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An Introduction to Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are a very common problem in
the human body. Usually, though, a yeast infection is generally thought of as
a female only problem, but that's simply not the case. Women do get the most
yeast infections, true, but there are several other kinds of yeast infections
that anyone can get.
Yeast forming bacteria live in our bodies at all times. These bacteria are
known as Candida, and they're usually kept from causing problems and
infections by other, friendly bacteria that also lives in our bodies. There's
a specific bacteria within the Candida family though, called candida albicans,
and this is the one that causes yeast infections.
Now, when something happens to upset the balance of good and bad bacteria
within our bodies, the yeast can then flourish and cause infections. Some of
the most common types of yeast infections include: Vaginal yeast infections
for women; oral yeast infections known as thrush; athlete's feet and nail
fungus; and sometimes even eczema or other skin conditions.
One of the most common things that upsets the balance of bacteria in our
bodies and can cause yeast infections, is taking broad spectrum prescription
antibiotics. These medications kill all bacteria in our body - good and bad -
which leaves us vulnerable to yeast infections and other health problems. In
fact, candida albicans tends to flourish within our bodies once antibiotics
have been taken for an extended period of time. And since there are no "good"
bacteria left to fight them, they can cause some severe problems.
Other things that can cause yeast infections include taking drugs such as
steroids which suppress the immune system; taking medications which change the
balance of hormones in the body such as birth control pills; and having a
disease which weakens the body's immune system, such as HIV or Diabetes.
Now there are a variety of ways to help prevent yeast infections from
developing. And the best, natural method for doing this is to simply eat real
yogurt, which has Lactobacillus acidophilus in it. Pasteurized and sweetened
yogurts don't have the live cultures in it that help prevent yeast infections,
so it's important to be sure you eat true yogurt if you want to help your body
avoid getting yeast infections.
Yogurt is also a very common cure for female yeast infections, and it can be
helpful for oral yeast infections as well. It's particularly important to eat
yogurt when taking prescription antibiotics too, because the yogurt helps
replace the good bacteria in your body.
An excellent herbal remedy for almost all yeast infections is Garlic. Garlic
is a very powerful natural antibiotic and antifungal medication. It can be
used both internally and externally - meaning you can either rub it on the
affected area, or swallow it to fight the yeast bacteria from the inside.
Fresh garlic is always best, but there are plenty of garlic supplements
available in almost any store these days too.
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