Yeast Infection (Candidiasis): An Overview

A single-cell fungus called candida albicans, is always present in our genital and intestinal tracts. When it gets out of control, as when our immune system is weakened, pH balance of the body is upset or some drugs we used have killed the friendly bacteria, etc., we may develop diaper rash, vaginitis, thrush, etc, involving various parts of the body- the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, toenails, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract, and the vagina, etc., with awful lot of symptoms.

People with candida infection may often have food allergies and may even develop environmental sensitivities such as intolerance of contact with rubber, petroleum, exhaust fumes, tobacco and chemicals.

Both men and women may develop candidiasis. However, in a way women are more prone to it since diaper rash and baby thrush can pass on to the mother and vice versa, and experience shows that the vagina is a frequent site for this annoying and painful infection, especially during pregnancy and when using contraceptives.

For a long time this somewhat woman-specific problem, especially vaginal yeast infection was neglected and hushed-up leaving our woman folks suffering in silence.

Happily many formulas have been developed recently with good effects, especially supplements and formulas made of natural herbs which do not have the side-effects of killing friendly bacteria together with the hostile as drugs may do and eventually may lead to another outbreak of infection.