What Causes Yeast Infections and Cures
by Donovan Baldwinhttp://nodiet4me.com
Usually when the topic of yeast infections comes up, it is automatically assumed that we are talking about women's health in general, and vaginal yeast infections in particular.
However, this is not always the case.
There really are male yeast infections, and other parts of the body than just the female genital area may be afflicted as well.
More important to this discussion is information about what causes yeast infections, and what you can do about it! AFter all, no matter whether male or female, and no matter what part of the body may be experiencing the yeast outbreak, the results are usually painful and may have other, more lasting health outcomes than just the discomfort of the moment.
Since the vaginal yeast infection is the most common experience, let's just talk about that for a moment.
It is a simple fact that a vaginal yeast infection is the result of an imbalance of yeast in the vagina. This happens when "good" bacteria which normally exist in the vagina can no longer regulate the yeast fungus (Candida albicans). Without the bacteria exercising its normal control over the yeast, Candida albican multiplies and upsets the vagina's normal condition, resulting in a yeast infection.
Essentially, the same process occurs when a yeast infection occurs anywhere in the body. Something upsets the normal balance of things, and the yeast takes over.
In other parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, windpipe (esophagus), or on the skin, a yeast infection is caused by the normal processes being upset in some way resulting in the takeover by some form of yeast. The most common term for this is candidiasis. When one part of the body is affected, the infection may spread, a condition known as systemic candidiasis.
While the cause of yeast infections is the imbalance of the body's normal defenses and systems, what can cause the imbalance in the first place?
Well, many of the causes of yeast infections are indirect rather than direct. In other words, things and events do not necessarily "cause" the yeast infection as they allow a condition or situation to develop which "allows" the Candida yeast to grow out of control...commonly known as Candida overgrowth.
While almost anything which affects the normal functions of the body can create a condition ripe for the growth of a yeast infection, other things can be pinpointed as being more common causes of a yeast infection than others.
For example, in the case of a vaginal yeast infection, several culprits are often found to be suspect.
1. Antibiotics and Steroids: These commonly used lifesavers tend to be shotguns rather than rifles in that they can do injury to a lot of things, including the good bacteria which keep Candida albicans and other yeasts in check. Many a woman can attest to experiencing a yeast infection after an operation or illness in which antibiotics were used to control infection.
2. Pregnancy and Menstruation: These normal cycles in an otherwise healthy woman's life can upset the pH balance of the vagina, opening the door for a Candida overgrowth.
3. Diabetes: This deadly condition can also upset the body's ability to defend itself against yeast infections.
4. Normal Stuff: Staying in a wet bathing suit too long or wearing tight pants or some synthetic underwear, can foster the warm, moist environment that encourages yeast growth. The acts of douching or wiping oneself from rear to front can affect the vaginal area, and, as with so many things, a weakened immune system can also result in yeast overgrowth.
Yeast infections, vaginal or otherwise, can be prevented to some extent by remaining healthy. Just like in other aspects of health, eating properly, getting the right amount of regular exercise, maintaining good cleanliness, and getting proper rest can go a long way towards preventing a yeast infection.
One problem in dealing with yeast infections outside the vagina (which definitely signals its discomfort), is that the symptoms of a yeast infection can be quite varied. Since the affects of the yeast infection in one are can cause disruptions in other parts of the body, there may be quite a diverse, and ambiguous, set of signals to interpret.
Some symptoms of a yeast infection are:
Abdominal pain
Brain fog
Constant fatigue
Bloating or indigestion
Joint pain
Mouth ulcers
Anxiety
Itchy, red eyes
Chronic sinus drainage
Fungus on finger or toenails
Craving for sweets and carbs
Recurrent urinary tract infections
White coating on the tongue
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Hair loss or vision problems
Depression -- feeling overwhelmed
As you can see for yourself, many of these symptoms of a yeast infection could also be symptoms of other, and in come cases, deadlier, conditions as well, or could be the outward manifestations of the common cold, a touch of allergy, too much physical activity, or a lack of sleep. This makes a diagnosis, at least without proper lab work, a bit difficult.
While doctors have several medications they can use for various situations, the ordinary person has a few arrows in their quiver as well. Many women, and some doctors, believe that eating foods rich in lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, will help prevent or help reverse yeast infections. The jury is still out on this, but it IS agreed that a healthy diet is part of the defense against yeast infections.
There are several over-the-counter and homeopathic yeast infection relief products as well, such as Yeastrol Yeast Infection Relief.
While yeast infections are not generally deadly in themselves, except in those with already compromised immune systems or those who have dangerous health conditions already, the combination of the results of a yeast infection with the list of what causes yeast infections can create a dangerous health situation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer and 64-year-old amateur bodybuilder living in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He is a University of West Florida alumnus and a member of Mensa. After retiring from the Army in 1995, he developed an Internet business in the health and fitness field and began publishing articles on various subjects. He currently has an online health products store at http://nodiet4me.com/health_products/index.html where you can find more information on Yeastrol Yeast Infection Relief and other health products.
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Article submitted Saturday, June 27, 2009 & read 13866 times.
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