Candidiasis is an infection caused by the over-growing of the fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast is common in or on the skin, mouth, penis and vagina, these are areas where a yeast infection can occur. Yeast infections are generally more occurring in women than men. Candidiasis is a parasitic yeast like fungus that inhabits the mouth, throat, esophagus, genital tract, intestines. Under normal circumstances, this fungus lives in a healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body. These fungus normally grow in the stomach but can be harmful if found in other parts of your body. Long term antibiotic therapy, or repeated antibiotic use and other factors that compromise the immune system can cause candidiasis, also known as thrush or a yeast infection. Diets high in sugars, or use of oral contraceptives, steroids can also cause candida.
Your body’s Ph balance is the key. Yeast is prevalent in the body at all times. Yeast infections will occur when the acid ph of your body is lowered. The immune system regulates the acid ph balance in the body. Your daily diet is the leading factor to help the immune system keep a healthy balance. Stress is one of the largest causes of unbalanced ph readings in the body. Blood ph is higher than body ph. Injury, overweight, antibiotics and birth control pills all alter the natural ph of the body. Fatigue is often overlooked as a stress factor.
Symptoms of Candida:
Frequent yeast infections in women
Frequent urination
Eye fatigue
Facial rash
Diarrhea, chronic gas, and abdominal cramps
Psoriasis, dandruff, dry, itchy skin
Rectal itching
Panic attacks
Sinus Problems
Hives
Anxiety
Lethargy
Foods to avoid:
fruit juice, tea, coffee, melon, cheese, yeast, antibotics, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, malt products, condiments, peanuts, pistachios, processed and smoked meats, soda, potatoes, white rice, pasta, cakes, mushrooms, bleu cheese.
Stay away from left overs, foods that have been in the refrigerator for 2 or more days.
Reducing your intake of grains, sugar and processed foods from your daily diet can also help reduce available yeast in your body.
Foods to have:
almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, whole grains, fresh vegetables.
Raw vegetables are not only good for you, they can help combat yeast infections.
Cold Pressed oils such as almond, apricot, avocado, olive, safflower, sunflower, sesame oil, Omega 3 oils.
Drink plenty of water.
If you have suffered several episodes of yeast infections you might want to try a more natural approach to healing, in addition to dietary changes and effective preventative methods.
Natural methods of treatment in addition to dietary changes previously noted:
Acidophilus is a culture that contains plenty of good bacteria and can help your body fight a yeast infection.
Colloidal silver is an effective dietary supplement for the immune system.
Probiotics provide beneficial intestinal microorganisms that offer a whole range of health benefits. They also help maintain a healthy balance of friendly flora in the intestinal tract and to support the immune system. These microorganisms perform essential functions in the body and are affected by aging, adverse intestinal pH, microbial interactions, environmental and dietary temperatures, stress, physiological factors, peristalsis, bile acids, host secretions and immune responses.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Pau d’ Arco bark comes from a tree that grows primarily in and . The tree is known as taheebo. Unlike other trees, pau d’arco does not develop fungus growth. It contains a chemical called lapachol, which may account for the herb’s traditional use in strengthening and supporting the immune system.
Germanium supports the immune system as a trace mineral.
Follow all these recommendations and you should be able to overcome reoccurring yeast infections.