Yeast infections are common and not dangerous at all. However, they are an indication that things are not balanced within the body. There are two different types of yeast infection that people get: oral and genital, both brought on by the multiplication of candida albicans. In our bodies, small amounts of this natural yeast are present, but usually our bodies naturally redress the balance with bacteria such as the common lactobacillus acidophilus. From time to time, yeast cells colonize, and become itchy and uncomfortable, which is when we identify a yeast infection; commonly known as thrush.
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What Does Yeast Infection Feel Like?
In the mouth, you may feel an extreme dryness and notice a thick white ‘skin’ forming on the tongue. Sometimes this develops into cottage cheese style lumps on various parts of the mouth and throat. They are usually not painful, but may be irritating and unsightly.
When you have a vaginal yeast infection, you might notice itchiness below, and a discharge that has been likened to cottage cheese in appearance. Persistent symptoms can cause tiredness, drowsiness and pain on swallowing or having sex; dependent on the infected area.
What Causes Yeast Infections?
Infections can start because of different triggers, that essentially center around weakened immunity. Antibiotics can incite a bout of thrush, as can illnesses and injuries, operations, stress, poor hygiene and hormonal changes, from pregnancy or monthly periods.
How Can I Treat My Yeast Infection?
As with all internal imbalances, there are a range of common treatments available, which range from medications to natural remedies. Oral thrush can be treated with lozenges, gargling mouthwashes, salty water and tablets, whereas genital thrush can be treated using a pessary (a tablet inserted into the vagina, tablets, and creams. There are several products used to promote cleanliness, such as vagisil, which clear the area of infection.
Natural remedies include topical application of natural bio yoghurt, easing the itching in a bath, and eating less sugary and yeasty foods, in favour of foods high in restorative acid. Some essential oils, such as tea tree are revered by some, due its antifungal properties. Diet can be a really important contributing factor into controlling most infections, and reading around the subject of creating balance within the body can be an effective natural approach to controlling yeast infections from home.
Disadvantages Of Yeast Infection
The smell and sight of thrush can be embarrassing and lead to anxieties around sex and appearance, which can have damaging knock on effects, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, agoraphobia, and other mental health comorbidities.
It can be itchy and sore, which can lead to problems when having sex or attending a pap smear test. Whilst yeast infections are not life threatening, they can lead to discomfort and unease, and should be treated.
Preventing A Yeast Infection
To prevent yeast infections from occurring, you should focus on maintaining optimum oral hygiene, or vaginal hygiene depending on your thrush.
Oral thrush
- Brush teeth and tongue daily and visit the dentist regularly.
- Do not overuse mouthwashes, which can dry the throat out and cause infection
- Stop smoking
- Control foods that are high in yeast or sugar
Vaginal thrush
- Avoid using antibiotics
- Control diabetes
- Keep your vaginal area clean using soap on the outside and just water inside
- Wearing cotton underwear prevents the area from getting too hot, which allows yeas to colonise
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Avoid feminine hygiene products, which can cause irritation and develop into thrush
- Change out of wet clothes immediately
- Change pads or tampons often.
- Eat a balanced diet, controlling the sugar and yeast intake
For an absolute hands-down oracle of information about controlling yeast infections from home, the Yeast Infection No More protocol has to be the one for you. Packed with useful information about diet and natural home remedies, this is the key to living a harmonious, infection-free life.