What Are The Symptoms Of Candida?
Candida is naturally occurring yeast that is found in the mouth, throat, intestines, genital and urinary tract of humans. It’s considered part of our normal flora and poses no threat to individuals with a healthy immune system, but if your immunity is suppressed either through disease or temporary illness an overgrowth of yeast can be an unhealthy side effect.
There are several predisposing factors that contribute to the overgrowth of Candida in the human body; medicines, diet and weakened immunity. The over use of broad spectrum antibiotic is a major culprit in encouraging the growth of yeast in our bodies.
In an attempt to kill harmful bacteria these powerful medications over-kill and destroy the normal flora, or helpful organisms, in our bodies that keep the harmful ones in check. Lactobacillus is in direct competition in the digestive tract with C. Albicans (Candida) and it releases acid which makes the environment less favourable for the yeast, but once antibiotics destroy the Lactobacillus the Candida is left to multiply unchecked.
People with weakened immunity are unable to fight off the overgrowth of yeast and can occur from the use of certain medication like steroids, chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, smoking, stress or even prolonged alcohol abuse.
Poor diet over saturated with low fibre, high sugar and highly fermented foods is a common contributing factor that can be readily changed to reduce the risk of a chronic yeast overgrowth issue.
The symptoms of a yeast infection can closely mimic those of gluten intolerance in some individuals – so how do you know if you’ve got a yeast infection? Laboratory testing isn’t indicative of a yeast overgrowth since the body naturally has Candida to begin with, but there are a number of common physical symptoms to be aware of in your self evaluation.
An increasing number of allergies to chemicals, foods, additives, air born pollutants; particularly adult onset allergies is often present in those with a chronic overgrowth of Candida.
Constant feelings of tiredness especially if the fatigue is worse after eating, carbohydrate cravings, mood swings, irritability, headaches, an inability to concentrate, depressions, dizziness, vaginal and urinary tract infection, skin rashes, hives, arthritis like pain, cold extremities and immune system problems resulting in frequent colds and viruses have all been cited as common symptoms in those with yeast overgrowth.
If you have a combination of these symptoms then you may also have a chronic yeast infection too. The good news is there is hope and help available.
Once you have established that you have a yeast infection, by reviewing symptoms and confirming the presence of causative background factors, there are a variety of dietary changes that you can make to improve your health.
Refined sugar should be eliminated from your diet entirely as it encourages the growth of yeast. Anything with vinegar – which is made with yeast culture – should be avoided as well. Mushrooms should be avoided, as should peanuts and peanut butter, cheeses, and meats that are dried, smoked or pickled should be avoided too.
Increasing your intake of raw garlic and soluble fibre will help your body to fight the yeast infection. A supplemental dose of acidophilus will help to make your intestinal track more acidic which helps to kill off the Candida.
Candida is a natural part of your body’s normal flora but an overgrowth can make you feel sick. If you suspect that you have an overgrowth of yeast there are simple and effective steps that you can take to improve your health.
Diagnosis Of Yeast Infection
Candida yeast infection is diagnosed through laboratory tests. If you experience symptoms of yeast infection like itchiness in the vagina, pain after intercourse or vaginal discharge you must refer to your physician. Treatment of yeast infection You can keep yeast infection at bay by following some simple home remedies. Keep your body folds dry and clean. Always use cotton underwear and make sure that it is dry and clean.
Diabetics are at a greater risk of developing yeast infection. So they must keep their blood sugar level under control.
Until the yeast infection heals you should not indulge in intercourse as it could spread the infection to your partner also.
If the symptoms of a yeast infection persist for long then you must seek medical help.
Over the counter drugs for yeast infection is readily available. These drugs are available in the form of vagina tablets, topical medicines and oral tablets. Fluconazole yeast infection treatment is very popular and provides immediate relief.
Some other popular drugs are Miconazole, Butoconazole and Clotrimazole. Pregnant and lactating women must not take these drugs without consulting their doctors.
The oral tablets used to treat Candida yeast infection have side effects. So women try to avoid them. But you can always go for creams and suppositories to treat it.
Candida Yeast Infection Treatment
Candida is a type of fungus. Many species of this fungus, like Candida Albicans, Candida Glabrata, Candida Tropicalis, and Candida Krusei, live on the surface of our skin. However, when they begin to grow uncontrollably, they cause an infection known as ‘Candidiasis’ or yeast infection. In more than 80% cases of vaginal yeast infection, Candida Albicans were found responsible.
Candida lives in warm, moist places on our body like vagina, underarms, groin, etc. Under certain conditions, they thrive and grow uncontrollably. Some of the causes of this spurt in growth of Candida in our body can be attributed to: Use of antibiotics: Antibiotics kills both harmful and helpful bacteria. The bacteria which controls the growth of candida on our body also gets affected by antibiotics and starts to decline. This decline allows candida to flourish.
Use of Steroids and oral contraceptives: These change our hormonal balance. This change could result in conditions favourable for the growth of candida, and lead to a yeast infection.
Unprotected sex: this infection is very likely to affect a women’s vagina and a man’s foreskin. Having unprotected sex can lead to transfer of the yeast infection.
Diseases: Diabetic patient have a high level of glucose in their body and this is ideal for candida’s growth. HIV virus can cripple a person’s immunity system and make him susceptible to candida. Treatment for cancer can also kill helpful bacteria and lead to uncontrolled growth of candida.
Diet: A diet which is very high in sugar and carbohydrates provides ideal conditions for candida growth.
Candidiasis causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms. They include extreme itching, soreness, pain or burning sensation during urination or sexual intercourse and cheese like vaginal discharge. Men too can be affected by candidiasis. Their symptoms however, only include minor burning sensation and transient rashes. Men are more likely to be asymptomatic carriers of candidiasis.
A number of medical treatments are available for the cure of candidiasis. They include oral pills, vaginal suppositories and topical cream or lotions. These are available over the counter at any medical store, but proper diagnosis is imperative before you start any treatment.
Since symptoms caused by candida are similar to a number of other problems like gonorrhoea, it is important to ensure that you are in fact suffering from candidiasis before commencing on any treatment.
Home remedies are also extremely popular in the case of candidiasis. These include use of natural organic foods that are known to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Yogurt, garlic, vinegar, olive leaf, tea tree oil, etc are extremely popular home remedies. However, if your symptoms do not subside after trying out home remedy, it is important that you consult a medical professional.
The Signs and Symptoms of Candida Yeast Infection in Men
While women are often very familiar with experiencing a Candida yeast infection, it is a condition that is quite overlooked in men. However, a Candida yeast infection in men is also a common occurrence.
A candida yeast infection in men will usually have its root cause because of the multiplication of huge amounts of microscopic fungi. It can easily manifest itself unexpectedly. There are 20 known different species of Candida, although the most common is recognized as Candida albicans. It often harbours in dark and moist areas in the body.
These moist areas include the mouth, and around the penis in men that have not been circumcised. It usually represents itself as a skin rash, and can appear nearly anywhere including under the arms, on the arms, beneath the fold of skin, on the lower abdomen, and in darker closed areas including the genital/groin area.
The Cause
Any type of Candida yeast infection in men often occurs when Candida albicans begins to multiply and overgrow. There are significant causes that often contribute to an excited or abnormal spurt in the growth of this condition. The increase in infection can be caused by:
Improper PH Balance – The human body is filled with both good and bad bacteria that harbour everywhere, including the digestive system. When there is a significant imbalance in the body’s ratio of bad bacteria to good bacteria, the Candida albicans fungi can begin to flourish and spread all over the body.
Improper Diet – Many food products including peanuts, alcohol, corn, barley, wheat and others are filled with contaminants including fungi and mold. Over time, the ingested yeast can begin to overgrow and invade the immune system in the body. This will eradicate healthy good bacteria because of the high levels of acidity brought on by the consumption of these above-described food products.
A Weakened Immune System – Anytime the immune system becomes weakened, it can cause a significant imbalance in the body, which produces the ideal environment for the production of Candida to go out of control. This is often a result of poor nutrition, lack of sleep, or stress.
Unprotected Sex – Whenever engaging in unprotected sex, it is easy to expose the male urethra by having contact with an infected female. The exposure to the Candida makes the man’s body vulnerable to the disease.
Antibiotics – While antibiotics are used as an effective way to treat bad bacteria, it also destroys good bacteria, which helps maintain a controllable population of Candida in the body.
Serious Health Conditions – Men that are suffering from a variety of conditions including diabetes are highly susceptible to an outbreak of Candida. A Candida yeast infection in men with these types of condition often happens because the yeast thrives on sugar in the digestive tract, and in the bloodstream.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of a Candida yeast infection in men are much like those experienced by women. They include:
- Soreness and irritation in the genital area
- A reddish itchy rash on the head of the penis
- A clumpy white discharge from the genitals
- Small blisters appearing on the genitals especially the shaft and head of the penis
- Sexual dysfunction
- Serious urinary disorders including painful urination and frequent urination
- Cystitis or other bladder infection
The Diagnosis
The man’s physician can take a simple candida test to determine if he has an infection or not. Typically, the physician will take a small scraping of the skin, or other area including inside the mouth, and look for signs under a microscope of branching patterns that are highly consistent with this type of yeast infection.
By limiting the intake of rich sugary foods, dairy products, yeast foods, grains with gluten, tuna, soy foods, shark, swordfish, sugar sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, and Trans fat foods, he cannot possibly control is candida yeast infection. By consuming a high quantity of fresh fruits, vegetables, and drinking clean water is recommended to minimize the outbreak.
With proper treatment it is possible to eradicate, or at least control Candida in the body. This includes practicing safe sex, and ensuring that hygiene is maintained properly, especially around the penis. With proper sleep, wearing loose clothing made of cotton, and consuming a nutritionally balanced diet can minimize the risk of infection.
Cure Yeast Infection Naturally: Natural Cures For Candida
Yeast-infection is caused by the large amount of Candida Albicans (a type of fungus) in the body. People infected with that fungus usually experience symptoms such as intense itching, a burning sensation, white discharge, etc, which can really be irritating. This is why fast treatment of Candida is desired by patients.
There are several Candida yeast cures you can try, but, it is best that you utilize natural cures for Candida, as they can cure yeast infection naturally and keep you safe from complications.
Here are a few recommended natural remedies for yeast overgrowth:
Remedy #1: Include yogurt in your diet.
Yogurt is composed of good bacteria e.g. bifidus, acidophilus, etc, that can actually combat yeast. Thus, individuals who aim to destroy the fungus (Candida) that infect their bodies should eat yogurt on a daily basis. Yogurt, (the plain kind), can also be used topically for the treatment of Candida. If you have vaginal Candidiasis, you may insert some yogurt into the vagina with your finger, or you can use a tampon applicator.
Supplements that contain lactobacillus or acidophilus are also considered as natural Candida yeast cures, which you can drink, but be sure to follow the instructions listed in the supplement bottle.
Remedy #2: Decrease your intake of foods that have a lot of sugar content.
Another little thing you can do in order to cure yeast infection naturally is to try to avoid eating sugar-rich foods, or you can decrease the amount of sugary foods you consume. Why? This is because sugar entices yeast to grow and multiply, thus, part of natural cures for Candida is for the individual to watch the amount of sugary foods that he or she eats.
Remedy #3: Make a herbal douche.
If you’re suffering from vaginal Candidiasis, try making your own herbal douche for the treatment of Candida. You just need to combine comfrey, sage, and raspberry in equal amounts, plus about one fourth part of goldenseal. You then add some cider vinegar, then, use the concoction for douching so you can cure yeast infection naturally.
For a simple douche that’s also included in the list of Candida yeast cures that combat Candida naturally, you can mix 1 – 3 tablespoons of vinegar into a quart of H20, then, use that for your douching activities. Use that douche once a day if you have symptoms, but, never go beyond 1 week of usage.
Remedy #4: Insert a ‘garlic suppository’ in your vagina.
Because garlic is considered as an anti fungal agent, part of the natural cures for Candida is peeling raw garlic clove, and then, wrapping that clove in gauze, afterwards, insert it into your vagina. Some people say that can help in killing the Candida Albicans that has multiplied inside the vagina.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to cure yeast infection naturally. However, it is important that you first ask for a diagnosis from your physician to determine whether you have yeast-infection or may be suffering from another condition.
You can try to combine doctor-prescribed medications and the natural Candida yeast cures mentioned above, but, if your symptoms worsen, or if you see no significant results, better see your doctor again and follow his or her instructions to the letter.
How to Kill Candida and Yeast Infections Naturally
People often ask is it possible to kill candida and yeast infections naturally? Well, even though yeast infections are a fairly common ailment it seems that there is a lot of confusion about them. A lot of people think that only women can suffer from yeast infections and are surprised to discover that men, and even babies, can suffer from an infection like this. In fact, yeast infections aren’t contained to the genital area alone and can be found in the mouth and throat as well. With so much confusion about even the most basic information regarding yeast infections it’s easy to see why there is so much conflicting information about curing them. While many people will turn to costly medications to kill candida, the bacterium that causes these infections, there are a number of natural alternatives that may be a better option.
What is Candida?
Candida is a natural bacterium that can be found in certain warm moist areas such as the vagina. Its presence is actually essential to maintaining a harmonious balance of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. A yeast infection happens when the Candida bacterium begins to grow out of control. This is known as a condition called Candidiasis which is commonly referred to as a yeast infection. Candidiasis can be caused by a number of different conditions including a hormonal imbalance or even stress. Symptoms of a yeast infection generally include burning, itching and odor but can also include a number of different problems as well. Curing a yeast infection is simply a matter of finding an effective way to kill Candida when it has grown out of control.
Products that Kill Candida
Most women will be relatively familiar with a variety of different products that are meant to kill Candida. The problem with these products is that they are often quite expensive and can take a rather long time to actually kill Candida. While these products may alleviate some of the symptoms, they can actually have some very harmful side effects. Some products, such as douches, can even make the problem worse by spreading the Candida bacteria. These products may take care of the burning, itching or even the discharge but they aren’t very effective for someone that needs to kill Candida.
Medications that Kill Candida
Some people who are suffering from a yeast infection will want to visit a doctor. Their doctor will usually prescribe them some medication that is meant to kill Candida. This may seem like a sound option but the problem is that many people can’t afford the medication they’re prescribed. Since there are so many over the counter yeast infection treatments, some health insurance companies won’t cover these types of medications. Visiting a doctor and taking prescription medications can often be the most expensive way to kill Candida. The other problem is that some of these medications will be quite powerful and will have their own set of side effects.
Natural Ways to Kill Candida
Yeast infections are hard to live with. Fortunately, there are a number of highly effective natural methods to kill Candida that is readily available to most people. The benefits of using natural means to kill Candida become apparent when we consider the fact that Candida is a natural bacterium that has a legitimate presence in our bodies. There are a variety of natural methods to kill Candida and many of them have been used for centuries. One of the most common methods is the use of natural plain yogurt. This yogurt is made with a bacterium that has been shown to help fight excessive Candida growth. Another method that has been used is the application of tea tree oil, a natural substance that can be found in most health stores. Garlic has also been shown to help kill Candida and can be applied in a number of ways.
Anyone who has ever suffered from yeast infections can attest to the fact that they need to be treated as soon as possible. While there are a variety of different over the counter products and a few medications that are meant to kill Candida, the truth is that they may not be the best option. Since many of these solutions can be expensive and have negative side effects, many people have turned to natural alternatives. There are many natural ways to kill Candida, some of which have been used for centuries, and they can be the cheapest, safest and quickest way to alleviate the suffering associated with yeast infections. For a proven clinically tested natural way to kill Candida and yeast infections visit Yeast Infection No More now.