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.
Different things can cause the unbalance which allows the infection to thrive, with individuals being prone to different causes depending on their lifestyle and habits. Using antibiotics after an illness often leads to this type of infection. Factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, lack of sleep and stress can also play a part in unbalancing the body's immune system.
Obviously, pregnancy, childbirth and their after effects can exert massive changes on the way a woman's body functions, meaning that they can be vulnerable to thrush, especially when breastfeeding. Soreness and inflammation of the nipples is often due to a fungal infection, and a stabbing pain which persists after feeding is another symptom.
Olive oil is a source of linoleic acid, chemicals which possess anti-fungal qualities, which may choke off the yeast's oxygen supply. Applying the oil like a lotion to the nipples in a thin layer can help soothe the condition, while using a herbal salve with an olive oil base is often an effective way of treating the condition. Consulting a local herbalist or health food outlet will often lead to finding something effective which does not need to be washed off before breastfeeding.
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.
Different things can cause the unbalance which allows the infection to thrive, with individuals being prone to different causes depending on their lifestyle and habits. Using antibiotics after an illness often leads to this type of infection. Factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, lack of sleep and stress can also play a part in unbalancing the body's immune system.
Obviously, pregnancy, childbirth and their after effects can exert massive changes on the way a woman's body functions, meaning that they can be vulnerable to thrush, especially when breastfeeding. Soreness and inflammation of the nipples is often due to a fungal infection, and a stabbing pain which persists after feeding is another symptom.
Olive oil is a source of linoleic acid, chemicals which possess anti-fungal qualities, which may choke off the yeast's oxygen supply. Applying the oil like a lotion to the nipples in a thin layer can help soothe the condition, while using a herbal salve with an olive oil base is often an effective way of treating the condition. Consulting a local herbalist or health food outlet will often lead to finding something effective which does not need to be washed off before breastfeeding.
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 mom that is using a natural skin care for thrush? Olive oil is a natural treatment for thrush that many people use.