I Think I Have A Yeast Infection - What Do I Do Now?
If you think you have a yeast infection you should first visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis
. If you just 'think' you have one, it's probably because you haven't had one before and, as some of the symptoms can be signs of other issues, you're best to get a professional to look at it.
If you've been diagnosed with a yeast infection previously then you most probably already know the symptoms to look for. So as long as the symptoms are the same as when you were diagnosed previously then you probably do have a yeast infection. But consult with your doctor to be on the safe side.
YEAST INFECTION SYMPTOMS
The symptoms can occur in any part of the body, particularly where there are dark, moist, warm conditions: for example the vagina, mouth, under skin folds, anus, ears, etc. By far the most common place is the vagina.
Typical vaginal yeast infection symptoms are; redness, swelling, itching, thickish white discharge, discomfort when urinating, and difficulty having intercourse.
YEAST INFECTION SYMPTOMS CAUSE
The symptoms are caused by the Candida albicans yeast-like fungus that we all have in our bodies. Fortunately, in a healthy body, the numbers of this fungi are kept under control by our body's friendly bacteria.
However, there are circumstances where the Candida fungus can actually overgrow out of control and spread. When this happens it causes the symptoms described above.
UNDERLYING CAUSES OF CANDIDA OVERGROWTH
Generally speaking, there are five major causes of Candida albicans overgrowth...
1. a poor immune system
2. beneficial bacteria depletion
3. too high blood sugar levels
4. certain drugs
5. hormonal imbalances
Underlying these 'headings' are things like; stress, illness, antibiotics / steroids overuse, poor diet, diabetes, hormone therapy, pregnancy, menstruation, and feminine hygiene products. These have the ability to affect the five issues above.
TREATING A YEAST INFECTION
Depending on where the infection is situated, treatment usually consists of things like creams, pessaries, sprays, oral suspensions, tablets, and so on. Your doctor will advise which is the most appropriate for you. These can be prescribed or bought over-the-counter. Their main function is to try to kill-off the Candida fungi and relieve the symptoms which they generally do quite well.
However, what they cannot do is address the root causes of the Candida overgrowth. So as well as trying to get rid of your current Candida infection you also have to ensure that you prevent it coming back time and time again by addressing its underlying causes.
This means making some important lifestyle -- especially dietary -- adjustments to help prevent the conditions that promote Candida overgrowth.
These are things such as...
1. avoiding sugar including foods with high sugar content.
2. avoiding refined carbohydrates.
3. reducing your consumption of meats, poultry and fish.
4. eating organic meat, poultry and fish instead.
5. avoiding fermented / malted / cured food products.
6. stopping the use of feminine hygiene products.
7. doing all you can to reduce the stress in your life.
8. losing weight if you are overweight.
9. avoiding stimulants such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, energy drinks, fizzy drinks, etc.
This list is not complete but gives a good indication of the sort of changes that you should consider.
[Note: Consult with your doctor / physician before implementing any changes to your diet and be guided by them.]
Do not underestimate the importance of making the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent recurring yeast infections blighting your life. There is nothing worse than recurrent yeast infections that happen ever more frequently and ever more severely.
by: John Cielo
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