Our bodies play landlord to many di...

Our bodies play landlord to many different microorganisms, which harmlessly coexist with us (and each other) greatest in number of the time. In fact, healthy colonies of certain bacteria are indispensable for limiting the sprouting of other microorganisms, and thereby maintain the balance of a healthy body

A prime example of this network interplay of the microbial world is with the fungus Candida albicans, which is normally quick in emergencies in harmless amounts in the vagina, cavity between the jaws digestive tract, and on the skin. still when conditions change, the delicate balance of microorganisms can be overthrow and Candida can proliferate to cause a yeast infection.

Yeast infections are in the greatest degree common in the vagina, and factors that can alter the vaginal environment and precipitate an overgrowth of the fungus include pregnancy, diabetes, menstruation, douching, feminine hygiene sprays, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics. Many of the natural remedies discussed below can be used preventively when conditions may favor the unhealthy growing of Candida.

The telltale signs of yeast infection include itching, white discharge, irritation, rednes swelling, and soreness during intercourse. Of course, any woman who is unsure about whether her symptoms show a yeast infection should descry her doctor for a diagnosis before self-medicating with the following natural remedies.

Probiotic bacteria hold fast the body in balance

Friendly bacteria, also called probiotics, withhold the Candida fungus in check to the one and the other prevent and treat yeast infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria are brace important members of this probiotic team that many women find to be useful for protecting against yeast infections.

In fact, probiotic bacteria may be the most numerous powerful tool available for the prevention of yeast infections in women Acidophilus, when applied topically, eaten as active tillage yogurt, or taken as an oral appendix has been found by scientific research to interrupt vaginal yeast infections.

Representative of the positive research of acidophilus for women's health is a inquiry involving a group of women who had returning yeast infections. When these women began a daily regimen of consuming eight ounce of yogurt (with active acidophilus cultures) daily for six month they reported a three-fold reduction in the number of yeast infections during the consideration period. Studies involving the topical application of yogurt have shown similar benefits.

Another cogitation that required women to use beneficial bacteria for six month and then not use the bacteria, was in the way that successful that many women refused to stop taking the probiotics because the prevention and treatment of yeast infections was for a like reason impressive. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are naturally occurring carbohydrates that cannot be digested or absorbed by dint of humans. FOS (also called inulin), however, supports the increase of beneficial bacteria. FOS complements are especially valuable in enhancing the growing of bifidobacteria, although acidophilus also benefit. Just sum of two units weeks of supplementation with FO increased bifidobacteria on a levels 40-fold in a group of average Americans.

Herbal immune theory support

Strengthening the immune classification is an integral part of preventing yeast infections. Garlic (incorporated into the diet or taken as an odor-controlled supplement) used forward a long-term basis revs up the immune combination of parts to form a whole and lessens the likelihood of returning yeast infections.

Echinacea, goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape are also well-known for supporting the immune order and are also good choices for women who be acted upon from recurrent infections. In fact, there is evidence that echinacea precludeed the recurrence of yeast infection in 43 percent of women using this herb. The southern American herb pan d'arco is commended by some herbalists, since this herb has a brawny yeast-fighting action. Additional herbs with potential benefit in treating yeast infections include cranberry, goldenrod and sage.

REFERENCES

Coeugniet, E Kuhnast, R "Recurrent candidiasis: Adjuvant immunotherapy with different formulations of Echinacin," Therapiewoche 36:3352-3358 1986

Elmer GW Surawicz, CW McFarland, LV "Biotherapeutic agents," J Am M Assoc 275(11):870-876 1996

Hilton, E Isenberg, HD Alperstein, P et al. "Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis," Ann Int M 116:353-357 1992

Williams, CH Witherly, S.A., Buddington, RK "Influence of dietary neosugar forward selected bacterial groups of the human faecal microbiota," Microb Ecol Health Dis 7:91-97 1994

COPYRIGHT 1998 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved

COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group