Yeast Infections & Candida

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the over-growing of the fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast is common in or on the skin, mouth, penis and vagina, these are areas where a yeast infection can occur. Yeast infections are generally more occurring in women than men. Candidiasis is a parasitic yeast like fungus that inhabits the mouth, throat, esophagus, genital tract, intestines. Under normal circumstances, this fungus lives in a healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body. These fungus normally grow in the stomach but can be harmful if found in other parts of your body.  Long term antibiotic therapy, or repeated antibiotic use and other factors that compromise the immune system can cause candidiasis, also known as thrush or a yeast infection. Diets high in sugars, or use of oral contraceptives, steroids can also cause candida.




Your body’s Ph balance is the key. Yeast is prevalent in the body at all times. Yeast infections will occur when the acid ph of your body is lowered. The immune system regulates the acid ph balance in the body. Your daily diet is the leading factor to help the immune system keep a healthy balance. Stress is one of the largest causes of unbalanced ph readings in the body. Blood ph is higher than body ph. Injury, overweight, antibiotics and birth control pills all alter the natural ph of the body. Fatigue is often overlooked as a stress factor.




Symptoms of Candida:
Frequent yeast infections in women
Frequent urination
Eye fatigue
Facial rash
Diarrhea, chronic gas, and abdominal cramps
Psoriasis, dandruff, dry, itchy skin
Rectal itching
Panic attacks
Sinus Problems
Hives
Anxiety
Lethargy





Foods to avoid:
fruit juice, tea, coffee, melon, cheese, yeast, antibotics, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, malt products, condiments, peanuts, pistachios, processed and smoked meats, soda, potatoes, white rice, pasta, cakes, mushrooms, bleu cheese.
Stay away from left overs, foods that have been in the refrigerator for 2 or more days.
Reducing your intake of grains, sugar and processed foods from your daily diet can also help reduce available yeast in your body.