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.