Yeast
infections are the
second most common type of vaginal infections that
affect 70% of women at least once in their life
time. The
main culprit is a fungus known as Candida. Over hundred
species of Candida exist in nature but the most common
is Candida albicans. Be vary of over-the-counter
cures for yeast infection.
Candida
generally forms a part of the flora of the throat,
mouth, skin, mucus membranes, gastrointestinal tract and
the genitourinary tract and is termed as an
“opportunistic organism”. In a healthy individual the
probiotic organisms which form the normal flora keep the
Candida at bay. But when different factors contribute to
weaken the immune system, the otherwise non-threatening
Candida is converted into a vicious form of fungus which
invades the entire body. Perhaps
the most severe form of a recurring yeast infection is
that which affects the gastrointestinal tract. This type
of yeast infection may not affect the bowel function but
provides a reservoir for recurring yeast infections in
other parts of the body, especially in the genitourinary
tract.
While mild
yeast infections may be treated with natural home
remedies, there
are many over-the-counter cures for yeast infection like
antifungal medications available containing
clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole, miconazole, and
ketoconazole etc. These drugs belong to the same
antifungal family and act by breaking down and
dissolving the cell wall of the yeast. They are
available in the form of tablets, vaginal inserts or
suppositories and creams with special applicators. It is
important to read the product insert and follow
instructions carefully. Some common over-the-counter
drugs for yeast infections are Monistat,
Vagistat, Femstat, and Gyne-Lotrimin. Systemic
antifungal drugs may cause side effects such as loss of
appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
yellow skin or eyes, unusual fatigue, dark urine and
pale stools etc.
Alternative
treatment includes inserting boric acid suppositories
directly into the vagina, taking vitamins C and E,
Evening Primrose, application of Sage cream, and Tea
Tree oil. Addition of probiotic yoghurt containing
Lactobacillus acidophilus may also be useful in
relieving symptoms of yeast
infection.
It must be stated here that though the above products may provide immediate relief, it is not permanent. Yeast infections are extremely complex in etiology and are triggered by various internal and external factors such as genetic traits, lifestyle, dietary pattern etc. A holistic approach treats the body as a whole and resolves all these factors safely and effectively making the cure permanent. These may include lifestyle changes, detoxification, Candida control therapy, in fact, a whole new outlook to life.
