The Yeast Infection: Cause and Natural Treatment

Candidiasis is also known as "the yeast Infection". It is an internal fungal infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungus called candida.

Candida naturally occurs in the body in small amount. It is a form of yeast that is found in the intestines, in the digestive tract, in the mouth, and in the throat of both men and women. In women candida is found in the vagina. It is harmless when it exists in small amounts. Its purpose is to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria and toxins.

Candida is to exist in a small amount within a living body. However, when the body dies, candida overgrows within the body. The purpose of the overgrowth of the internal fungus in the dead body is to break down the dead body's tissues causing decomposition.

When candida overgrows in a living body it can cause different health problems. The most common symptoms are:

intolerance of smells and orders
allergies
low body temperature
digestive problems
eye irritation
vaginal inflamation and itching in women
lack of appetite
all over sick feeling
respiratory problems
stomach problems

The infection can develop in women, men, and babies.

How Candida Infections Occur
According to Bee Wilder in her article "How To Overcome Candida" a candida, yeast, infection is mainly caused by having a low immune system. A healthy immune system keeps the candida fungus from overgrowing in the body. However, when the immune system is low candida grows out of control, causing the symptoms mention earlier.

The various causes of weak immune system bringing about candida infection are the following:

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are widely used for a variety of health conditions that are both serious and minor. An over uses of antibiotics weakens the immune system.

Diet
Having a poor diet can weaken the immune system which in turn makes a person vulnerable to developing candida infection. With a poor diet a person does not get the adequate level of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to fight off bacteria and viruses.

Other Causes
Other candida infection causes are the constant uses of:
cortisone
birth control pills
steroid type drugs
immune suppressing drugs
synthetic estrogen

These drugs create a hormonal imbalance in the body which allows candida fungus to over grow. People with immune weakening diseases like diabetes and HIV AIDS are vulnerable to candida overgrowth.

Prevention and Treatment
During a candida, yeast, infection, a person should avoid eating the following foods which can prolong the infection:
Avoid sugar and processed carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta. They both promote candida growth.
Avoid foods containing yeast of any type, such as bread, other baked goods and beer.
Avoid fermented foods and mushrooms.
Avoid foods containing gluten.
Avoid vinegar, pickled foods, and foods containing vinegar.
Avoid diary products, such as milk and cheese
Avoid or limit dried fruit, fresh and canned fruit, and fruit juice. Even though the fruits are naturally sweet, the natural sugars can cause candida to grow as refined sugar can. So eat small, limited amounts or do not eat it at all until the infection clears.
Avoid red meat because it contains antibiotics which is fed to cattle.

Following is a list of food to eat during a yeast infection:
Eat fish and poultry.
Unsweeten yogurt. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a live culture found in yogurt. This healthy bacteria has been found to reduce candida in the body and fight against the infection.
Garlic has been found to be an effective anti-fungal agent.
Drink fresh vegetable juices instead of fruit juices.
Whole grain cereals. Eat in small and limited amounts.
Nuts
Vegetables
Tofu

During an infection drink lots of unsweeten lemonade, which is only lemon juice and water. Drinking the lemonade can clean the intestines which is a main area where the candida fungi is found. Also during an infection one should take the immune boosting vitamins of vitamin C and zinc.

When experiencing a yeast infection there are steps a person can take to treat themselves. However, one should also consult a doctor.