Vitamins for thrush are an important part of a healthy diet. They ensure that the body is healthy and well-fueled to fight off any new microbial invasion.
Have you ever heard of “vitamins for thrush”? Most people have probably not heard of them, but they are effective.
vitamins for thrush
There are many vitamins that can be taken for thrush. This can be confusing because each vitamin functions differently. Some vitamins are designed to prevent infection, while others are designed to kill bacteria or reduce inflammation. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. Vitamin A, as an example, is a crucial part of maintaining healthy immune function and fighting off infections. While it may not cause any irritation or swelling it can help to kill the pathogens that cause thrush infection. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor first before making any decisions regarding medication.
Are you suffering from thrush? Your “thrush” or yeast infection may be caused by bacteria or yeast. This can be treated with prescription medication, but many people prefer natural remedies for their infections. There are many medications that are safe for use if you have had a course of antibiotics. They will kill off the bad bacteria in your body and make the area feel slightly numb. If an overgrowth of Candida occurs again, these medications may cause a rebound condition of thrush. For example you might start to feel a pain in your mouth and throat after taking antibiotics in the past, then it appears again when you go back on them later on, or worse still when taking natural supplements to heal your body naturally or herbal teas, etc..
what vitamins should i take for thrush
Vitamins have a lot of health benefits, so if you’re looking to get your pH levels up and balance it out, then start taking vitamins!
Vitamins are an essential part of our diet. Vitamins help in the process of digestion, metabolism and growth. Vitamins are also used for muscle building and also for repairing damaged tissues. Vitamins come as pills, capsules or in powder form which can be mixed with hot water or milk to make a smooth drink.
vitamins to take for thrush
Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. It happens when there’s a buildup of the Candida albicans fungus in the lining of the mouth.
Oral thrush may occur in adults or children.
If you have oral thrush, you’ll need antifungal medication to clear the yeast. However, you may be able to help manage bothersome symptoms with home remedies, too.
Read on to learn how you can help treat the symptoms of this condition at home.
9 home remedies
It’s important to treat oral thrush as soon as possible to contain the infection. Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges.
Mild cases of oral thrush may go away on their own.
The following home remedies, used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection.
- Salt water
Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. This makes it a common home remedy for many oral problems.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush.
To use:
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.
Swish the solution throughout your mouth.
Spit out the salt solution.
- Baking soda
Rinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush.
In a 2009 study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a disinfectant of Candida albicans adhered to acrylic resin. The test was meant to simulate the daily disinfecting of dentures.
Researchers concluded that, although not the most effective form of disinfectant, baking soda was a “viable alternative.”
To use:
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup warm water.
Swish the rinse throughout your mouth.
Spit out the rinse.
- Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may helpTrusted Source treat oral thrush.
The cultures don’t kill Candida. Instead, they stop its growth. They may also help restore the proper balance of good to bad bacteria in the mouth.
Since it’s soft, yogurt is also a great food to eat if you’re having trouble swallowing due to painful mouth and throat lesions.
To use:
Eat yogurt a couple times daily at the first sign of oral thrush.
Choose unsweetened varieties of yogurt since Candida thrives on sugar.
If you don’t like yogurt, you can get the same benefits by taking a daily probiotic supplement.
- Lemon juice
Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush.
According to a small 2009 study, lemon juice was found to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV. (Gentian violet is another home remedy for oral thrush, but recent evidence shows it may cause cancer.) Since the study was small, more research is needed.
To use:
Add the juice of half a lemon to 1 cup warm or cool water.
Drink the mixture, or use as a mouth rinse.
Some people apply lemon juice directly to thrush lesions, but the lemon’s acidity may cause burning and irritation.
- Turmeric
Turmeric gets its vibrant yellow color from curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful compound thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities.
According to a 2010 study on mice, curcumin may treat oral thrush. The study found curcumin to be an antifungal against both albicans and non-albicans species of Candida, especially when combined with piperine.
Piperine is a compound found in black pepper that helps the body absorb turmeric. Further research is needed on humans.
To use:
Make “golden milk” by combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste (store-bought or homemade) with a dash of black pepper and 1 cup filtered water or milk of your choice.
Heat in a saucepan until warm.
Swish the mixture throughout your mouth as you drink it.
- Clove oil
People have used clove oil as a folk remedy for oral problems for centuries. It’s still used in dentistry today as an antiseptic and pain reliever.
According to a 2005 in vivo and in vitro studyTrusted Source on immunosuppressed rats, the main compound in clove oil (eugenol) was found to be as effective in treating oral thrush as the antifungal drug nystatin (Mycostatin).
Further research on humans is still needed, but it may work as a beneficial addition to treatment.
To use:
Take clove oil as a dietary supplement as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. You can also make a clove mouth rinse:
Steep 1 teaspoon whole ground cloves in 1 cup boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
Strain the solution, keeping the liquid.
Swish the liquid around your mouth.
Spit out the solution.
Cloves may cause an allergic reaction or a numbing effect in the mouth in some people.
Buy clove oil here.
- Oregano oil
Oregano oil is used to flavor foods, but it also has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities.
According to older research from 2001Trusted Source conducted on mice and in vitro, oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans. Further research is needed.
To use:
Combine 2 drops oregano oil with 1 cup water.
Swish the mixture throughout your mouth.
Spit out the solution.
Never use undiluted oregano oil orally or topically.
Buy oregano oil here.
- Apple cider vinegar
People with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. Dentures that don’t fit properly or that aren’t cleaned well provide the ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis.
According to a 2015 in vitro studyTrusted Source, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties against Candida and may be a good alternative treatment option for people with denture stomatitis.
To use:
Add 1 teaspoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water.
Swish the rinse throughout your mouth for at least 15 seconds.
Spit out the mixture.
Some natural health professionals recommend rinsing with undiluted apple cider vinegar, but this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth.
Buy apple cider vinegar here.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is necessary for proper immune system function. It does this by encouragingTrusted Source white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection.
It also helps these cells function more effectively and protects them against harmful molecules.
A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body. Increasing your intake of vitamin C if you’re deficient may help boost your body’s ability to beat the infection.
Do I have oral thrush?
Oral thrush almost always causes symptoms, although they range in severity and duration.
Common symptoms are:
raised white lesions that resemble cottage cheese on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, the roof of the mouth, and tonsils
mouth redness or soreness
mouth bleeding
loss of taste
feeling like your mouth is full of cotton
difficulty eating and swallowing if lesions spread to your throat or esophagus
When to seek help
For most people, oral thrush isn’t a serious problem. If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection.
Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system.
Other conditions mimic oral thrush, such as oral hairy leukoplakia and lichen planus. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating.
Since most home remedies have been researched on animals, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying them.
Breastfed babies with oral thrush may transmit the infection to their mother’s breasts. If you’re breastfeeding and develop redness around your nipples or pain, see your doctor.
Many home remedies aren’t appropriate for infants and children. Talk with your pediatrician before using.
Takeaway
Home remedies for oral thrush may help relieve symptoms, but they won’t cure the yeast infection.
Home remedies are meant to support, not replace, antifungal medications that treat oral thrush. You may still need an antifungal to get rid of the Candida fungus entirely.
Once you’ve eliminated oral thrush, you can reduce your risk of getting it again by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection.
To help prevent Candida yeast from taking up residence in your mouth or other areas of your body, follow these tips:
Rinse your mouth after meals and each time you use a corticosteroid inhaler.
Keep your dentures clean, and remove them every night.
Treat dry mouth.
If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar.
If you’re pregnant, treat vaginal yeast infections promptly.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Visit Smokefree.gov to create a quit plan that will work for you.
Overview
Oral thrush (or simply “thrush”) is a yeast infection caused by Candida. While uncomfortable, a thrush infection isn’t necessarily contagious. The yeast can spread from person to person, but someone who comes into contact with thrush won’t automatically develop the infection. Keep reading to learn more about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent an oral thrush infection.
What causes thrush?
A fungus called Candida is responsible for causing thrush. Candida also causes other kinds of yeast infections, such as those that occur vaginally. The fungus itself is common. In fact, you already have small amounts of it throughout your body. Such small amounts don’t cause any issues.
The fungus can turn into thrush when natural bacteria in the mouth are out of balance, however. This makes your mouth a breeding area for Candida to spread and cause infection.
Among the causes of thrush are:
antibiotic use
chemotherapy
dentures
diabetes
dry mouth
HIV
immune system deficiencies
inhaled corticosteroid use
smoking
use of steroid medications
Thrush is also common in newborns. Infants can develop the infection from exposure to yeast in the mother’s birth canal.
Thrush is most common in infants younger than 6 months, as well as older adults. However, the infection can occur in people of all ages. It’s not age itself that leads to thrush, but rather the conditions and situations that are common at certain ages.
Thrush and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can also cause oral thrush in babies. Candida can occur anywhere on the body, including your breasts and nipples. You can’t tell the fungus is there unless there’s an infection on your skin. An infection can cause more soreness and redness than usual.
If Candida is present on your nipples during breastfeeding, the fungus then transmits to your baby. They may not necessarily get an infection from this. However, having extra yeast in their mouths increases their risk of developing thrush as a result.
On the flipside, you can get some of the fungus from your baby’s mouth on your breasts and nipples when you breastfeed. This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop an infection, either, though.
Symptoms of thrush
Symptoms of thrush include:
white patches inside your mouth, primarily on the tongue and cheeks
redness in and around the mouth
pain inside your mouth
sore throat
cotton-like feelings inside your mouth
burning sensations in the mouth
difficulty swallowing
metallic taste on your tongue
new sores that look like cottage cheese
decreased sense of taste, especially when eating and drinking
cracking in the corners of your mouth
Babies with thrush will also have irritation inside and around their mouths. They may also express irritability and loss of appetite. Babies who have thrush might also have a diaper rash from Candida. Learn how to tell the difference between diaper rash and yeast infection.
Picture gallery of oral thrush
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Diagnosis
Thrush must be diagnosed by your doctor. They will first take a look at the physical signs inside your mouth and ask you about any other symptoms you’ve been having.
Your doctor may also take a sample from inside your mouth with a cotton swab for lab testing. This can confirm a Candida infection. The process isn’t fool-proof though, since you likely have small amounts of the yeast in your mouth with or without an infection. Your doctor will weigh the results with your signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis.
It’s important to see a doctor so they can also rule out other causes of white patches on the tongue, such as leukoplakia and scarlet fever.
Treatment
In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush.
Babies with thrush will need antifungal ointments or drops. These are applied with a sponge applicator or dropper inside the mouth and on the tongue.
More aggressive treatment measures may be required if you have immune system deficiencies. Intense treatment helps prevent thrush from infecting other areas of the body, such as the lungs, intestines, and liver.
The signs of thrush will start to diminish with time. Most people recover from thrush within 1 to 2 weeks.
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Complications
Without treatment, thrush can eventually affect the esophagus. Severe infections can spread and worsen. That’s why it’s important to call your doctor if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms within a week. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to severe infections from thrush.
Preventing thrush
Thrush may possibly be prevented with probiotics. You may also find some of the same benefits by eating yogurt with lactobacilli. Lactobacilli are bacteria that help get rid of yeast throughout the body. Talk with your pediatrician before giving any probiotics to your baby.
Shop for probiotic supplements online at Amazon.
Oral hygiene is also important in preventing thrush. This not only includes brushing and flossing your teeth, but also using a mouthwash to get rid of excessive microorganisms. Rinse your mouth after taking medications, too. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are especially helpful if you have a weakened immune system.
Shop for mouthwash online at Amazon.
If you’re currently breastfeeding, you may also be able to prevent the spread of Candida from your body to your baby’s mouth. Because the yeast likes warm, moist environments, try to allow the area around your nipples to dry well after breastfeeding. See your doctor if you think you have the fungus on your breasts. It can cause excessive soreness and redness. You may also have deep pains within the breast area. If Candida is found on your breasts, you may need to apply antifungal ointment to the area until the yeast infection clears up.
Shop for antifungal ointment online at Amazon.
Outlook
Thrush itself isn’t a contagious infection. You won’t necessarily “catch it” from another person. However, it’s important to take precautions if you or a loved one has thrush. Exposure to the yeast can turn into an infection, especially if your immune system isn’t working well.
Q&A: Thrush and kissing
Q:
Is thrush contagious through kissing?
Anonymous patient
A:
If you have an overgrowth of Candida in your mouth causing a yeast infection (thrush), that yeast can be passed from your mouth to your partner’s by kissing. However, yeast is everywhere and we all likely have small amounts in our mouths already. Candida will only cause thrush if the right conditions are present. If you think you have thrush, see your doctor as soon as you can to begin treatment.
Thrush is a type of yeast infection, caused by Candida albicans, that can develop in your mouth and throat, on your skin, or specifically on your genitals. Yeast infections on the genitals are more common in women, but they also happen to men.
Male yeast infections can target the head of the penis. Genital yeast infections are more common in uncircumcised men. That’s because conditions under the foreskin encourage colonization by the fungus.
Yeast infections on the skin can typically be cured by using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream.
Symptoms of thrush
Male yeast infection leads to balanitis, which is inflammation of the tip (glans) of the penis. Typical symptoms of male yeast infection include the following:
redness, itching, and burning on the head of the penis, and under the foreskin
white discharge from the site of the infection resembling cottage cheese
unpleasant smell
difficulty pulling back the foreskin
pain and irritation when you have sex
pain when you urinate
Causes of thrush
Most cases of male yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Candida albicans is a natural resident of your body. In a warm, moist setting, the opportunistic fungus can grow faster than your body’s immune defenses can keep it in check. That can lead to overgrowth of yeast.
Places that yeast infections commonly take root include:
the mouth, throat, and esophagus — yeast infections here are commonly referred to as oral thrush
folds in the skin, in the armpits, or between the fingers
underneath the foreskin and on the head of the penis
Factors that increase the chance of a yeast infection include:
poor hygiene
obesity, as folds in the skin create a good environment for thrush to take hold
diabetes mellitus, because the high levels of blood sugar can help yeast infections get established
weakened immune system, resulting from severe infections such as HIV infection, cancer treatments, or taking immunosuppressant drugs, for example
prolonged use of antibiotics
Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Thrush isn’t considered an STI, but men can sometimes contract thrush from having intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection. In this case, both partners will need treatment to prevent each other from continuing to have problems with genital thrush.
Diagnosing the condition
If you suspect thrush, see a doctor.
Your doctor will be able to rule out the possibility of an STI and confirm that the problem is a yeast infection. The infection can usually be diagnosed based on the symptoms and the appearance of the infection site, as well as with a potassium hydroxide prep to look at the yeast under the microscope.
If your doctor suspects an STI in your genital region, you may also need lab tests.
Treatment for thrush
If you’ve had a yeast infection before and you recognize the symptoms, you can treat it yourself with OTC topical antifungal cream. Application of the antifungal cream is usually twice a day.
A corticosteroid cream in addition to antifungal cream may help with itchiness and swelling. But you may want to ask your doctor about using one before doing so, as the corticosteroid could allow for the yeast infection to linger and even worsen.
The usual first-line option to treat male yeast infection not involving the penis is a topical cream containing clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Desenex) or miconazole (Baza). These are the same OTC medications used to treat athlete’s foot and female yeast infections.
If you have any type of adverse reaction to these, your doctor may prescribe to you a nystatin cream.
Men with severe yeast infections or those involving the penis may need to take an antifungal in pill form, like fluconazole (Diflucan), which is available by prescription from your doctor.
Recovering from this condition
Using an antifungal cream should get the infection under control within a couple weeks. Avoid sex to keep from irritating the area or spreading the infection to a partner. If you do have sex, use a condom.
After the infection clears up, take these steps to prevent another yeast infection:
Make sure to pull back the foreskin and thoroughly wash the head of your penis every day.
Don’t use deodorants, talcum powder, scented soaps, or body wash on your penis and foreskin, since these can cause irritation.
Wear loose-fitting cotton undergarments so you don’t create a warm, moist environment for yeast to thrive. Avoid tight-fitting spandex or nylon shorts, and tight jeans.