Antibiotics and Yeast Infections

One of the frequent causes of yeast infections are the use of antibiotics. The antibiotics while designed to eliminate harmful bacteria from our bodies but frequently it takes the good bacteria as well as the offending bacteria. This causes an imbalance that ends up as a yeast infection. The good bacteria will balance the growth of yeast in the body.

Yeast is controlled by bacteria and the action of the antibiotic destroys that balance. Once yeast starts to multiply, it can easily get out of control causing a yeast infection.

The yeast that accompanies a yeast infection is known as candida albicans or simply candida as it is most commonly referred to. The condition is known as candidiasis.

Antibiotics while a major cause of yeast infections are not the only culprits. Diet, hormonal changes, menopause and pregnancy can create yeast imbalances and infections.

While yeast infections, the result of antibiotics, occurs because of the reduction of bacteria, hormonal causes are the result of adding glucose or sugar to the body. Women are particularly prone to this condition because their natural vaginal secretions along with menstrual blood are both rich in glucose. It’s an open invitation to multiplying yeast. This ends up as vaginal candidiasis.
Other causes result from a lowered immune system.

People afflicted with diabetes or HIV are prime candidates for yeast infections. In the case of diabetes, the blood sugar level nourishes the bodies yeast. If you have a weakened or compromised immune system and suspect you have a yeast infection, see a doctor.

Something else that can lead to yeast infections is stress. By worrying too much, you suppress your immune system. A weak immune system is like an open door, not only to yeast infections, but also other infections.

There are precautions that you can take to lessen the chances of dealing with a yeast infection. Loose fitting clothing is a good idea as is observing changes in your skin, particularly dry or oily spots. Reducing sugar in your diet will help starve the candida albicans. Stay away from saturated fats and alcohol. Increasing the amount of green vegetables in your diet is also a good idea.

One of the natural helpers in the fight against candidiasis is yogurt. Consuming yogurt replaces the probiotics that were lost in the case of antibiotics usage. Just make sure the yogurt isn`t sweetened or contains fruit. This will help your body to maintain the correct balance of yeast in your system. In the case of vaginal yeast infections, the yogurt will work either orally or in the vaginal cavity via a tampon.

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Alys G. Parant

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