Yeast Infections: Causes, Remedies & Candida Diet Tips
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Time to read 3 min
For context, many people don't know that yeast infections are caused by an unhealthy overgrowth of a specific yeast called Candida albican. They primarily reside in the digestive tract and in healthy individuals they are found in a low balanced population. A diet high in sugar or carbs or a recent round of antibiotics can cause these yeast populations to opportunistically expand.
During this growth phase, they can compromise the gut lining and find their way into the circulatory system. This spreads them throughout the body. Another way someone can experience systemic candida is if they are suffering from chronic stress. It's important to understand yeast infection causes to effectively manage and prevent them.
Stress increases blood glucose levels as cortisol is secreted. The glucose is a main source of food for candida. This is why managing stress is crucial in natural remedies for yeast infection.
Women who have either high stress, digestive issues or some level of chronic inflammation are prone to vaginal yeast infections. The best way to preventively avoid this is digestive health improvement and lowering stress.
Both these goals can be accomplished with various herbs and avoiding OTCs or antibiotics that in most instances worsen outcomes. In fact, do antibiotics cause yeast infections? Yes, they can by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
Systemic Candida Overgrowth Syndrome (COS) Is The Major Cause of Yeast Infections
Conventional medicine typically uses the pharmaceutical remedy clotrimazole to treat yeast infections caused by candida overgrowth.
The listed side effects using clotrimazole include redness, blistering, peeling, stinging, swelling, itching, hives, or burning if topically applied. The side effects become more serious if administered orally and can include increased liver enzymes, painful urination, upset stomach, vomiting and depression. Clotrimazole is a drug and like any antibiotic, must be metabolized in the liver where it causes cellular damage. Other side effects, while unpleasant, are less damaging than those of the liver.
"Over 75% of women will experience a vaginal infection at least once in their lifetime. "
Fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
The more progressive alternatives to clotrimazole are increasingly being employed by physicians with good results. These are all-natural alternatives like oregano oil, caprylic acid, anise seed, black walnut hulls and wormwood. They represent the leading anti-fungal, anti-viral choices nature provides. These solutions have been used by ancient cultures for centuries to address fungal infections. All have a long list of studies showing their effectiveness.
"Most effective ingredients in treating yeast infections are; Oregano Oil, Caprylic Acid, Anise Seed, Black Walnut Hulls & Wormwood"
Yeast Infection Tests
A pelvic exam to test for vaginal yeast infection by your physician in their office is common. But this is not the least expensive. Most women choose to pick up an at-home test like the AZO Vaginal pH Test. It is very inexpensive and effectively gives accurate results within a minute. For a comprehensive candida overgrowth test, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Yeast Infections: Common Symptoms
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
- A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
- Redness and swelling of the vulva.
- Vaginal pain and soreness.
- Vaginal rash.
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
- Watery vaginal discharge.
Common Candida Overgrowth Symptoms (COS)
One may recognize some additional symptoms along with their yeast infection that are typical of Candida Overgrowth Syndrome (COS), as it is also known.
This can be very challenging to get under control because is it systemic. The list of ailments from COS is below and they can include:
- Athlete's Foot
- Oral Thrush
- Vaginal Yeast Infection
- Nail Fungus
- Jock Itch
- Diaper Rash
- Dermatitis
Longterm Solution To Chronic Yeast Infections & Improved Overall Health
One main benefit of using natural solutions, in addition to being effective against COS, is that natural alternatives don't have the side effects that clotrimazole or similar drugs do. Incorporating probiotics for yeast infection can also support the body's natural defense mechanisms.
This means improved liver health. Having good liver health when Candida albicans die-off is critical because during this process they release over 70 endotoxins and exotoxins into the body. The liver is the organ responsible for filtering processing these toxins for removal. Without a high functioning liver, actively reducing candida populations will cause damage in other parts of the body. It's also not a good choice for overall health.
When given a choice, physicians are making smart moves away from drugs and towards these effective alternatives. All these effective natural ingredients are available in our Candida Complex, formulated to help with these and other yeast overgrowth symptoms. Additionally, following candida diet recipes can be a beneficial strategy in managing yeast infections.
