by Mary Laclair

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Yeast infection: Candida

Some believe that an improper balance in the growth of yeast contributes to allergies and sinus congestion. Excessive yeast in the system can also cause depression, fatigue, poor memory, skin irritations, constipation, muscle weakness, etc., even high cholesterol.

Sugar feeds yeast. When facing a yeast infection, eliminate all types of sugar from the diet. Remember that starches turn to sugar in your system. This means bread, bread products, pasta, and dairy, which contains a lactose sugar.

Our body's digestive tracts contain healthy bacteria. Most anti-biodics are geared to killing off bacteria, and many times they also kill off healthy bacteria, which our systems need to stay in perfect balance.

There are pro-biotics on the market. Pro is the inverse of anti. Probiotics should be considered. This is especially true when taking anti-biotics.

With a vaginal yeast infection, generally following anti-biotics, there will be uncomfortable itch, and a cheese like mucus in the vagina. For this, there are now over the counter products. These are good for immediate relief.

It's often good to take what many call the yogurt pill', and pharmacists recognize this as lactobacillus-acidophilus with bifidus. Vegetable enzymes are beneficial. Activa yogurt is also supposed to be good. The New England cure-all of warm water with one teaspoon each apple cider vinegar and honey should not be discounted.

It takes an unusually good general physician to recognize the importance of nutritional balance; combined with a patient who will be conscientious about it. The striking of this balance can be rare. There is a good book titled: THE YEAST SYNDROM by John Parks Trowbridge, MD; Morton Walker, D.P.M.

The colon is part of the digestive system, and so proper elimination is crucial for general health, especially during a yeast infection.

There are licensed professionals who are trained in how to administer safe colonics. This is a procedure where a continual, contained, inflow/outflow of pure water, under the watchful eye of the trained technician, gently cleanses the walls of the colon, where yeast would like to attach itself. One may google' the word colonics' to find one in your area. Some ladies get one on a schedule of once a month the same as they get their hair done.

While physicians often do not advise colonics, it is simply in the effort of preventing self-administered ones. Avoid self administered kits. They can be dangerous. A trained and licensed professional is safe.

Then there is still Grandpa's advice: drink plenty of clear water, eight, eight ounce cups a day. Some prefer four, sixteen ounce glasses a day, starting with two cups of warm water immediately upon rising. Of course, this means not getting in the car immediately for a 45 min drive to work!

Learn more about this author, Mary Laclair.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.