Yeast Infections

Introduction to Candida and Yeast Infections

Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast from the Candida species. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi commonly inhabit the human body, but they only result to an infection when they become so numerous, usually due to a weakened immune system. Yeast infections are usually common in moist areas in the body such as the mouth (thrust) and vagina (yeast vaginitis).

Candidiasis, especially intestinal Candida proliferation, has recently been seen as a condition that can attack even those who have a “normal” immune system. It has been a subject of many debates and greatly lacks understanding in both the medical and research communities, but has motivated new thinking and research in hopes of finding a quicker and more effective Candida cure.

So what exactly does Candida do to our bodies and why is a Candida cure so important? Candida is believed to play a part in a somewhat new diagnosis called “leaky gut,” an unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability.

Leaky Gut Syndrome describes a gut which is inflamed and has become very porous, much more porous than it should be. This condition allows large food proteins, bacteria, fungi, metals and toxic substances straight into our blood stream. A more scientific description explains leaky gut as an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/or atrophic mucosal damage.

Candida has been found to produce an astonishing seventy-nine distinct toxins. Overgrowth of candida causes an allergic response from the body that further plunders and jeopardizes the resources of the body and its immune system.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

When Candida yeasts infect the vagina, it results in vaginitis. This infection is characterized by large amounts of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. Anyone who has been on a long-term antibiotic therapy, or has taken antibiotics often, probably has an overgrowth of Candida yeast somewhere in the body. Antibiotics weaken the immune system and also destroy the “friendly” bacteria that normally keep Candida yeast under control. As Candida yeasts spread, they also release toxins that weaken the immune system further.

When Candida yeasts infect the oral cavity, it is called oral candidacies or thrust. White sores may form on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. Yeast infection is most common in babies and in people with compromised immune systems, especially those affected with cancer and aids.

Symptoms of yeast infection include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, impotence, memory loss, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, nagging cough, acne, night sweats, burning tongue, and white spots on the tongue and in the mouth. Vaginal infections are noted by symptoms such as vaginal itching, irritated genital skin, white vaginal discharge, and accompanied pain or burning in the genital area during urination or sexual intercourse.

When Candida yeasts infect the vagina, it results in vaginitis. This infection is characterized by large amounts of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It is very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their lives. Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by Candida yeast. Candida yeast is usually a harmless part of the vaginal environment that doesn’t bother you at all. But once in a while, the chemical balance inside the vagina gets upset, and an overgrowth of Candida can occur. This is what causes a yeast infection. Yeast infection is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease.

Candida and Yeast Infection Treatment

Nearly seventy-five percent of all women will suffer at least one episode of Candida or vaginal yeast infection (vaginitis) during their lifetime. Most of these women experience infrequent attacks and respond well to drug therapy; however in some cases the infection is persistent and is resistant to most Candida treatment options.

Women with recurrent Candida may suffer from depression and psychosexual problems so it is important to obtain an effective treatment as quickly as possible. It is often helpful for the patient to consider the factors that may trigger the infection. It is also important for a patient to consider that their sexual partner may be infected with Candida yeasts and not exhibit any signs or symptoms permitting the infection to be passed on during sexual intercourse.

Vaginitis: Most women who suffer from vaginitis respond to topical Candida treatments. Popular antifungal treatments include with the antifungal drug nystatin or an antifungal drug from the imidazole family. The imidazole Candida treatments have a higher cure rate than nystatin with shorter courses of treatment. Two other drugs, itraconazole and fluconazole are available in oral form. Fluconazole is given in a single oral dose and itraconazole in two doses 8 hours apart. Fluconazole and itraconazole are much more expensive than the other drugs, but are easier and less painful to administer. Alternatively, women more concerned about safe, natural treatments may consider Yeast Infection No More produced by Forces of Nature – a certified 100% organic, all-natural and topical treatment proven to fight yeast infections safely and without side effects.

Recurrent Candida infections can be controlled in most women using doses of oral Candida treatments combined with other topical treatments. After the symptoms have been suppressed for six months, treatments are discontinued and the patient is reassessed. Many women do not revert to the previous pattern of recurrent disease. Some women find that yogurt douches or special diets help them gain control over Candida infections. It is also recommended that women with recurrent Candida infections wear loose fitting cotton underwear and to not wear tights or tight fitting hosiery. Finally, it is very important to take treatments exactly as prescribed by your doctor; this greatly improves the chances of successfully eliminating the infection.

Penile candidiasis: Most men with penile candidiasis experience an inflamed penis apex and foreskin and sometimes they have a discharge from underneath the foreskin. The apex of the penis is often red with spots and the skin on the penis and in the groin is sometimes itchy and scaly. Treatments for penile candidiasis may include saline washes or application of antifungal creams or Yeast Infection No More. If a man has a persistent candida infection, he should be investigated for diabetes, as diabetes sufferers are prone to penile candidiasis. In addition men who have a penile catheter inserted for a long period time are prone to recurrent penile candidiasis infections.

Oral candidiasis: Newborn bottle-fed infants and individuals taking antibiotics are most susceptible to oral thrush which is caused by candida yeasts. Oral candidiasis appears as curd-like, white patches or membranes covering the inside of the mouth. Sloughing of the membrane exposes a reddened, irritated surface. Oral thrush responds well to candida treatments that typically include oral nystatin, ketoconazole, fluconazole or amphotericin B. For an all-natural candida treatment option, Yeast Infection No More by Forces of Nature might be considered.

Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC): This is a rare condition caused by the yeast Candida. Most people can fight off Candida infections with the use of antifungal treatments. CMC is a disease in which individuals have frequent, usually continuous oral thrush that is difficult to treat. Most cases of CMC are recognized in childhood where babies or children have repeated episodes of oral thrush and sometimes thrush of the esophagus.

Yeast Infections – Contributing Causes

Some known contributing factors to yeast infections are tight clothing. Studies have indicated that vaginal yeast infections are three times more common in women who wear nylon underwear or tights than those who wear cotton underwear.

Antibiotics are known culprits in yeast infections. Antibiotics tend to kill all single-cell creatures living symbiotically within our bodies. Afterwards, the strongest and most virulent tend to grow back faster. This means that regular use of antibiotic will help infections develop. If antibiotics are used, always follow up with probiotic supplements that such as products like yogurt.

Oral contraceptives and steroids also contribute to yeast infections. Predisposed health conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and HIV infection are all associated with an increased risk of yeast infection. Allergies can cause yeast vaginitis that can be resolved by avoiding the allergens and treating the allergies.

Yeast Infection Treatment

A high-sugar diet encourages the overgrowth of Candida albicans thereby increasing the risk of a yeast infection. Decrease consumption of simple sugars and starches. Women who suffer from yeast infections or are predisposed to such infections should avoid highly refined foods that tend to feed the Candida fungus causing Candida yeast infections. They should avoid refined sugar, fruits, fruit juices, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

Understanding how Candida yeasts behave and gaining control over them can be the first step of prevention. Here are several health measures that can be taken to avoid or reverse the negative effects of a yeast infection:

• Yeast Infection No More is a safe, certified 100% organic topical treatment for Yeast Infections – and is backed by Forces of Nature’s 1 Year Money Back – Unconditional Guarantee. It makes use of completely natural ingredients proven effective in fighting candida.
• Eat plenty of raw vegetables and gluten-free grains such as brown rice and millet. Drink pure vegetable broth. This will eliminate toxins and mucous that the Candida yeast thrives on. Cleaning out your system is vital to eliminating yeast infection and making a complete recovery.
• Drink eight glasses of distilled water throughout the day. Well or tap water can contain contaminants that may minimize the effects water can have on eliminating yeast infections.
• Avoid foods likeaged cheeses, alcohol, baked goods, chocolate, dried fruits, ham, pickles, soy sauce, raw mushrooms, and nut butters.
• Eliminate citrus and acidic fruits such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, tomato and limes from your diet for one month.

To prevent re-infection, replace your toothbrush every thirty days and wear white cotton underwear. Synthetic fibers can lead to increased perspiration that creates an environment where Candida yeast can thrive.

A yeast infection can recur at any point. If you have four or more yeast infections within a one-year time frame, this indicates that the yeast infection is severe. If you believe you suffer from chronic or unusually persistent yeast infections, consult your doctor for more extensive treatment options.

A Simple Home Test for Candida

You can try this simple test to see if you have candida: First thing in the morning, before you put anything in your mouth, get a clear glass. Fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of ater. Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour. If you have a problem you will see strings (like legs) traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or “cloudy” saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will appear suspended in the water. If there are no strings and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you probably have candida under control.

By performing this simple and easy at-home test, you can become better informed on actions that should be taken to reduce or combat candida symptoms that your body may be suffering. If you or someone you know is suffering from indefinable health issues, yeast infection is a likely place to begin looking for answers. By taking necessary control in the form of diet and other healthy practices, you can control this aggressive parasite that is wrecking havoc on your everyday life.

Effects of Yeast Infection if Left Untreated

A yeast cell produces over seventy-five known toxic substances that consistently poison the human body. These toxins contaminate the tissues and weaken the immune system, glands, kidneys, bladder, lungs, liver and especially the brain and nervous system. Candida Albicans, the cause of yeast infections, is a major contributing factor to the cause of physical ailments such as – Chronic Fatigue, Immune Weakness, Allergies and Systemic Degeneration.

Candida yeasts can become so massive and invasive that they are able to penetrate the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal wall. This penetration breaks down the protective barrier between the intestinal tract and bloodstream, allowing many foreign and toxic substances to enter and pollute the body systemically. As a result, proteins and other food wastes that are not completely digested or eliminated can assault the immune system and cause tremendous allergic reactions, fatigue and many other health problems. It also allows the Candida itself and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, from which they may find their way to other tissues, resulting in far-ranging effects such as soreness of the joints, chest pain, sinus, skin problems, and more.

Candida yeast infections cover the intestinal wall, which chemically and mechanically interferes with digestion and assimilation of food nutrients. Many people with weakened immune systems, especially senior citizens, cancer victims and those with AIDS are most especially affected because they cannot properly absorb what they eat. Those who suffer from a serious case of yeast infection digest less than fifty percent of their food because it creates a digestive conflict and robs them of their nutrition. All infectious conditions are made worse by the presence of Candida throughout the body.