Women Health

The fungus Candida Albicans is a microorganism, one of many in fact, that lives on our bodies and it is the overgrowth of that fungus that leads to yeast infections. Like all fungi it prefers moist, dark and warm environments – so yeast infections tend to develop in such places on the body like the genitals, anus, folds of skin, and the mouth. You may find that an oral yeast infection is referred to as Thrush.

Causes of Thrush: Nearly all people actually have small amounts of candida already in our bodies, in our digestive tracts, on our skin, in our mouth. The growth of this fungus is kept under control by good bacteria we also have, so the fungus is usually harmless. When something happens to destroy the balance between the tow microorganisms such as medications, an illness or diet for example, the candida seizes the opportunity to multiply and its overgrowth leads to a yeast infection. Things that can cause the imbalance to occur are prolonged use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, birth control pills, diabetes, HIV, cancer treatment, and even pregnancy as there is a large hormone imbalance during that time.

The key symptoms: – White patches in the mouth on the inside of the cheeks, the gums, the throat, the roof of the mouth and the tongue; pain when swallowing; difficulty eating and drinking; lesions beneath the white spots that bleed.

Preventing Thrush: There are things you can do to help prevent an infection of the mouth happening. Keeping excellent oral hygiene is important, which involves brushing twice a day as well as flossing. Mouthwashes are not a good idea as they upset the balance of microorganisms in the mouth and may deplete good bacteria making you more likely to get a yeast infection. Smoking is not good and if you are a smoker your odds of getting Thrush are higher.

Treatments: Yogurt is great for soothing the symptoms. Use the live bacteria kind and it will top up the good bacteria in your mouth to help fight the fungus. However you also need to deal with the root of the infection – find out what caused it in the first place and make lifestyle changes. There are over the counter treatments that can be tried, and if these do not work, visit your doctor for something stronger.

For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our candida symptoms and cure website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: oral yeast infection

Candidiasis, Candida or yeast infection, all names for the same problem. A lot of people have to face them at some point in their lives, not just women, men too. They happen because the Candida fungus living in them has had the chance to overgrow.

The most common place for a yeast infection to occur is the vagina, which is probably why it is mistakenly believed to be a female infection. However this is not the case. An infection can be triggered by various factors including pregnancy, not drying well enough after bathing, hanging around in wet clothing, diabetes, tight clothing, some medications, wiping in the wrong direction after a bowel movement. Yeast infections do not cure themselves, they have to be treated. If ignored symptoms will worsen and in rare but serious cases a systemic infection could occur where the yeast enters the bloodstream, and this can be fatal.

Here are just three things you can easily do yourself that will help prevent yeast infections.

Wear loose clothing The ideal breeding grounds for a yeast infection to thrive in are places that are damp and warm and dark. Therefore wearing tight clothing like tight pants will keep your vaginal area at the perfect conditions for the yeast to live in. Avoid pantyhose, and tight jeans that make you sweaty. Also look at the material your underwear is made from. Synthetic materials do not allow the air to circulate so wear cotton so the skin can breathe. Fashion is certainly not worth recurring yeast infections!

Stay Dry: A very good way to keep yeast infections away is to keep the vagina dry. After you shower or bath make sure you dry properly and thoroughly. As mentioned get out of wet clothing as soon as you can, so avoid sunbathing in a wet suit, change out of sweat pants after exercising, make sure you wipe properly after urinating, change your underwear during the day when its needed.

Watch what you eat: Avoid certain foods like yeast such as in beer and bread. Particularly cut out sugar as it feeds the fungus. Eat more healthily i.e a diet low in processed and junk foods and high in vegetables. To help out your immune system give it plenty of Vitamin C whether in what you eat or as a supplement. Cranberry juice is a great drink to add to your diet and drink plenty of water each day.

For more about candida symptoms and cure, just visit our website. Today’s special: Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

There are many different tiny organisms living on our bodies some of which aid us, some cause harm i.e make us ill, and some do nothing. The fungus that causes a yeast infection called Candida Albicans is one of the microorganisms that when kept in small numbers does nothing. Good bacteria control its growth and while they are in balance all is fine. But if something happens to those good bacteria the fungus can overgrow and this leads to a yeast infection.

Avoid tight clothing as it creates an ideal breeding ground for the fungus of warmth and dampness. Loose clothing allows the air to circulate and will keep the area more dry and is therefore more preferable. With underwear you want it to allow the vagina to breathe so choose a material like cotton.

Think about what you put into your body in terms of food and drink. A poor diet high in processed, junk and refined foods is going to make you more likely to get a yeast infection. Cut out items that have yeast in them and look at what you can add or change to be healthier. For example vegetables particularly greens are great for helping your immune system, water will flush out toxins, probiotic yogurt can help top up the good bacteria.

Clean regularly but use simple, unscented soaps. Avoid harsh chemicals in your detergent, and do not use any sprays or scented products there. Do not douche as this kills the good bacteria in the vagina. If still having sex use water based lubrication not petroleum. Note that pregnant women are more likely to get a yeast infection because of the changes in hormones and if this is you visit a doctor.

There are over the counter treatments that are drug based from a pharmacy, or if you need something stronger your doctor can prescribe something. There are also natural remedies that women have tried and tested. You may have to find the right one for you but such remedies include yogurt, either eating it or using it like a cream. Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water to make solution for cleaning the area with. Raw garlic can be eaten or a peeled clove inserted in the vagina or gentian violet can be used on the vulva.

For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our yeast infection treatment website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: yeast infection during pregnancy