Battling
Yeast Infections
Yeast
Infections - When
you talk about yeast outside of the medical profession, most people
give thoughts to the breads that Mom used to make for Sunday
dinner.
Here, we are talking about Candida
infection (or yeast infection) that effects about 1 out of 3 people
in the United States and is a serious condition. It is caused by a yeast organism known as Candida albicans,
a natural organism that primarily lives in our intestinal tract but
can also be found on the skin, in other places as well; generally
places like the mouth and vagina although there is also a fair
amount of yeast on your skin as well.
Our
intestines is home to trillions of microorganisms including
bacteria. Under relatively normal conditions, the vast majority of
bacteria are beneficial while the remaining 10% or so are pathogenic
or parasites.
In
healthy people, friendly bacteria along with our immune system help
to keep Candida under control. If allowed to proliferate
though, Candida will grow and become pathogenic causing a wide
assortment of problems: Constipation, diarrhea, depression,
headaches, frequently occurring infections, gastritis, heartburn,
and colitis are but a few of the potential side effects of Candida.
Breast
Cancer and Environmental Toxins
People
also become more susceptible to Candida as a result of exposure to
environmental toxins. Chemicals, food additives and other
chemicals along with poor nutrition will help Candida to
thrive. Candida itself produces toxins that further lower your
immunity.
Other
foods that promote the growth of Candida:
Unfortunately,
some people in the medical profession are not informed about Candida
and may likely think that your problems are psychosomatic.
However, if you have been suffering from some of these symptoms, it
is quite possible that are suffering from a Candida infection.
Unfortunately,
most doctors are not informed about this condition and are likely to
suggest that "it is all in your head." However, if you
have been suffering from some of these symptoms for an extended
period of time, and you have some risk factors (antibiotics,
hormones, diet) there is a good chance that you, like millions of
Americans, are suffering from Candida infection.
Getting
Yeast Under Control
It
is also possible that you can get a Candida infection under
control. Exclude the foods listed above for 3-4 months, drink
plenty of water and your body will ultimately take control back from
the Candida. Some physicians will also recommend taking
Selenium as a nutritional supplement to assist the body in ridding
itself of Candida.
