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To understand how yeast infections can be treated it is essential first to know something about yeast; it's lifestyle, and the ways in which it is vulnerable. Terminology.
Yeast is the term for single-celled fungus, which occurs naturally almost everywhere, usually without causing problems, but which can multiply rapidly when the conditions are right for it, producing an infection which can be serious. Most yeasts are not harmful to humans, but unfortunately there are a few varieties, notably Candida Albicans, Histoplasma and Blastomyces, which are.
The most common infection-producing yeast is Candida Albicans, and
infection with this is commonly called Candidiasis. If it is an
infection of the mouth or vagina it is also known as thrush.
Moniliasis is another, older term that you may come across. Vaginitis
is a term which covers any infection of the vagina, including
bacterial infection, but is usually applied to Candidiasis, that being
by far the most common.
Yeasts are not the only fungi which attack humans. Ringworm
(Microsporum or Trichophyton, misleadingly named because it isn't a
worm), and athlete's foot(Trichophyton or Epidermophyton), are fungal
infections. These diseases are not really within the scope of this
site, but bear in mind that they are all related, so some of the
treatments which we mention as being effective against yeast may also
work against other fungi.
Mycosis is the term which covers any fungal infection, including yeast
infection and also athlete's foot.
Candidiasis.
This gets its own section because it is by far the most common yeast
infection. It is caused by Candida Albicans. This organism is not the
same as the yeasts which are used in baking and brewing. Unlike those
useful yeasts, it makes its home in the human body. However, it is
just like those other yeasts in many ways, and this is what gives us
clues as to how it may be combatted.It is most at home in damp,
sheltered spots which is why it occurs in the mouth and in the genital
areas. Oxygen can be harmful to it, so it occurs in folds in the skin,
usually under several layers of clothing, where air does not freely
circulate. Or it may occur deep within the body, targetting specific
organs such as eyes or kidneys.
Air as therapy.
If yeast prefers conditions where there is little circulation of air,
the obvious remedy is to choose clothing which is light and loose,
which allows air to flow freely. Prefer natural materials such as
cotton over synthetic materials such as nylon. Where perspiration is
still a problem despite these actions, use anti-perspirants and
unscented talcum powder. These actions alone may not be sufficient to
eliminate an established infection, but every little helps. Think of
the infection as an enemy. It makes far more sense to make conditions
uncomfortable for that enemy than to fight it on its own terms, in its
own preferred environment.
Oxygen.
Even where the yeast infection is not superficial (i.e. it is
deep-down, not a skin infection) it is still vulnerable to its natural
enemy, oxygen. In this case, the blood oxygen level can be raised,
either by breathing oxygen-enriched air or by consuming "food-grade"
hydrogen peroxide solution, which contains a surplus of oxygen which
will be delivered to the infected tissues.
Phytochemicals
If you have ever wandered through woodland, you will notice that every
fallen tree, after a while, becomes consumed by fungi. Every leaf that
falls in the autumn will also be broken down, again, usually, by
fungi. And yet the upright plants, and every leaf which is still
attached to a tree, are with very few exceptions green and healthy and
fungus-free. As long as the plants continue to live, fungus finds it
difficult to gain a foothold. This is because every living plant,
without exception, produces anti-fungal chemicals. If they did not,
they would soon succumb.
However, some plants are especially known for the phytochemicals which
they produce. These include aloe vera, bergamot, blueberries,
broccoli, cranberries, garlic, and tea. Simply consuming these
substances may be effective in some cases, while in others it may be
necessary to apply them to the affected area.
The acid test
A few microorganisms are adapted to living inside the stomach, and are
thus comfortable in an acidic environment. These include the
lactobacillus acidophilus and other "friendly bacteria" commonly found
in yogurt. However, the vast majority of microorganisms prefer a
slightly alkaline environment and, crucially, this includes the yeasts
which cause infections. So bathing in a very mild acidic solution can
help. This can be done by adding a small amount of vinegar, preferably
cider vinegar, to a bath. This is another action which is unlikely to
cure the problem all by itself, but again, every little helps. Every
action taken against the infection is a step in the right direction.
A balanced environment
Most people aren't troubled by yeast infection, but a few are. What is
it that singles out these individuals and makes them different? Quite
often, it is a recent course of full-spectrum antibiotics. These
antibiotics kill off almost all the flora and fauna of the
gastrointestinal tract, the good along with the bad. Specifically,
they kill off those "good bacteria" which are the yeast's natural
enemy. This can allow yeast to multiply unchecked.
The solution is to restore the balance as quickly as possible, by
consuming food, such as natural yogurt, which contains good bacteria.
Topical application of yogurt can also help - that means actually
applying yogurt to the affected areas.
Sugar, sugar.
If there's one thing yeast loves, it's sugar. So, don't give the yeast
what it wants. While you are infected, try to limit your sugar intake.
And do not use corn starch instead of talcum powder, because yeast can
also thrive on corn starch.
Fruit contains natural sugars, and it also contains the phytochemicals
which are so effective in combating yeast infection. The positive
effect of the phytochemicals outweighs any negative effect from the
sugar in the fruit, so do not go without fruit just because you are
infected. Some sugar consumption is both natural and necessary.
However, make sure that any fruit you consume is fresh. Processing and
preservation techniques will destroy the phytochemicals which are so
important. Also, fruit juice may be natural, but it has a far greater
concentration of sugar than the whole fruit does. Where possible,
consume whole fruit rather than just fruit juice, to obtain the
maximum possible benefit. Use fruits which are known for their
phytochemical action. And if you do consume fruit juice, make sure
that it is unsweetened. Use organic whole cranberry juice rather than
any sweetened and processed "cranberry juice drink".
Factors predisposing to yeast infection:
If you have recently had a broad-spectrum antibiotic, such as
chloramphenicol or one of the tetracyclines, this will kill off the
natural enemies of yeast. Also if you have been weakened by a
debilitating illness such as diabetes, this can make infection more
likely.
Symptoms The following descriptions will help you to identify the problem.
It's important to be sure that what you have really is a yeast
infection, and not something else. If you are in any doubt, you should
consult a qualified medical person.
Oral Candidiasis (thrush).
Also called Mycotic Stomatiasis, or white mouth. There are creamy
white spots on the tongue or inner cheek, and thes are usually
followed by ulcers. If untreated it may spread to the lungs,
gastrointestinal tract or skin, or to other parts of the mouth.
Vaginal Candidiasis
Symptoms include a burning and/or itching sensation in the area of the
vagina or vulva, and a creamy-white discharge from the vagina. The
discharge is not always present, but if it is, it will have a
cottage-cheese like consistency, and a smell like bakers yeast. This
distinguishes it from discharges produced by bacterial vaginosis,
which are likely to have a fishy smell.
Note that while bacterial vaginosis may respond to some of the same
treatments which are effective against a yeast infection, it is less
likely to respond to such treatments, making it more likely that a
medical prescription will be required.
Other
In those very rare instances where Candida infects the lungs, it can
produce symptoms similar to tuberculosis. In this case it is
especially important to seek medical assistance, as the infection can
also affect the heart.
Usual medical treatments
Candidiasis is usually treated with the antibiotics amphotocerin B
and/or nystatin. Iodide and Gentian Violet are also often recommended.
Note that these are harsh treatments, and the antibiotics especially
are associated with many known side effects. Amphotocerin, for
instance, has been associated with fever, shaking, chills, electrolyte
disorder, anemia, and that's just a partial list. In most cases, yeast
infections can be cleared up gently and effectively using the wholly
natural treatments we have described, and using antibiotics would be
like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. However, there will be rare
cases where natural treatments will not work, and then you may need to
consult a doctor. |
