The
best way to beat a yeast infection is to prevent it. But
to help prevent a yeast infection one should be aware of
the causes of the infection. Yeast infection is caused
by a fungus called Candida albicans. Candida is normally
found on the skin, mucus membranes of mouth,
gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary tract.
Their numbers are kept in check by the normal flora of
friendly bacteria and by a robust immune system.
Weakening of the immune system leads to rapid
proliferation of the yeast causing yeast infection or
Candidiasis. As the immune system may be compromised due
to a variety of factors, there is no way to pinpoint and
isolate one single cause of the yeast infection. It may
be due to stress, hormonal changes, sexual transference,
injury to the mucosal membranes, upset of pH balance of
the body, certain medications etc. So, how to beat a yeast
infection?
Yeast
dwell in warm and humid places of the body, so personal
hygiene is of utmost importance. Clean
loose-fitting cotton underclothes go a long way in
preventing yeast infections. Clothes made from synthetic
fiber retain moisture and thus encourage yeast
growth.
Yeasts
thrive on sugar. Reducing white sugar in diet and
including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables,
drinking plenty of liquids, avoiding red meat and
processed foods have found to lower the incidence of
yeast infections. Some foods like bread, peanuts, melons
and cheese are believed to contain yeast and are best
avoided during infection. Fiber like psyllium and
supplements such as caprylic acid, olive leaf
concentrate with grapefruit seed extract are believed to
be yeast fighters. Cutting down alcohol and milk is also
very helpful. A well balanced diet keeps the immune
system in good working order. Changes in diet are
especially important in people with poorly-controlled
diabetes mellitus. This may help beat a yeast
infection.
Use
of herbs like Sage, essential oils, garlic, yoghurt may
also help relieve symptoms of yeast infection. Women
susceptible to yeast infections should avoid feminine
sprays, perfumes, bubble baths, vaginal douches, scented
toilet paper, harsh detergents, some types of soaps, and
birth control pills. To prevent recurrence of the
infection, it is advisable to replace the toothbrush
every thirty days. This habit guards against both fungal
and bacterial infections of the
mouth.
Indiscriminate
use of antibiotics is the foremost cause of yeast
infections. Taking antacids, steroids, hormones may also
cause the Candida to flourish. Eating probiotic yoghurt
helps in beating yeast infection following antibiotic
treatment.
Now that you know how to beat a yeast infection, you must understand, that while there are many yeast infection remedies available in the market today, most are successful only in relieving the symptoms. The antifungals used in treatment, especially oral tablets, have many side effects. Thus, most alternative practitioners prefer to work at preventing the infections by treating the root cause. This requires a holistic treatment which takes into account the mind, body and spirit of the patient rather than individual symptoms.
