Yeast Infection: Effective Ways To Reduce Yeast Infections

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Most women suffer yeast infections, few understand why. The immune

system plays a pivotal role in preventing yeast infections or candida.

Reducing, preventing and eliminating yeast infection, naturally...

The incidence of yeast infections seems to be growing, yet it is often

looked upon as a common ailment that is endemic to women. Many men

suffer yeast infections and it is just as painful and inconveniently

located as for women.

Typically a topical cream or antibiotic (either oral or inserted

vaginally) is the approach taken when a yeast infection needs to be

addressed, but there may be common sense ways to prevent infection as

well as suggestions on treatment options.

What is a Yeast Infection?

When your body produces too much yeast it often results in an infection.

Since yeast is common in or on the skin, penis, mouth and vagina these

are areas where a yeast infection can occur (although there are

generally more incidence in women than men).

How Yeast Grows

The vagina helps prevent the growth of yeast through a caustic (for the

yeast) acidic environment. This environment can be altered negatively by

menstruation, as well as the use of birth control pills, diabetes and

certain antibiotics. These agents work to lower the acid normally found

in the vagina. When this happens, yeast, which is common in the vagina

in small amounts, can find an atmosphere for rapid growth.

The use of synthetic materials in underwear or lingerie can also

contribute to yeast infections by trapping moisture which also creates

an atmosphere conducive to excess yeast production.

Why Yeast Infection Occurs

Ph balance in the body is the key. Yeast is prevalent in the body at all

times. Yeast infection will occur when the acid ph of the body is

lowered. The immune system regulates the acid balance in the body. Your

diet is the leading factor to help the immune system keep a healthy

balance. The body has a healthy ph of 6.4 (when measuring urine or

saliva), the further away, greater or lower, from this natural reading

you have, will cause greater disease and illness such as yeast

infection.

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. Your ph reading does vary slightly

through the day but should average 6.4 for the day.

What Not To Do

Some may be following advice that is actually harmful, so it is

important to know what has been offered in the past as an effective

alternative that will not help cure a yeast infection, and may actually

accelerate yeast growth or do long term damage to the vagina.

You should never use baking soda in attempting to cure a yeast

infection. Baking soda has a high ph causing the yeast to proliferate.

You should never use Echinacea in your attempt to cure a yeast

infection. While it may be good to take orally as a means of reducing

the effects of a cold, when vaginally inserted it can cause acute

burning sensations.

You should also never use bleach in eliminating the effects of a yeast

infection. Bleach can actually burn vaginal tissue and result in

scarring.

You should avoid douching because it reduces normal and healthy vaginal

secretions by drying out the vaginal surface.

Effective Ways to Reduce Yeast Infections

* Reducing grains, sugar and most processed foods from your diet can

also help reduce available yeast in your body.

* Raw vegetables are not only good for you, they can help combat

yeast infections

* The persistent use and regular washing of either cotton or silk

intimate apparel is also an effective way to reduce the incidence of

yeast infections.

Nature's Assistance

* Acidophilus is a culture that contains plenty of good bacteria and

can help your body fight a yeast infection. It is also a primary

ingredient in most yogurt.

* Colloidal silver has also proven successful for many women due to

the fact that this mineral is highly effective in eliminating more than

600 diseases.

* Tea tree oil has also proven an effective ally in the fight against

yeast infections and can be inserted vaginally.

If you have suffered several episodes of yeast infections it may make

sense to try a more natural management approach as well as effective

prevention methods. By learning about how yeast is formed and regulated

in your body you might discover new ways to personally assist your own

future health.