What is Yeast Infection?

Also known as Candida infection, Monilia or thrush. It is caused by microscopic bacteria (or yeast). Most people mistakenly believe that this condition happens on the surface of the skin and can be treated easily with creams and over-the-counter prescription. 

Unfortunately it is often not that straight forward. Where the infections are persistent and keep coming back this can be the sign of a more serious internal problem. 

In order to understand how to cure it permanently we need to understand what triggered the Candida infection in the first place. We need to be able to tackle the root causes instead of just treating the external symptoms. 

There are more than twenty different species of Candida. They live in our digestive system and all over the surface of our bodies, but particularly in the intestines, mouth and throat. 

In a normal healthy person there can be millions of Candida bacteria. Our bodies need the Candida bacteria to kill harmful bacteria and keep them under control. 

In a normal healthy person Candida is kept under control by friendly bacteria, known as pro-biotic bacteria. Unfortunately antibiotics can kill friendly bacteria and reduce the amount in our intestines. This can mean that there is not enough to keep the Candida bacteria under control. 

If there are problems with our immune system, pH balance or if there are not enough friendly bacteria Candida can multiply out of control and cause infections.

Once the balance is lost and the Candida albicans multiply out of control they change from a yeast form to a fungal form that can invade the entire body. 

When this happens the fungal form of Candida creates roots that can penetrate the walls of the intestines. The yeast, bacteria and partially digested food can then get into the bloodstream causing itching, rashes, irritations and other symptoms. 

Candida yeast like to breed externally in warm moist areas of the body. The most commonly known are vaginal infections, nail-bed infections, skin rash and thrush.  

Infections in the mouth can become more common as we get older as well as infections beneath skin folds, under the breasts and around dentures.

We need to realise, however, that by the time these external conditions can be seen the Candida is already out of control internally. 

The condition can be brought on by a combination of different factors. Doctors can, therefore, find it very difficult to control using drugs and over the counter prescriptions.  

Unfortunately the majority of sufferers still leave treatment in the hands of Doctors and the over the counter industry. Only a few people take responsibility for their own health and well-being and looking for a permanent cure for their condition.