Archive for the ‘yeast infections’ Category

Obesity and Yeast Infections – What’s the Connection?

Friday, December 4th, 2009

As if the overweight men and women of the world didn’t have enough to worry about, but yes, obesity is one of the risk factors of chronic yeast infections.

There are two reasons why overweight women get more vaginal yeast infections, and why both men and women who weigh too much can get skin rashes and oral thrush, which are both caused by Candida albicans yeast.

The first reason is purely physical – yeast loves warm, moist areas on the skin, and folds of fat create exactly the right conditions for yeast living on the skin. Yeast can overpopulate areas under the breasts, in the armpit, in the crotch, and in any area that stays damp from perspiration. An absorbent powder used in these areas can help.

The other reason has to do with hormones. As most of us know, obesity is one of the major risk factors for Type II Diabetes. And the risk of diabetes is caused by something that also causes yeast infections – a change in your hormone balance due to increased insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone that is used by your body to keep your blood sugar at a safe level. Extra fat cells can make your body resistant to insulin, so your pancreas needs to produce more and more of this hormone to be effective. When the pancreas is no longer able to pump out enough insulin to clear your blood of excess glucose, you are said to have insulin resistance. By this point, you will probably also be diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Since insulin resistance can cause yeast infections, many women are first diagnosed with diabetes when they go to their doctor about their chronic vaginal infections.

How can an overweight man or woman reduce their risk of yeast infections? By staying as dry as possible, of course. But the most important thing to do is to improve your health so you reduce your risk of diabetes, which is a far more serious condition than a yeast infection. To do that, you must lose weight, go on a healthy diet, and get regular exercise.

Since insulin resistance can make it difficult to lose weight, it’s important to include exercise in your daily routine. Exercise helps improve your cell’s ability to use insulin. It also helps to prevent heart disease, which often accompanies obesity and diabetes. The exercise will help you lose weight, too.

And, you need to talk to your doctor about a healthy diet that will help prevent or reverse your risk of diabetes. Studies have shown that a good diet, accompanied by regular exercise, are the most effective treatment for insulin resistance.

The Diabetes Prevention Program suggests a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Since yeast loves sugar, you may want to eliminate sugar from your diet, as well. It will help you reduce the daily calories you consume, help you lose weight, and reduce your risk for those aggravating yeast infections.

Your first step if you’re overweight and suffering from chronic yeast infections? Talk to your doctor, get checked for diabetes, and take your doctor’s advice! It could save your life.

Jonni Good
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/obesity-and-yeast-infections-whats-the-connection-93406.html

Do You Know About Yeast Infections In Youngsters

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Our children are our most loved ones and therefore we always do all we can to provide for them. This especially includes caring for all their needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It is our duty to provide for their education so that they may carry on for us. And most importantly we love them so much that we do all we can to protect them from harm.

However it is not possible to completely isolate our youngsters from all the things that can happen to them. When our children become ill we find it quite agonizing. We do all that we can to nurse them back to health. Most of us are familiar with cutting teeth, flu, fever, colds and allergies and know what to do to help them.

There is one infection we know less about and tend to blame ourselves when our children develop it; a yeast infection. Some people equate a yeast infection in a child with not caring properly for the child. This is not true and therefore it is important to know what causes yeast infections in children. We need to know the symptoms and the steps to preventing these infections from occurring again.

What are the youth infection causes? Never forget that a child is simply a child. That means that a child is not yet fully developed in all aspects. They are not yet fully developed physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.

This means that a child’s immune system is also not fully developed. Children by and large have far more colds than others by way of example. Since their immune system is in a growth period it often does not fight off many infections or childhood diseases.

Often in our effort to be good parents our trips to pediatricians result in a prescription for antibiotics to fight an illness. This is a good way to fight the illness but it leaves the child more vulnerable to yeast infections and may be the major reason that children suffer from yeast infections. It is well known that antibiotics tend to kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. This leaves the child’s body without a good balance of good bacteria within their digestive and immune system. Without sufficient good bacteria the yeast fungus within the child grows unchecked. This creates the possibility of yeast infection within the child.

Yeast infection in children can occur in numerous areas of the body. These areas include the mouth, genital area (diaper rashes), infections of the ear and others. Also there are associated ailments within the digestive system such as excessive gas, loose stools and bloating.

The prevention or initiating measures to address recurring yeast infections in youngsters should start with significantly building up their immune system. The most natural and perhaps the best way to do so is through proper diet.

Natural foods with high vitamin and mineral content should be plentiful in a child’s diet. This helps assure a child’s full development, particularly of their immune system. It may be a good idea to provide supplement that include anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals in your child’s diet.

One must also consider that some food favorites may not be good for your child if they suffer from yeast infections. This is particularly true of food which could contain mold such as peanuts or peanut butter. If that is a child food favorite you should only use guaranteed organic peanuts or peanut butter.

Jerry Cahill
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/do-you-know-about-yeast-infections-in-youngsters-104488.html

Yogurt Yeast Infections

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Many aspects have been covered in this article so that you can benefit from an extended research.

Although it isn’t the cure for the common cold, many people certainly acclaim the benefits of this cure as being heaven sent. As a relief from the burning, itching, rash, and vaginal discharge, yogurt yeast infections remedies are the number one thing on many people’s minds.

It can be messy, it can drip, and it can feel downright silly and maybe even naughty to be doing this, but to the tens of thousands of yeast infections sufferers yogurt it is the one thing that can stop them from going over the edge.

There are of course other remedies that will work on yeast infections, and raw garlic clove suppositories is one of them, but most people will first try their hand at one of the methods of the yogurt yeast infections cure.

As was mentioned it can prove to be a messy business, so if you’re a woman suffering from a yeast infection then you might want to think about wearing a pad to ward off incipient messiness.

For a man suffering from yeast infections the best advice that comes to mind is to try this remedy when you’re at home, and where it won’t be commented upon if you have a large wet patch on the front of your trousers!

The first option of many sufferers using the yogurt yeast infections remedy is to go it direct. This entails you applying the unsweetened yogurt to the infected area. For a man, lather your penis lavishly with yogurt, and for a woman, you need to coat the vaginal walls with the yogurt.

This yogurt yeast infections cure can be done in many ways. The first of which is to use a plastic speculum to open the vagina whereupon you can coat the vaginal walls.

Another method is to use a tampon. All you need to do is to coat a tampon in the unsweetened yogurt and insert into the vagina. This takes care of the whole position most effectively.

You also have the choice of freezing yogurt in disposable gloves, thereby creating yogurt fingers or frozen yogurt tampons. The first time that you insert one of these frozen yogurt yeast infections remedies into your vagina, it is admittedly a bit of a shock, but on the whole it is very soothing.

Of course if these messy methods of yogurt yeast infections remedies don’t appeal to you, you can always just do away with it and have your yogurt in tablet form. anxiety therapy These come in the guise of lactobacillus acidophilus tablets as this is the main ingredient in the yogurt yeast infections cure which helps to fight against yeast producing bacteria.

Graham Winmill
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/yogurt-yeast-infections-111133.html

Are you Suffering From Penile Yeast Infections?

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Penile Yeast Infections is not a common condition, although it is not totally uncommon male yeast infections are very real. Most of the time yeast producing bacteria is usually thriving in warm and humid places like the vagina. It is very rare that the penile yeast infections will originate from the man.

Usually men will contract penile yeast infections from an already infected partner by having sexual intercourse. This is the most common way for a man to get infected. Of course it’s not the only way. Penile yeast infections can be contracted simply by using the same items an infected person uses like for example a shower towel.

Of course you can see that these are two good reasons not have any sexual intercourse whether you are a man or a woman, or using anyone else personal item such as towel or underwear for example.

As for the symptoms of penile yeast infections you can expect them to be the same as the one for vaginal yeast infection. The only difference is that the infection is located on the penis and not in the vagina!

That being said the symptoms of penile yeast infections are:

- rash

- redness of the affected area

- swelling

- soreness

Of course there can be more symptoms but those are the most common one. A man suffering from penile yeast infections can also expect to suffer from a burning sensation on the tip of the penis or worse when urinating.

Another common factor you might experience during penile yeast infections is pain during sexual intercourse and you can guess that this symptom is more than enough to abstain from having sexual intercourse until you get rid of the infection.

One of the most irritating symptoms you can experience when suffering from penile yeast infections is the one of itching. If this is the case for you can find a remedy that will help you contain the burning sensation.

Of course the first thing to consider when suffering from itching would be to seek expert advice. But in the case you feel adventurous there are some solution you can try. These solutions are 100% natural and not dangerous. One would be to apply unsweetened yogurt to the infected area. This should have an immediate effect and you if you continue with this treatment you should start to see a lessening of penile yeast infections symptoms.

Of course the first thing you should consider doing if you suspect you suffer from penile yeast infections is to consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you suffer from penile yeast infections or a different type of infection.

This information is priceless because you don’t want to take medicine to treat penile yeast infections when you are really suffering from another type of infection.

Frederic Madore
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-you-suffering-from-penile-yeast-infections-125340.html

Yeast Infections That Last For Months

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Yeast infections that last for months are often associated with an underlying medical condition. When a yeast infection lasts for months it usually means that the yeast and fungal overgrowth are affecting your entire system, not just your genital area.

One thing that is rarely taken into account on lasting yeast infections is the fact that yeast is significantly influenced by the vagina’s natural monthly fluctuating acid base (PH balance). The pH balance changes with monthly hormonal rhythms. Most women with yeast infections that last for months notice that the symptoms manifest or worsen a few days prior to the onset of menstruation and often clear up or improve when the period ends. Just prior to menstruation and throughout the time of the menstrual flow, the vaginal pH balance becomes significiantly more alkaline, allowing yeast colonies that have been in a dormant state to become active and produce symptoms.

Many women treating yeast infections with prescription and over the counter remedies assume that when the symptoms go away the infection is gone for good. Unfortunately, sometimes there is another onset of symptoms, perhaps as soon as the onset of the next period. The main reason for yeast infections that last for months is that dormant colonies of yeast were not eradicated by the perious treatment.

A paste made of slippery elm and a little water can help relieve the symptoms associated with yeast infections that last for months. This can be applied as needed. Another way to relieve symptoms is to keep aloe vera juice in the refrigerator and apply it to your vulva on a cotton pad as needed. For more info see http://www.yeastinfectiontreatment.org/treatments/yeast-infection-home.html

Some women prefer herbal remedies to help keep their body’s pH balance at a level that discourages yeast infections. Tea tree oil vaginal suppositories are used by many women. Besides being very soothing, the suppositories possess powerful anti-fungal activity that can help return the vaginal pH balance to a normal state.

Women with yeast infections that last for months should eat yogurt every day. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that occurs naturally in the vagina. Acidophilus kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide. Some women apply yogurt directly to the affected area to kill the yeast infection. If you use yogurt on your genital area, make sure that you buy plain yogurt with no sugar added.

Try the following steps to help prevent yeast infections:
? Don’t use douches.
? Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons.
? Change tampons and pads often during your period.
? Don’t wear tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers.
? Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
? Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
? Take two acidophilus capsules every day.

Bear in mind that yeast infections that last for months could be the sign of something more serious, like diabetes or HIV. If you have infections that persist you should talk to your doctor about the treatments that are available. Nobody should have to live with yeast infections that last for months.

Amanda Fain
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/yeast-infections-that-last-for-months-129838.html

What Causes Yeast Infections?

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Yeast infections send more women to the doctor than just about any other cause. Unfortunately, many women have to keep going back to the doctor because the infection returns.

Most women would agree — it’s not enough to get rid of your current infection. It’s also important to keep it from coming back.

According to recent research, the incidence of vaginal yeast infections has doubled over the last 20 years, possibly because of changes in lifestyle, environmental changes, or mutations in some strains of the yeast organism itself. No one really knows for sure why the incidence of infections is increasing so rapidly.

Since most of us are only aware of yeast when we get a vaginal infection, many people don’t realize that over 10,000 people a year die of fungal infections caused by the same organism that makes our crotches itch and drip. Fortunately, most yeast infections are temporary. And although they’re irritating and uncomfortable they’re not life-threatening unless your immune system has been seriously compromised.

The yeast that is responsible for most vaginal infections and oral thrush is a tiny fungus called Candida albicans.

It is important to note that Candida doesn’t technically cause a yeast infection. This yeast lives in and on most humans most of the time, and we are rarely aware of it. Something must happen to upset our internal balance or the health of our immune system before the organism becomes a problem for us. If we remember that yeast is really not the enemy, it is easier to understand how to prevent future infections.

When our system is upset, perhaps because of a hormone change, antibiotic use, or poor diet, your normally “nice” yeast can morph into an infectious form. Then as soon as your health conditions improve, the yeast can morph back to its benign form, and stop making you itch.

That’s why a mild yeast infection often goes away on its own. It’s also some yeast infections can be treated quite effectively with home remedies from the grocery store.

However, yeast infections will keep coming back if the underlying conditions are not improved.

Some of the things that cause yeast to switch from friendly to aggravating can be controlled by diet or lifestyle changes, while other conditions need the assistance of a health care provider. A lot of the information about yeast infections that you find on the Internet and in popular books is incorrect, so it’s important that you educate yourself and stay informed about this common, aggravating, and sometimes embarrasing condition.

Jonni Good
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-causes-yeast-infections-91155.html

Causes of Yeast Infections

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Yeast infections are generally benign infections involving several body areas. The most common areas infected by the Candida yeast organism include the mouth, the intestine, the skin and the vaginal infections. There is also such a thing as systemic Candidiasis which is a severe form of yeast infection that affects hospitalized individuals.

The causes of yeast infection vary depending on the source of the infection. Vaginal yeast infections have many causes. The most common cause of a vaginal yeast infection is antibiotic use for another reason. The antibiotics kill off the normal healthy bacteria in the vagina and the small amount of yeast that?s left in the vagina grow and proliferate to create a vaginal infection. The symptoms are vaginal discharge, burning and itching of the vaginal area.

Another big cause of yeast infections of the vagina is diabetes. The yeast thrives off of the higher sugar environment in the body and yeast grows off of the excess sugar. In some cases, people who aren?t diabetic but who eat a lot of sugar can get yeast infections of the vagina as well.

The environment of the vagina is important to getting yeast infections. It should be slightly acidic and if a woman douches with anything other than vinegar, she can get a yeast infection as a result. Using perfumes, dyes or detergents as part of your underwear will trigger a yeast infection in susceptible people. Using antibacterial soap can also trigger a yeast infection as can underwear made from nylon or that doesn?t breathe very well. Wearing nylons can cause the air to circulate poorly which can trigger a yeast infection in some individuals.

Genital candidiasis is a sexually transmitted disease in some cases. The man can harbor it under the foreskin or on the glans of the penis and pass it back to the woman. Men can even get yeast balanitis, which is a yeast infection of the foreskin. Both male and female vaginal infections are treated with anti-fungal cream. The women?s treatment involves prefilled applicators of cream and men?s treatment involves the topical application of cream.

Causes of yeast infections that involve the mouth can be diabetes or immunosuppression. Babies are relatively immune suppressed and they haven?t been exposed to Candida before so they easily get infected with oral infections of Candida. Diabetics can, because of their high blood sugar, get oral yeast infections as well. These are treated with antifungal lozenges, troches or nystatin liquid which is squirted in the mouth and swished around the mouth and spit out. Babies just swallow the liquid given to them by eyedropper.

Skin yeast infections are fairly common as well. Causes of yeast infection of the skin include being diabetic, overweight or being immune suppressed. Overweight individuals have a lot of skin folds that can breed the organism. Common places you?ll see these Candida infections are the groin folds, abdominal skin folds, underneath the breasts and in the armpits. The skin is warm and moist there from sweating and the yeast will often grow there as a result. The treatment is to use an anti fungal powder or cream on the affected areas.

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/causes-of-yeast-infections-563830.html

Penile Yeast Infections

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Male yeast infection, or better yet penile yeast infection, are not uncommon although they are not common either. Since, for the most part yeast producing bacteria tend to thrive in places like the vagina which are warm and humid, it’s not often that penile yeast infections will originate with the man.

In point of fact most penile yeast infections will originate with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection and who, through sexual intercourse, passed it on to her partner. Penile infections can also however, be contracted through such things as using the same towel as an infected person.

These are two very good reasons to abstain from sexual intercourse with an infected person, whether male of female, and also to avoid using anyone else towel or intimate items such as underwear.

The symptoms for penile yeast infections are more or less the same they are for vaginal infections with only a very few minor differences like the fact that the infection is now located on the penis and not the vagina!

That said, penile symptoms can include, but are not limited to rash, redness of the affected area, swelling, and soreness. A person suffering from penile yeast infections might also feel a burning sensation on the tip of the penis, or when urinating.

Pain during sexual intercourse is also not uncommon with penile infections, and most people find this sufficient reason to abstain from sexual intercourse until the infection has cleared up.

Penile yeast infections sufferers might also have intense or unbearable itching of the affected area. If this is the case you might want to look into finding something to contain this itching sensation.

Your doctor should be able to help you out with that, but if you’re feeling adventurous you might want to try applying unsweetened yogurt to the affected area, relief should be immediate and if you continue with this remedy for a few days you might even begin to see a lessening of infection symptoms.

If however, you do suffer from penile yeast infection or think that you do, the first thing that you should do is to consult your doctor. This worthy person can tell you definitely whether you have yeast infection or whether you have a different type of infection.

This is always good information to have at hand so that you don’t mistakenly treat yourself thinking you have penile yeast infection, when in reality you have a different infection.

Penile yeast infections are treatable however, and by getting the proper treatment you can be infection free within a short period of time.

Graham Winmill
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/penile-yeast-infections-113774.html