Although it's probably most famous as a female problem, a yeast infection doesn't always mean itching and other upleasant symptoms for women. Anyone can have a candida infection and they are more common than most people know. In fact, almost 80 million Americans suffer from yeast problems annually.
Yeast is a normal part of our body chemistry. But when the natural balance becomes upset, many illnesses and issues can occur. Here are some helpful hints to clear up yeast infections and restore your health.
What is Yeast?
Candida albicans is a naturally occurring organism that lives inside our mouths, intestinal and digestive system, vagina and even on our skin. When our bodies are in a balanced state, candida, or yeast, population is controlled by the friendly bacteria that live inside of us too.
What Causes Yeast to Grow?
Yeast multiply and thrive when our bodies become out of balance. A diet that is high in carbohydrates, especially refined sugars, is a major source of problems for anyone with candida concerns because yeast live off of the sugar.
Antibiotic use, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, oral contraceptives and illnesses with compromised immunity all contribute to yeast overgrowth.
When our natural balance of yeast and bacteria is disrupted, the yeast multiplies rapidly. Many times this can be seen as thrush on the tongue or as a vaginal yeast infection.
Even though the visible symptoms clear up with medication, the yeast can become invasive into the bloodstream. Other symptoms of yeast infection vary widely and can be very different in individuals. Some symptoms, but certainly not all, include fatigue, hypoglycemia, bloating, constipation, acne, indigestion, sinusitis, headaches, hives, just to name a few.
A Successful Treatment for Yeast Infection Requires Planning
A successful resolution of Candidiasis requires a comprehensive defense.
Reducing as much of the fungus, or yeast, is the goal. Most qualified health professionals, especially complementary and alternative practitioners, will prescribe an antifungal medication, such as Nystatin, or natural antifungals which include probiotics, 10-Undecenoic Acid: 50 mg. (derived from castor bean oil), sold under the trade name SF722, grapeseed extract, tea tree oil and garlic among other things.
A Yeast-free Diet is Essential
By starving the Candida albicans, you can limit its growth and stop it from multiplying.
- Eliminate simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, and high glycemic foods..
- For some people who are extremely sensitive, most all carbohydrates should be restricted during initial treatment.
- Focus on what you can eat.
Prevent Future Infections
By maintaining a good balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive track, and watching your sugar consumption, you will help prevent yeast overgrowth. If you feel yeast infection symptoms returning, go back to following a strict yeast-free diet. Add more probiotics to your regimen. Drink plenty of water.
Adding beneficial probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus, L bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacteria longum, and Bifidus has been shown to help increase beneficial probiotic levels in the digestive track and help eliminate candida.
Most practicioners will also have you follow a yeast free diet until you are symptom-free for three to six months.
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