Most women may not want to talk about it, but it is a fact that a yeast infection will happen to three out of every four of them at least once during her life. This article will talk about what a yeast infection is, how to get rid of them and how to prevent them from coming back.
A yeast infection, also called Candidiasis, is an overgrowth of the fungus with the name of Candida albicans. It occurs naturally in the body, especially in dark, moist environments. Its symptoms may include excessive tiredness, irregularity of the bowels, skin outbreaks, headache, bloating in the abdomen and even depression. The condition often comes about when the immune system gets compromised and the yeast starts generating more toxins than the body can deal with.
Typically, a yeast infection is triggered by factors that change a woman’s hormonal balance, such as taking antibiotics, using steroids, taking contraceptive pills, pregnancy or menopause. They can also be caused by stress, an unhealthy diet, and diseases such as diabetes and immune deficiencies.
Although there are prescription and over the counter medicines that have been formulated to treat yeast infections, some women prefer more natural and less costly treatments, many of which can be at least as effective as those that use medications.
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The old saying “an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure” definitely is sound advice when it comes to the yeast overgrowth problem. Here, then, are some ways in which the condition of a Candida infection may be prevented.
Because the fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment, it is best to keep areas that are prone to infections cool and dry, especially the vaginal area. Underwear should be made with cotton rather than synthetic fibers because they breathe better. Do not wear overly tight trousers or blue jeans.
Watching your diet is also important. Avoid taking in excessive yeast and sugar by limiting consumption of carbonated beverages and alcohol, especially beer. Dairy products can also be problematic, with the exception of yogurt. The beneficial bacteria in plain, live yogurt can help restore the natural balance in the body. Eating a low carbohydrate diet is a very good thing also. Learn about the glycemic index and look for goods that are lower on the G.I. scale. For example, use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Replace white bread with rye. Substitute whole wheat pasta for noodles made with white flour. Instead of plain white rice select the basmati variety.
By following this advice, it may be possible to reduce the chances to contract a yeast infection, or at least to reduce its harmful effects on the body.