People generally believe that yeast infection only happens in localised areas on the skin’s surface and can be easily treated with anti-fungal creams and prescriptions. Unfortunately it is often not that straight forward. Where the infections are persistent and keep coming back this can be the sign of a far more serious internal problem.
Background
Yeast infection, also known as Candida infection,
Candidiasis, Monilia
or thrush, can be a very unpleasant condition and is caused by an overgrowth of
Candida albicans bacteria.
A vast number of different
bacteria live on the surface of our bodies, in the genital area, our mouths and
in our gastrointestinal tract. Each type of bacteria has an important function
for our health and in a normal healthy individual they all live together in a
natural healthy balance.
The function of the Candida
bacteria is to keep other potentially unhealthy bacteria in check and the
Candida themselves are kept in check by friendly pro-biotic bacteria.
There are various situations in
life though, where our natural internal balance can be disrupted or damaged.
This is when the Candida albicans might be able to multiply out of control and
this overgrowth is when the yeast infection symptoms appear.
People generally believe that yeast
infection only happens in localised areas on the skin’s surface and can be
easily treated with anti-fungal creams and prescriptions. Unfortunately it is
often not that straight forward. Where the infections are persistent and keep
coming back this can be the sign of a far more serious internal problem.
What Happens to us internally?
When our natural internal balance
has been disrupted and the Candida bacteria multiply unchecked they change from
a yeast form to a fungal form which creates roots which can break through the
walls of our intestines.
Yeast, bacteria and partly
digested food can now get into the blood stream and travel around or body and
could potentially infect many organs and localised areas of our body causing
itching, rashes and other symptoms.
We need to be aware that by the
time we notice these symptoms the Candida may already be out of control inside
our bodies. Once this has happened the infection has become systemic and can be
very difficult to get rid of. In extreme cases systemic yeast infection can
even be fatal.
Causes of Yeast Infection
The Use of Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics such as ampicillin and
tetracycline can not only deal with the condition they were intended to treat
but can also kill the healthy pro-biotic bacteria which are needed to keep
Candida under control.
Changes in Hormone Levels
Changes in hormone levels due to
pregnancy, birth control or as part of the normal monthly cycle can bring on
yeast infections. Some hormone changes can also trigger elevated blood sugar
levels which the yeast will feed on.
Poorly Controlled or Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes which is poorly
controlled or not yet diagnosed will cause increased blood sugar levels which
will feed the yeast.
Sexual Contact with an Infected Partner
Yeast infection can be
transferred during intercourse if your partner is infected.
A Weakened Immune System
A weakened immune system, possibly due to a recent
illness can mean that the body’s natural system for keeping yeast and other
bacteria in control is not working as effectively as it would normally be.
Increased Stress Levels
Higher than normal levels of stress can weaken the
immune system as well as causing elevated blood sugar levels and disrupting the
effect of friendly pro-biotic bacteria.
Unhealthy Dietary Habits
A diet which includes too much refined
carbohydrates and not enough fruit and vegetables can cause high blood sugar
levels and a lack of the nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
The More Obvious Symptoms in
Women Include:
·
Itching
and redness of the genital area.
·
Pain
during sex and urination.
·
A smelly
cheese-like discharge.
·
Potentially
severe swelling of the vagina.
·
There can
be painful cracks in the skin.
·
General
tiredness.
The More Obvious Symptoms
in Men Include:
·
Itching and redness of the genital area.
·
A smelly cheese-like discharge
·
Possible well-defined smaller rashes around
the main one.
Potential Symptoms May
Include:
·
Oral thrush (yeast infections of the mouth and
throat).
·
Skin rashes – most likely found in skin folds.
·
Discoloured and thickened finger or toe nails.
Possible Complications
If
the yeast has got into the blood stream there can be more serious localised
infections in other parts of the body.
This may include:
·
Irritable bowel syndrome.
·
Joint pains.
·
Chest pains.
·
Others.
It
is also possible for Candida to cover the lining of our stomach and inhibit the
normal digestive processes, preventing the absorption of the vitamins and
nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy.
There
are also a large number of less obvious symptoms including the production of
various toxic substances.
How to Cure your Yeast
Infection Permanently
Doctors
find yeast infection difficult to eradicate – simply because it can be
triggered by a combination of so many different factors.
There
are a lot of anti-fungal creams and over-the –counter treatments which will
go some way to combat the symptoms but
very few (if any) are able to properly tackle the root cause.
The
best way to cure your yeast infection permanently is with a comprehensive
holistic treatment which works on the whole body to restore the natural healthy
internal balance rather than just tackling individual symptoms.
For
more information on a safe permanent cure please visit my website.
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| About the author |
My name is Tim Fisher and I am a Martial Artist, long time health, fitness and well-being fanatic. For more about what is yeast infection and to find a permanent cure for yeast infectionplease click on the link. |
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