Overview
Candida are a group of yeasts that can cause fungal infections in different parts of the body. There are more than 20 different types of candida, but Candida albicans is the most common cause of infection.
Candida normally live in the body without causing problems. They can be found in the intestines and on a type of tissue called mucous membranes, which line the vagina and mouth.
Candida are opportunistic fungi that can grow out of control in the right circumstances. An overgrowth of candida causes an infection with a variety of symptoms. In the vagina, a candida infection is commonly known as a yeast infection. An infection in the mouth is called thrush. People with diabetes get yeast infections more often.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a scientifically proven antifungal. Laboratory researchTrusted Source shows that it can inhibit the growth of candida cultivating in a petri dish.
While it’s important to note that a petri dish is much different than a person, you may be able to use diluted ACV to treat a yeast infection by ingesting it or applying it directly to the affected area. There’s probably little risk to trying this approach.
What does the research say?
According to research ACV has benefits as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that undiluted (or mildly diluted) ACV can prevent the growth of candida. The researchers discovered this effect in a candida culture, which is a small sample of these organisms.
However, more research is required to discover whether ACV works to combat yeast in the human body. It appears that this opportunistic fungus doesn’t like ACV. Consuming ACV could potentially make your body less hospitable to fungus, which means it wouldn’t grow out of control and cause an infection.
How is it used as a treatment?
You can use ACV to combat candida in a variety of different ways. You can take it to treat an overgrowth or incorporate it into your daily routine to prevent future infections.
Drink it straight
Apple cider vinegar can be taken straight, undiluted. Try taking 1 tablespoon twice per day. If you don’t like the taste, try adding a drop of honey. Follow it with a glass of water.
Continue this routine daily until your candida infection clears up or for as long as desired. You might just want to add it to salads to get the benefits.