Yeast infections can occur in both men and women from an overgrowth of candida albicans, an intestinal bacteria that is normally kept in check by “friendly” bacteria flora in our bodies. Taking antibiotics, having a compromised immune system, or a sensitivity to molds and yeast in foods and from exposure to their presence in the environment can result in candida albicans.Symptoms associated with this condition include vaginitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, muscle aches, insomnia, mental fogginess and food allergies. Making changes in your diet and personal hygiene can help stem these kinds of infections.
Instructions
1. Begin by consulting an integrative medicine physician who is trained in nutritional therapy. Prescription drugs and ointments can be prescribed for candida albicans but these address only the symptoms and not the underlying root bacterial overgrowth. Following your physician’s advice, greatly reduce or discontinue the use of any oral antibiotics. These drugs often kill off the body’s friendly flora that keep candida in check.
2. Change your diet. Candida thrives on sugar of all types, fermented foods, foods made with yeast and mold. Refined white sugar is an obvious trigger but so is fruit of any kind. Avoid pickles, sauerkraut and other fermented foods. Cheeses, beer and pizza, which is made with yeast are also to be avoided. Fungi, such as mushrooms should not be consumed.
3. Add live yogurt and probiotics. Purchase unsweetened yogurts made with live cultures such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus. Taking probiotic supplements daily with the same type of live cultures will help you recolonize your digestive tract with the friendly flora to keep candida from proliferating. Avoid yogurt flavored with fruit or sweetened with sugar, cane juice, or maple syrup.
4. Remove mold from your environment. Clean areas such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens where mold may be present. Remove potted plants that may also carry mold. Scatter cedarwood chips in damp areas or dab diluted tea tree (a disinfectant derived from trees) to kill mold.
5. Maintain meticulous personal hygiene. As your body’s immune system becomes stronger, you will be able to clear the candida overgrowth. Keep the vaginal area dry and clean without overcleansing with commercial products. Instead, wear cotton clothing and bathe and change into clean, dry clothing after strenuous exercise. Wearing damp bathing suits for hours is not a good idea.
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