Candida yeast infections explained

Candida yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition in women but can be easily treated. Candida yeast infections are generally caused by the excess growth of Candida albicans that is normally occurring in the body.

This fungus is normally present in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina and the mouth, and remains in check by the balance in the flora brought about by the action of beneficial microorganisms. However, if there is an imbalance in the normal flora, Candida can overwhelm the beneficial organisms and cause Candida yeast infection.

Important Facts about Candida Yeast Infection

Scientific studies have shown that 3 out of 4 women will develop yeast infection for at least once in their lifetime, and almost 1 out of two will have at least two cases of yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infection is second to bacterial vaginosis as the major cause of abnormal discharge of the vagina of women in the US. Most women have higher tendency of developing candida yeast infection when their bodies are subjected to stress as a result of poor diet, lack of sleep and illnesses. Results of scientific studies have also shown that women who are under corticosteroid and anti-bacterial medications have higher tendency of developing vaginal yeast infection.
There are also cases where some diabetic women are predisposed to candida yeast infections.

Candida Yeast Infection and Menstrual Cycle

The occurrence of yeast infections increases during the menstrual period. Glycogen, a form of sugar, is deposited by estrogen in the cells in the vaginal lining. When progesterone is released, it results to the shedding of the cells. This condition allows the candida fungus to feed on the sugar as a result of the shedding process. This leads to the growth and proliferation of the fungus.

The level of sugar and estrogen reaches its peak at midpoint of two menstrual periods. During this stage, the progesterone starts to build and the sugar starts to be released from the cells in the vaginal lining. It is at this stage that symptoms of candida yeast infection start to manifest. Further, the severe cases of candidal infection normally occur during the onset of the menstrual period as more sugar is released from the cells and made available for the candida fungus to feed on. The symptoms of the yeast infection gradually subside during and after the menstrual flow.

Effective Home Remedies in Managing Candida Yeast Infections

The most important aspect of effective management and treatment of yeast infection is the adoption of an appropriate candida yeast infection diet. The basic principle when choosing the right diet is to minimize or eliminate toxins in the food that we eat. A diet with low sugar and carbohydrates is highly effective in preventing yeast infections. It is also important for us to understand that the kind of food that we eat will have a significant effect on how our immune system will function. Further, the candida fungus feed on sugar and thrives with the increase in the level of blood sugar. Thus, an appropriate candida yeast infection diet must be composed of whole foods that are rich in lean meat, fruits, whole grains and vegetables.