consume the decoction about once each day for a month. This will not only reduce the pain and stiffness but also helps in improving joint mobility.

Massage and Simple Streching Excercises help reduce Joint Pain

 

Regular simple stretching exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint and improve the mobility of the joint. Regular exercise also relieves the pain in the joint efficiently. Athraligia when associated with muscular fatigue can be effectively managed by massaging the affected joint with essential oil namely lavender, cardimon, etc. Note that the essential oil should be adequately diluted before being used.  

Effective Diet for Athralgia

Including the following diet in the food for about three months can yield beneficial results. This diet is beneficial in the management of chronic conditions like arthritis which is primarily responsible for joint pain and athralgia

•  Grapes: Grapes contain resveratrol, which is a natural anti inflammatory agent. Resveratrol helps reduce stiffness, swelling and inflammation of the joint and in turn helps improve the overall mobility of the joint. The anti inflammatory agent blocks the inflammatory pathways to bring about sustained relief



Vegetarian Diet is
good for Joint Problems

• Salads and Vegetarian Diet: It should be remembered that non vegetarian diet including chicken, eggs, dairy products and meat contain arachidonic acid which tends to get converted to leuckoterienes and prostaglandins, which exert an inflammatory action. Reducing animal sources of food and focusing on veggies can help in reducing chronic inflammation.
•  Flax seeds and Fish are loaded with essential fatty acids namely omega-3 fatty acids which has strong anti inflammatory effects. Increasing omega-3 in the diet is very important in management of joint pain and athralgia
• Soy: Soy is also packed with anti oxidants like phytoestrogens and isoflavones. Further soy is also a great source of plant protein which in turn in beneficial in preventing cartilage erosion.

Treating Joint Pain with Vitamins

Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex play a crucial role in the management of joint pain and athralgia naturally. Though calcium and magnesium are important for bone strengthen and mineralization, these vitamins play a crucial role in managing joint pain.

• Vitamin A contains antioxidants that help destroy the free radicals which result in degeneration of the joint tissue and prevent inflammatory response
• Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the reconstruction of joint cartilage by preventing demineralization. its contribution in joint care and checking bone pain is vital.
• Vitamin C is an integral component of ligaments, cartilage, bones and tendons along with other types of connective tissue. Vitamin C plays an important role in synthesis of collagen which makes it’s supplementation critical in the management of athralgia
• Vitamin B complexes are essential to maintain healthy joints and bones. 

Treating Cracked and Dry Lips with Home Remedies

Chapped and Cracked Lips can be a cause of concern especially since it is responsible for unsightly appearance of the lips and is often associated with pain. Unlike contemporary belief, chapping of lips is not only limited to winters, but is observed in association of a host of other environmental, dietary and medical conditions. Though using lip balm or moisturizers is often recommended, there are a host of simple home remedies that can be beneficial in the management of dry lips naturally. In addition there is several simple home care tips, that can help reduce the frequency of chapping of the lips.

Dry and Cracked Lips
can be painful and tender

What causes Cracked Lips? Chapped Lips Causes

Chapping of Lips can often result in dryness and flaking of the lips which is associated with symptoms like soreness, burning, pain and tenderness. Though lip balms or moisturizers can help in reducing severity the symptoms of dry lips, home remedies and natural treatment options can provide long term and sustained relief.

Some of the causes for cracked lips include,

• Dry and cold weather is considered to be primarily responsible for drying and cracking of lips
• Dehydration or exposure to severe hot temperatures can also contribute to dryness of the lips and result in chapping
• Certain deficiencies, including vitamin deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia can also lead to dry and cracked lips
• Ill fitting dentures is another cause for constant irritation of the lips which in turn can lead to chapping of the lips
• Allergy to toothpaste, teeth whitening agents, etc can result in chapping and drying of lips
• Certain medications used for the treatment of chronic hypertension can also lead to lip chapping
• Flu or common cold infections can also lead to drying of the lips, and are often associated with bleeding and pain

Home Remedies for Dry Lips

Though several individuals prefer to use chap sticks or lip balm for the management of dry and cracked lips, it should be remembered, that these are temporary solutions. Further, these cosmetic products are loaded with chemicals and preservatives, which not only increase the risk of allergic reactions but also increase the risk of secondary infections. Using home remedies is always more beneficial in management of simple and non life threatening condition like dried lips.

• Honey is considered to be beneficial in management of dry and cracked lips. It hastens healing process and further prevents infection and bleeding. Honey also moisturizes the lips by filling the fissures and warding off dryness. Adding a pinch of turmeric to honey, before applying on the lips. Turmeric is a strong and natural antibacterial and prevents infections. 
• Local application of a mixture of equal parts of coconut oil, olive oil and Aloe Vera is also considered to be very beneficial. Aloe Vera helps soothes the lips by filling up the fissures and cracks in the lips, while Coconut oil acts as a healthy lubricant, which prevents subsequent drying of the lips. Olive oil supplies Vitamin E to the lips which make them look more healthy and glossy.



Cucumber can help manage
Chapped and Dry Lips

• Rubbing a slice of cucumber has swift and strong healing effect for the management of cracked lips. This helps in reducing inflammation, soothes the burning pain and also prevents subsequent bleeding.
• Ensure a healthy diet, especially during winters. Include green leafy vegetables like spinach and parsley in the diet. Include fresh fruits like apples, oranges, prunes, etc which are loaded with dietary fiber and improve digestive abilities and supply essential nutrients.

Home Care Tips for Chapped Lips

Simple home remedies mentioned above can be highly beneficial in management of cracked and dried lips. However there are certain additional does and don’ts in management of chapped lips,

• Avoid licking the lips. Saliva tends to evaporate more quickly which in turn leaves the lips drier than before. Instead apply coconut oil or Aloe Vera gel on the lips.
• Ensure that you remain well hydrated. Drinking at least three liters of water is a must, especially during winters.
• Preferably breathe through the nose. This correct breathing technique prevents the lips from drying out.
• Avoid the use of creams, allergens or fragrances which are known to cause skin irritation.
• Very high doses of Vitamin A can also lead to chapping of the lips. In most cases, chemotherapy drugs can lead to lip chapping. These cases can only be managed by a healthy and nutritive diet. 

About Premature Ejaculation: Natural Early Ejaculation Treatment

Premature ejaculation is a subjective condition,and one of the most common sexual dysfunction. Early Ejaculation is often associated with several causes like anxiety and depression and can further result an aggravation of these conditions. This article is meant to provide information about premature ejaculation, its causes and various home remedies and natural treatments for the management of the condition.

Premature ejaculation
can lead to depression

What is Premature Ejaculation?: About Early Ejaculation

Experts define Premature Ejaculation as a condition which is associated with ejaculation prior to the wish of both the sexual partners. This simple definition however doesn’t specify the duration of sexual intercourse and the time taken to reach the climax, which can vary across individuals considerably. It should be remembered that a occasional episode of premature ejaculation doesn’t require treatment. Only cases, where consistent pattern is observed in over 50% of sexual relations among a couple, require treatment.

The National Health Survey Report, have been indicative that early ejaculation is one of the most common sexual dysfunction affecting American males. The condition affects approximately 30% of the adult population, though estimates suggest that it may range from 30-70% in prevalence. The condition affects males below the age of forty years. Fortunately there are several home remedies and behavior modification strategies that can be used to prevent premature ejaculation in men.

What to do about Early Ejaculation? : What causes Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can often vary depending on subjective orientation and differing viewpoints. Some females often take several minutes before reaching their climax which may be rather a condition of delayed orgasm in females rather than premature ejaculation in males.
A detailed assessment may be required prior to undergoing for treatment for premature ejaculation. .
Some of the common causes associated with premature ejaculations include,

1. Stress, anxiety and apprehension can lead to premature ejaculation. Excessive masturbation can also increase the risk of premature ejaculation. Further, weakness of the muscles of the penis can also lead to premature ejaculation
2. Depression can also lead to premature ejaculation
3. Failure or expected failure can also result in premature ejaculation. It is a vicious cycle. Premature ejaculation can further lead to depression among young men, which in turn may further aggravate the condition.
4. Diabetes along with other chronic conditions like elevated levels of blood cholestrol can also result in early ejaculation.
5. Early ejaculation is common with increasing age.
6. Premature ejaculation is common in drug addicts, alcoholics and smokers.

Stop Premature Ejaculation Naturally : Natural Early Ejaculation Treatment

Prior to taking trying out any medical treatment or natural home remedies, there are certain strategies that can be adopted to prevent premature ejaculation. These simple strategies need to be performed during the process of sexual intercourse and hence, a common consensus with the sexual partner is very important.

• Firstly, depending condition, take a break during the middle of the sexual intercourse activity and squeeze the tip of the penis with your thumb and index finger. Hold the pressure for a few seconds and then release. Wait for a few seconds before resuming intercourse. This strategy can help delay the ejaculation and also helps train the body.
• Some studies have shown that males can control their orgasm by lying on their back, while the sexual partner is positioned on the top. This strategy helps reduce the sensitivity of the penis and also prevents early ejaculation. However, the effectiveness of this strategy often differs in different individuals
• Other studies have shown that subsequent orgasms tend to last longer compared to the first orgasm, especially among men. Hence it is suggested that the male partner should masturbate a couple of hours prior to the sexual intercourse. The first orgasm tends to dispel built up excitement and thereby helps the subsequent orgasm to last longer. However this strategy can’t be used by couples who are trying to conceive, since subsequent ejaculations tend to have a lower sperm count and reduce the possibility of conception.

It should always be remembered that excessive anxiety and elevated levels of stress are important contributing factors towards development of premature ejaculation. Yoga coupled with meditation can help manage stress levels and treat premature ejaculation naturally.

Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation Treatment : Early Ejaculation Cures

There are certain home remedies that have been beneficial in delaying the climax and helping in curing premature ejaculation in males,

• Ginseng is considered to be one of the most beneficial herb, which can help in preventing premature ejaculation in males



Winter Cherry or
Ashwagandha for 
 Early Ejaculation

• Saffron is another herb which is considered to be an aphrodisiac and also helps in improving libido. It is recommended to add a few strings to saffron to a glass of warm cow’s milk along with cardamom and ginger. As per traditional practice, warm milk with saffron is consumed in some regions of South East Asia on the first night of a couples honeymoon after marriage.
• Honey is also considered to have strong aphrodisiac properties and can be used for the management of early ejacualation.
• Green Onion seeds are considered to be very effective in curing premature ejaculation. Consume the seeds prior to a meal along with a glass of water
• Winter cherry or Ashwagandha, also referred to as the Indian Ginseng is also considered beneficial in the management of premature ejaculation. Consuming a mixture of the herb along with a glass of warm cow's milk is considered beneficial

It is always vital to check if there is any other problem which might be contributing to premature ejaculation. Prostate problems can result in premature ejaculation and often massaging the prostate with caster oil is considered to have useful results. 

Home Remedies for Oral Thrush in Babies: How to get rid of Oral Thrush Naturally

Estimates from the United States suggest that approximately 37% of all newborn babies develop oral thrush during the first few months of their life. Though the condition is often self limiting and closely linked with poor nourishment, thrush is often associated with an underlying possibility of immunodeficiency and hence is often a cause of concern. 

Oral Thrush is common
in infants and babies

Symptoms of Thrush in Babies: Side Effects of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is the most common yeast infection caused due to a fungi ‘candida albicans’. This condition frequently affects babies below the age of two years, but is usually self limiting and settles within a couple of weeks. Weak immune system or secondary infection during normal delivery is some of the common causes. The symptoms associated with oral thrush in babies include,

• White patches in the infants mouth which may be located on the palate, cheeks or gums
• These patches can’t be removed or rubbed off easily. Attempting to rub these patches may often result in inflammation at the site which may eventually bleed
• The baby refuses to breastfeed or may be unable to suck on the mothers nipples.
• Excessive crying, irritability and restlessness may also be observed in the babies.

Though oral thrush is self limiting condition, it can spread along the gastro-intestinal system of the baby which may affect the health and nutritional status of the infant. The organs most frequently affected by candida infection include the lungs, liver and the Gastro intestinal system . Oral thrush in adults is often considered to be a sign of immunodeficiency caused due to serious condition like HIV or cancer.

 Home Remedies for Thrush in Babies; Treating Oral Thrush in Infants

There are a host of food prescriptions along with natural remedies that have been known to have a beneficial in the management of oral thrush,

• Yogurt: Yogurt supplies healthy bacteria to the body, which can capable of fighting yeast infection. Allowing the baby to consume some bit of yogurt or applying yogurt locally at the site of the infection can be highly beneficial. Ensure that local application is wiped within about an hour.



Grapefruit Extract is
beneficial in treating
Oral Thrush

• Baking Soda: This is another natural treatment for oral thrush. Add one teaspoon of the baking soda into a glass of water and mix it well. Using cotton swab, apply the solution on the affected site. Apply the solution after each feed.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar has strong anti bacterial and antifungal properties. Local application of diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar is considered to be beneficial in the management of oral thrush.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract: This fruit extract has strong antifungal properties which is considered beneficial in treating oral thrush in babies. Grapefruit extract mixed with honey can also be beneficial in management of oral thrush
• Garlic: Garlic oil has potent antiseptic properties and can manage some stubborn forms of oral thrush quickly.

How to Get Rid Of Thrush in Babies; Important Tips for Oral Thrush Treatment  

Here are some essential tips that are beneficial in the management of oral thrush naturally,  \

• Maintaining utmost oral hygiene in infants and babies is very crucial. Keep the mouth clean and wash it frequently with plain water. Using a cotton swab, clean the tongue and the oral cavity of the infant regularly, at least twice a day.
• While weaning the child, stay away from sugary foods or packed baby foods that contain refined sugar. Fungus tends to strive on sugar
• Ensure that the baby’s bottle, pacifier, comforters, etc are cleaned and washed. These precautionary measures help prevent the spread of the infection and also hasten recovery.
• Administration of steroids can result in drop in immunity in the child. Avoid administration of steroids, especially up to the age of nine months.