Yeast infection or Candidiasis occurs when the fungi Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus that naturally lives on all surfaces of our bodies, increased concentration beyond the normal range. Long term use of antibiotics and steroids, taking too much sugar, dairy, birth control pills help multiply Candida albicans thus, increasing its concentration in our body. These overgrown albicans particularly cause infections in warm and moist areas. Infected areas cause uneasiness.. that itching and burning sensation. Common candidiasis are vaginal yeast infection, thrush or the infection of oral cavity tissues, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed. Effects of yeast infection can be emotional and physical such as sexual dysfunction, depression or mood swings, chronic rashes, joint pain, unexplainable lack of energy etc. Women, men, babies, and children can suffer from this fungal infection. People with HIV and diabetes are more prone on having the disease.
Untreated yeast virus can lead to even more serious diseases such as AIDS, Leukemia, chronic diabetes complications, and chronic urinary tract infection. There are medical solutions and natural solutions. Natural remedies to start from to treat the infection is to avoid sugar, yeast, refined foods, breads, dairy products, fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, wheat and rye, tea or coffee, sauces,and vinegars. Eat chicken, turkey, and egg whites, fish, brown rice, vegetable, leafy greens, legumes, and tropical fruits instead. Garlic is very important for anyone who has yeast infection. Simply chewing a clove per day or mince and mix on your daily meal can reduce the infection and in the case of vaginal candidiasis, simply wrap a garlic clove in gauze and insert it into vagina. Another popular natural treatment of vaginal candidiasis is a douche of 1-3 tbsp. vinegar in a quart of water and to be rinse daily in not more than a week. Plain yogurt everyday is highly recommended on yeast infected people because it contains live bacteria that destroys yeast. For thrush treatment, salt warm water mouthwash and drink cool liquids to soothe the mouth.There are also over-the-counter yeast infection remedies and you can just apply them as directed. Have a healthy diet and work on strong immune system and you’re on your way to recovery.
There are things to avoid for people who have yeast infection. Avoid taking antibiotics ’cause they weaken the immune system on prolonged use. Don’t use cotton underwear, pantyhose, and tight clothing on the crotch to avoid warm environment for yeast to grow. Use something that don’t trap moisture and heat. Don’t stay on wet clothes or bathing suit for a long period to avoid moist. Stay away from products and cleaners such as feminine deodorants, chlorinated water, moth balls, and synthetic textiles. Avoid staying on damp moldy places such as basements. Heat refrigerated leftovers before eating them especially meat because they will become damp and moldy overnight.
Treatment of this illness can be frustrating and confusing because of information overload and bad/conflicting advice on how to treat the disease. I recommend to ask someone who has suffered from yeast infection. There are forums, articles or even blogs of yeast-infected-now-cured people.