Causes of Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are also known as Candida infections or thrush and are an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi (or yeast).
More than twenty species of Candida live on all of the surfaces of our bodies and in our intestine.
Under certain conditions these fungi can multiply and become so numerous that they become the causes of infection.
We therefore need to understand what can cause Candida to multiply in this way.
Antibiotics In a healthy body Candida live in balance with other healthy bacteria such as lactobacilli.
The use of certain antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline can kill the healthy bacteria.
This allows Candida to multiply unchecked.
In fact tetracycline and some other antibiotics can actually stimulate the growth of Candida.
Antibiotics are therefore known to be a leading cause.
Hormonal Changes Yeast infections often occur in women just before or just after the menstrual period when hormonal changes take place.
Hormone therapy and birth control can also be a cause of hormonal changes which can bring on yeast infections.
Pregnancy The body produces hormones during pregnancy which increase the blood sugar levels and can change the pH balance of the vagina.
The increased blood sugar levels can cause significantly greater growth of yeast infections.
Women often have recurring yeast infections during pregnancy.
Diabetes Diabetes which is poorly controlled or not controlled at all can cause increased sugar levels in the blood and urine.
This can cause yeast to grow.
Recurring yeast infections can often be a clue to diabetes that has not yet been diagnosed.
Sexual Contact Sexual intercourse with an infected partner can cause the infection to be transferred.
Weakened Immune System If the immune system is not working as effectively as it should this can be another of the causes of yeast infection.
This is because the natural process which keeps yeast in check is less effective than it should be.
Stress Stress can be a significant factor in causing our immune systems to be less effective.
Stress causes increased blood sugar levels which allow the Candida to grow and can also cause a decrease in the amount of friendly bacteria in our bodies which also allows the Candida to grow.
Poor diet Too much refined carbohydrates like white flour, white rice and sugar in our diets can cause Candida to grow.
We need a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables in our diet.
This helps our bodies natural processes which keep us healthy and eliminate toxins.
Our bodies need a good balanced diet for the vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy.
Without these nutrients our immune system would not be able to work properly.
This would make it easier for the Candida to grow.
More than twenty species of Candida live on all of the surfaces of our bodies and in our intestine.
Under certain conditions these fungi can multiply and become so numerous that they become the causes of infection.
We therefore need to understand what can cause Candida to multiply in this way.
Antibiotics In a healthy body Candida live in balance with other healthy bacteria such as lactobacilli.
The use of certain antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline can kill the healthy bacteria.
This allows Candida to multiply unchecked.
In fact tetracycline and some other antibiotics can actually stimulate the growth of Candida.
Antibiotics are therefore known to be a leading cause.
Hormonal Changes Yeast infections often occur in women just before or just after the menstrual period when hormonal changes take place.
Hormone therapy and birth control can also be a cause of hormonal changes which can bring on yeast infections.
Pregnancy The body produces hormones during pregnancy which increase the blood sugar levels and can change the pH balance of the vagina.
The increased blood sugar levels can cause significantly greater growth of yeast infections.
Women often have recurring yeast infections during pregnancy.
Diabetes Diabetes which is poorly controlled or not controlled at all can cause increased sugar levels in the blood and urine.
This can cause yeast to grow.
Recurring yeast infections can often be a clue to diabetes that has not yet been diagnosed.
Sexual Contact Sexual intercourse with an infected partner can cause the infection to be transferred.
Weakened Immune System If the immune system is not working as effectively as it should this can be another of the causes of yeast infection.
This is because the natural process which keeps yeast in check is less effective than it should be.
Stress Stress can be a significant factor in causing our immune systems to be less effective.
Stress causes increased blood sugar levels which allow the Candida to grow and can also cause a decrease in the amount of friendly bacteria in our bodies which also allows the Candida to grow.
Poor diet Too much refined carbohydrates like white flour, white rice and sugar in our diets can cause Candida to grow.
We need a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables in our diet.
This helps our bodies natural processes which keep us healthy and eliminate toxins.
Our bodies need a good balanced diet for the vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy.
Without these nutrients our immune system would not be able to work properly.
This would make it easier for the Candida to grow.
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