Intestinal Yeast Infections

Sometimes the intestines become so overrun with the fungal bacteria Candida, that the body becomes vulnerable to intestinal yeast infections. This is a common fungi that lives naturally within all human beings but cause many health issues once they become overpopulated within the gut. This type of infection can also be found in the oral cavity and vagina or penis where it can cause a similar set of issues.

Causes of Yeast Infection

The best way in fighting any type of health disorder is to understand what the causes are. When it comes to yeast infections, there are many different things that can lead to having a full blown infection. A lot of the causes can be eliminated by simple avoidance, but some of them are going to happen no matter what you do. Probably the biggest cause is the overuse of oral antibiotics. These drugs kill the friendly, Candida regulating bacteria within the gut, and as a result, the Candida yeast are allowed to proliferate.

One thing that can be done to reduce your chances of a Candida overgrowth is to stay away from foods that promote yeast growth in the body. Foods that are high in sugar or have a lot of starch will cause an overgrowth of the fungi along the walls of your intestines. This is because sugar is the main food source of Candida albicans. Another culprit in the fight against Candida is bread. In fact, all foods that are rich in yeast can cause recurrent yeast problems if eaten too often.

Anyone who is being treated or suffering from a chronic illness is already at risk for getting one of these awful infections. The antibiotics that are helping them in getting well for one condition, are also killing the good bacteria that are supposed to be protecting them.

Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection

One of the most vital attributes that you can have in the fight against this type of disorder is education. Knowledge about the signs and causes of certain health issues will make you more able to fight them. All yeast infections have a set of common symptoms, but they also have their own signs that you will need to recognize for successful treatment.

Candida overgrowth in the intestines will usually have a distinct set of symptoms that may include such things as bloating and gas, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, irritable bowel, diarrhea or constipation and mental fog. These may or may not be followed by an irritated or itchy anal area. If you notice any of these signs then it is time to consider if yeast is the culprit.

Yeast Infection Treatments

Having a yeast infection is not the end of the world. Granted, it can be a bother and is often followed by a long list of problems. The great thing is that for most people the problem is easily treated, if detected early, and by eating something as simple as yogurt, you could soon find yourself symptom free. Yogurt is full of friendly bacteria that our body may not be able to produce enough of, which fights off fungal infections. For a more potent dose of friendly bacteria, many people take probiotic supplements in the morning and evening to keep the Candida regulating bacteria count high.

If you find that the preventive measures have not been helpful, and the simple treatments are just not doing it for you then more aggressive treatment is in order. Many sufferers find that cleansing the colon through colonic irrigation, alleviates many of the symptoms that intestinal yeast infections cause. This can be done at home using a store bought enema kit, or, by a colon hydrotherapist who utilizes a colonic machine to flush your colon. This can expell old, compacted fecal matter that often can stick to the lining of the intestine which is the place where Candida yeast love to live as it provides both food and shelter for them.  

If no other treatments have worked and you are still not symptom free, then you may need to see a doctor experienced in Candidiasis. When a yeast infection is left untreated, it can cause a great deal of harm to your body. Once it crosses into your blood (systemic), it can infect your internal organs and cause a great deal of harm in the process. It is best not to take any chances.

Intestinal yeast infections are a nuisance but are usually simple to treat if caught early on. By understanding what you are looking for and treating it accordingly, your body will be free of the fungi. This will be important as you do not want the infection to cause serious health issues in your body. For most people, the infection will never get that far. Simple treatments are usually very effective and leave the average person without symptoms within days.