Experts estimate that half of all women get yeast infections on a recurrent basis but it is not just a women’s problem. Men and children and elderly folk get yeast infections too.
It may seem strange but numerous microscopic bacteria and other microbes live on our skin and in our digestive system. Yeast organisms live in harmony with these bacteria in small numbers and are harmless when kept in check by them and our immune system.
One type of yeast is known as Candida Albicans and is responsible for many yeast infections when it grows out of balance with other organisms. Yeast infections can occur in many different places and cause many different symptoms.
Symptoms of yeast infections:
Vaginal irritation or intense itching
Athlete’s Foot - between the toes.
Diaper or nappy rash
Jock’s itch - infection in the groin area.
Thrush - infection of the mouth recognised as white spots on tongue and in mouth
Fungal nail infections
Sinusitis that does not improve with antibiotics is often yeast
Itchy ears - may be yeast related
Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland
Changes in bowel habits, bloating and excessive gas/wind
Infection of head of penis.
Persistant heart burn
Sufferers often complain of feeling fatigued or worn out. When candida grows it releases toxins that that can cause foggy thinking or what some people describe as brain fog. Many get cravings for sugar and carbohydrate which fuels the growth of yeast even further.
Causes of yeast infections
Our lifestyles and habits are responsible for lowering our immune defences and allowing candida and other yeasts to overgrow. Antibiotics kill some of the good bacteria in the bowel that normally keep yeasts in check. The use of the birth control pill and cortisone, stress, diabetes, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and hormonal imbalance all contribute to yeast infections.
Many natural health practitioners and nutritional doctors believe that mercury from amalgam dental fillings is lethal to the good bacteria that keep candida under control. Mercury and other heavy metals such as lead as well toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis interfere with the function of our immune systems.
Whilst anti-fungal drugs may effective for the seriously ill, many people have low grade yeast infections that frequently recur when the anti-fungal medication is stopped.
Treatment
The best way to permanently get rid of yeast infections is to alter your diet and take supplements to improve the immune system. Avoiding sugar, foods with sugar, alcohol and cutting down on refined carbohydrate helps. Yeasts feed on sugar and the immune system is suppressed for several hours after eating high sugar foods.
In acute cases the diet should be high in low sugar vegetables with no or limited fruit and fruit juices. Many people with candida do not tolerate dairy products well so do better without cheese and milk. Live natural yogurt is usually tolerated. Poultry & meat should be organic to avoid antibiotic residues, and toxic chemicals.
Support the digestive system
A high potency probiotic that contains beneficial bacteria should also be taken to help restore the balance in the bowel. Plant based digestive enzymes help to break down carbohydrate and supplements of hydrochloric acid with pepsin help to digest protein when stomach acid is low.
Essential fatty acids such as fish oil and flax or borage help boost the body’s defenses and repair the gut lining. Supplements containing L-Glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and gamma oryzanol help repair a leaky gut so common with yeast infections.
Natural antifungals:
Substances that control yeasts are known as antifungals. There are many herbs that have natural antifungal qualities. Some that have been found particularly useful in controlling cancida are:
Neem Leaf contains natural substances that are antifungal.
Berberine Sulfate is derived from barberry. It helps fight yeast and bacteria.
Oregon grape root contains berberine.
Calcium Undecylenate derived from the castor bean kills candia.
Uva Ursi is effective against candida.
Caprylic acid as calcium and magnesium caprylate capsules is derived from coconuts and is often successfully used against candida infections.
Olive leaf supports the immune system in its fight against bacteria and yeast.
Several of these herbs are often combined in one supplement and are more effective than using just one. It can also pay to change the antifungals every 6 weeks to avoid the yeast becoming resistant to them.
When the underlying cause of yeast infections are discovered and rectified, the current infection treated and the immune system improved you can get rid of them for good.
Sandy Halliday, a former nurse is a qualified nutritionist. She is passionate about detox, natural health remedies and nutritional therapy to prevent disease and aging as well as the cure of many health problems.
