Yeast Infection
Natural Remedy?
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If you suffer from Yeast Infections you
are not unique. In fact they are very common, but they
are also very unpleasant and involve a lot of pain and
suffering.
Yeast Infection (or Thrush) is an infection caused by
a yeast called Candida. Small numbers of Candida
commonly live on the skin and around the vaginal area.
These are usually harmless. The immune system and the
harmless bacteria that normally live on the skin and
in the vagina usually stop Candida from thriving.
However, when conditions are good for Candida, it
multiplies and may invade the vagina and cause
symptoms.
Vaginal thrush is a very common
infection that affects women of all ages and most
women will get thrush at least once during their
lifetime and almost half of women have two or more
yeast infections.
The Symptoms of a Yeast Infection Are:
-
Itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva
(the skin that surrounds your vagina)
-
Pain
during sexual intercourse
-
Swelling of the vulva
-
Soreness,
-
Pain
during intercourse and/or urination, and
-
Vaginal discharge – whilst this is not always present,
when it occurs, the discharge is odorless and
typically has a whitish, thick appearance and texture,
like cottage cheese.
It is important to note
that the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be
easily confused with other conditions, including herpes,
so always go to your doctor or health care practitioner
if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms.
Traditional medicine
treats vaginal yeast infections with antifungal drugs
that are inserted directly into the vagina as tablets,
creams, ointments or suppositories. For recurrent
infections, oral drugs are often prescribed, but these
can have side effects such as headache, nausea and
abdominal pain.
Diet and lifestyle have a
huge impact on yeast overgrowth as do certain
environmental conditions. Yeast overgrowth will thrive
for many reasons but the most common ones are:
-
Antibiotics – Antibiotics, whilst handy for killing
off nasty bacteria that causes infection also kill off
‘good’ bacteria, thus allowing yeast infections to
thrive and grow.
-
The Oral Contraceptive
Pill – this can affect a woman’s ability to metabolize
sugar and so encourage the development of yeast
infections.
· Sexual
Intercourse - Some women may get yeast infections
due to having sexual intercourse a number of times
within a short time period.
· Being
Run Down – If you are on medication for illness, it
is likely that your body is run down from coping with
the illness. Whilst your body is busy fighting another
infection, yeast can take this opportunity to multiply
and colonize.
· High
Carbohydrate Intake – Yeast loves sugar. A diet high
in refined sugars and alcohol will encourage yeast
infections to develop.
·
Diabetes -
Women with diabetes are more likely to get yeast
infections than are women who do not have diabetes.
·
Hygiene Products – In particular ‘feminine’ hygiene products can interfere
with the natural PH balance (acidity) in the vagina and
cause irritation which can lead to yeast infection.
·
Menstruation -
Vaginal secretions change throughout the menstrual
cycle, and while the vagina can usually deal with
these slight changes, some women tend to get a yeast
infection just before or after their periods.
·
Pregnancy
– Yeast infections are triggered due to changes in
hormone levels which create high levels of sugars in
vaginal secretions.
· Tight
Underwear or Clothing - Tight trousers, leggings, synthetic
underwear or panty hose prevent air from circulating and
can create a warm, moist place for yeast infections to
develop.
· Sexual
Intercourse - Vaginal Yeast Infections are not
sexually transmitted infection (STI) – if you’ve never
had sex, you can still get a vaginal yeast infection –
but sex may play a role in the development of yeast
infections.
· Compromised
Immune System – If your body’s immune is under
stress from any other source, i.e., drugs, other
diseases or illnesses, poor nutrition, fatigue or
serious injury, you may be more prone to attacks of
yeast infection.
HELP YOURSELF NATURALLY
It is important to follow
a healthy diet that is low in sugar and rich in
vegetables (although whilst treating a bout of yeast
trouble stay away from fruit), complex carbohydrates and
good quality protein. Furthermore, a good quality
probiotic supplement will help replace the ‘friendly
flora in the intestines and keep candida under control
as do garlic and zinc supplements. There are several
natural remedies which can be used to clear vaginal
yeast infections successfully. Anti yeast douches, teas
and an anti yeast diet are all extremely successful in
healing even the most severe cases and there are several
ready made alternative remedies on the market which work
well in keeping yeast infection at bay. For more
information on how to
treat yeast infections naturally
click on the link.
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