Listerine was first used in the 1860s as an antiseptic during surgery by a doctor named Joseph Lister. Once it was discovered to help drastically reduce the number of deaths after surgery, another man by the name of Dr. Joseph Lawrence was inspired to use it as a mouthwash in the late 1870s to kill germs found in the mouth. Listerine is still a popular product used today mainly for oral health; however, its original use as an antiseptic can still be beneficial for killing many different types of microorganisms.
Benefits
Listerine has a number of benefits for improving oral health. Listerine products have been shown to fight bad breath, reduce plaque by over 50%, and prevent gum disease and cavities. Other Listerine products have also been created to help make teeth whiter. While Listerine has amazing benefits for oral health, it is also beneficial for killing a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. This includes killing yeast infections found on the mouth and skin.
Listerine has few side effects caused by the 27% alcohol content. Alcohol can be irritating to the skin and can cause the skin to dry out when applied topically. Alcohol may also cause already sensitive, raw skin or skin that has been broken to have a burning sensation when applied. Avoid using Listerine on raw or broken skin or if it causes irritation to the skin.
Listerine also has unwanted side effects when it is consumed. Drinking Listerine can cause issues with the digestive tract leading to irritation such as upset stomach and diarrhea. It can also lead to alcohol poisoning if too much is consumed. Only use Listerine as a topical treatment or to rinse out the mouth and spit it out afterwards.
Listerine should not be consumed. Instead, Listerine should be used to rinse the mouth out and then spit out. Listerine can also be applying to the skin by soaking the infected area or applying a rag that has been soaked in Listerine.
For maximum benefits, do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after being soaked with Listerine. Do not drink or rinse the mouth out with water for 30 minutes to an hour after rinsing with Listerine. This will allow the Listerine to work longer and kill more of the yeast.
Research
A number of studies have looked at the effects of Listerine on C. albicans, the microorganism that causes yeast infections.
In a study conducted by the Tokyo Dental College department of microbiology, Listerine and Cool Mint Listerine were used to examine the effectiveness in killing C. albicans. A 30-second exposure to Listerine significantly decreased the number of living cells of C. albicans. Cool Mint Listerine had the same effect against reducing microorganism that causes yeast infections. This suggests that Listerine is an effective tool for killing the microorganism C. albicans that cause yeast infections in the mouth by rinsing the mouth for 30 seconds.
In another research study posted on the Medical Science Monitor, the use of Listerine to reduce different types of harmful microorganisms was tested. The number of microorganisms drastically reduced after 5 minute exposure to both Listerine Freshmint and Listerine Cleanmint. This is another study that suggests exposure to Listerine for up to 5 minutes can cause a drastic reduction in C. albicans that cause yeast infections.
In a study conducted by the department of oral medicine in Peking University School of Stomatology, the researchers looked at the use of several mouthwashes in treating C. albicans strains that grow on toenails and lead to toenail fungus. Listerine had significant antifungal activity that reduced the activity of C. albicans that cause yeast infections found on nails.
Overall, Listerine is a beneficial tool for treating yeast infections found in the mouth, skin, and nails. Yeast infections can be reduced by rinsing the mouth out with Listerine, soaking affected areas with Listerine, or placing a rag soaked in Listerine on the affected area.
Fungal infections in their many forms can seriously impede the quality of life for many people. This is particularly true when the infection, once treated and apparently banished, only recurs time and time again becoming more problematic with each eruption. The cause of the resistance to treatment and recurring infection is only recently being investigated scientifically and they have discovered that the resilience of such infections is due to the concentration of pathogenic cells forming what are known as ‘biofilms‘.
Biofilms really are the new kids on the block. The discovery of them has been hindered for a long time simply by the way laboratories have approached their testing of traditional treatments for many fungal infections such as Candida. Even though an individual cell may be responsive to treatment under laboratory conditions, it is now understood that when the cells or bacteria group together they can then form what is ultimately a defensive shield. This shield is called a biofilm.
A biofilm comprises a polysaccharide matrix which protects the pathogenic organisms underneath against your immune system. This makes it exceptionally difficult for standard preparations to even reach the infection underneath. Even more problematic is that the structural wall of this defensive shield is particularly tough being comprised primarily of cellulose – the same fibrous material plant stems are formed from. This wall and its composition make it highly resistant to modern synthetic treatments because it is particularly difficult to break down.
Even more disturbing is the recent discovery that although standard antifungal treatments appear to initially work they can actually trigger a defensive mechanism in the biofilm and cause it to expand. Research has shown that in a period as short as 72 hours an antifungal treatment was proven to actually increase the resistance of the biofilm to the drug. In short, treating a Candida infection with a standard preparation can actually make the condition worse.
Candida strains are particularly susceptible to forming a biofilm. This high rate of incidence provides many people with the answer as to why their infection proves so very difficult to treat effectively.
The first barrier to break through in treating a Candida infection is the cell wall so the pathogenic bacteria beneath lose their defensive shield, and, although modern treatments are proving to be spectacularly unsuccessful at penetrating this defense and even in many cases making it stronger and more defensive, there are many, more natural ways of approaching the problem.
Several naturally occurring enzymes can help beat Candida. They not only break down the fibrous layer but also attack the pathogenic bacteria beneath it. The most noted beneficial enzymes are:
Nattokinase
Hemicellulase
Cellulase
Serrapeptase
Glucoamylase
Amylase
Invertase
These enzymes weaken the cell wall and allow good bacteria to enter the defenses and attack the source Candida infection.
How To Treat Candida BioFilms
Yet there are many other ways and tactics available to those who suffer from Candida infections. Even science now strongly suggests that a single anti-fungal strategy is unlikely to permanently resolve any issues related to biofilms and Candida. A multifaceted approach based on supporting the immune system, depriving the pathogenic bacteria of its food sources, together with increasing natural antifungal agents is more likely to be effective particularly in the long term.
Candida Crusher provides in-depth information, intelligent discussion and practical advice on how to implement all these factors.
The first tactic in beginning the battle against the biofilm is easy – increase the amount of good bacteria in your body. The higher the level of good bacteria the more the bad or pathogenic bacteria are suppressed. Take a good quality natural probiotic such as kefir to increase the bifidobacterium in your intestinal system. The higher the levels of good bacteria, the less chance bad bacteria have to become dominant and the less likely Candida will reoccur.
The second tactic could prove a little more difficult for some people particularly those with a sweet-tooth. Since the biofilm is comprised of 32% glucose it is prudent to make efforts to cut off its food supply. To do this it is necessary to decrease your sugar intake. The less sugar you ingest the fewer building blocks the biofilm have to build their defenses. Cut back on the chocolate and desserts in the sure and simple knowledge you are starving your enemy!
The third tactic could be highly complicated but has been made easier by the introduction of specially designed supplements such as Canxida Remove. What these supplements provide is an army of natural extracts which attack both the biofilm and the pathogenic infection while simultaneously strengthening your immune system. Canxida Remove for instance contains an ingredient list which includes many natural agents which will:
Strengthen the immune system
Regulate the pH of the stomach and intestine
Attack pathogenic yeasts and bacteria
Provide antifungals naturally
For some it would seem to be a contradiction: we know that many laboratory tested and manufactured antifungals don’t work or actually make the problem worse, so why don’t naturally occurring antifungals produce the same failure rate? The answer is simple – although we know natural antifungals are beneficial, science doesn’t know why or how. However it has been proven that they are successful in both breaking down the polysaccaride matrix and killing the pathogenic cells beyond.
Well known naturally occurring antifungal agents include:
All of which are included in the Canxida Remove ingredient list.
Caprylic acid an extract from coconut, is renown for being a particularly effective and totally natural antifungal agent. Some sufferers choose to take coconut oil in isolation which although will have some measure of benefit it is likely to be of limited value. This is because other compounds are required to attack the cellulose layer of the biofilm before the caprylic acid can affect the source infection.
Undecylenic acid is a fatty acid extracted from the castor bean. This acid regulates the pH in the small intestine to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients and optimal efficiency of the digestive tract. To balance the pH further Canxida Remove also contains betain HCL (hydrochloride) regulating any excess bicarbonate being released by the pancreas. With the pH regulated in both the stomach and intestine the sufferer has the best chance of absorbing all natural nutrients and providing the essential elements to maintain gut homeostasis.
Black Walnut Hull extract is another ingredient patients are unlikely to access easily yet this compound is known for being particularly effective in killing pathogenic yeasts and bad bacteria and is an essential weapon against biofilms.
Since many of the ingredients necessary to break down the biofilm and attack the infection are not easily available we can see that taking a Candida supplement such as Canxida Remove simplifies life. Then, by making some lifestyle and dietary changes which are compatible with advice similar to that provided by Eric Bakker in Candida Crusher, sufferers have a significant opportunity to rid themselves of Candida not only now but into the future.
Complexities of Candida and Biofilms
Just as important is the fact that the compounds in the product are known to be effective against all strains of Candida bio-films. The common misconception is that only one form of Candida exists when in fact there are numerous strains which are either acquired in different ways or are developments from the original infection. Candida albicans for example can develop into Candida glabrata which is a much more resistant form of the infection. Other common varieties include Candida tropicalis and Candida krusel both of which respond differently to traditional treatments. The situation is further complicated in that the mucosal biofims of Candida albicans are polymicriobial. This means that they are inhabited by many species of bacteria.
Canxida Remove treats all these varieties naturally and at least some of its success could also be attributed to the fact the supplement is designed to be slow release taking some 2-3 hours to breakdown in totality. This gives it time to work effectively on and with ingested foodstuffs not only in the stomach but also the remainder of the digestive system.
Candida and Histadin 5
Many studies are now being performed assessing the relative resistance of Candida biofilms in their various forms against a variety of treatments both natural and synthetic. It has recently been established that as an anti-fungal agent Histadin 5 is particularly effective in breaking down the protective barrier of the biofilm in Candida albicans and, although has some influence on the biofilm in Candida glabrata, it was significantly less successful. Both strains of Candida however responded to the treatment with Histadin 5 but failed to respond when treated with Fluconazole. Again it would seem that the Candida biofilm is not affected by traditional treatments but does react when treated with Histadin 5 a naturally occurring peptide which can be found in salivary glands and has long since been known to have antifungal properties.
Other studies have shown that some antifungal agents are relatively successful in penetrating Candida biofilms – if not significantly. One study found that fluconazole did penetrate the biofilm more effectively than flucytosine, however neither killed 100% of the bacteria.
Another treatment which has been proven to be significantly effective against several strains of candida biofilms including Candida albicans, krusei and parapsilosis is that of Amphotericin b. It was however proven most effective when used in conjunction with histone deacytalase inhibitors (HDA) worked for more effectively and enhanced the properties of amphotericin B increasing the apoptotsis or cell death of the biofilms in all three strains it was tested against.
Biofilms in a Healthy Environment
Surprising as it may seem biofilms in a healthy environment are actually a good thing. The protective layer they make forms a thin mucus in the intestinal area and allows for the passage of nutrients into the body. In normal circumstances they protect against inflammatory conditions and also moisten and lubricate the gut lining. In fact we see biofilms everyday. From the film that forms on our teeth to the film that forms in the water bowl of your dog – we are surrounded by biofilms. In a perfect world biofilms are our defenders it is only when things go wrong that the actions they perform result in detrimental effects. In fact many people first attend their practitioner when they notice for example a mucous or slime coating on stools which can be a primary indication of a biofilm infection.
In a healthy good environment biofilms protect against inflammatory conditions, and they moisten and lubricate the gut lining. In a healthy environment biofilms actually protect against infection and are defenders of the gut. It’s only when things go wrong that the action biofilms perform result in detrimental effects on the patient.
Try to remember that in certain conditions you are more likely to be at risk of developing a biofilm infection. After taking antibiotics for instance or if you suffer from leaky gut syndrome or even have a sugary diet. Many resistant infections or fungal diseases under these, and other circumstances, could well be due to biofilms, and particularly those already diagnosed with Candida. Eric Bakker points out the most common indicators of Candida infection, which include those with digestive dysfunction, nail problems, peripheral problems, vaginal yeast infections and chronic candidiasis to assist identification and those who may well require treatment.
There are over 20 different strains of Candida however the most common are Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida Krusel. One may, if left untreated, develop into another and become increasingly resistant.
Oral Candidiasis (Oropharyngeal) or thrush as it is more commonly known, is caused by Candida albicans. It is usually diagnosed by white bumps or lesions on the tongue or inside the mouth and can be treated with anti-fungals in the form of mouth washes, lozenges or prescriptions medications. However as we have already established traditional treatments, particularly where biofilms exist, can be resistant to such treatments and prevention is better than cure.
Following the above guidelines relating to diet, treatment and prevention particularly in respect of such advise from professionals as Eric Bakker, in addition to supplementing, and maintaining an established health routine will go a long way to prevent recurrence of this particularly resistant infection and all other Candida related diseases.
If you are suffering from some well-known bowel-related symptoms like intestinal compaction, incessant mucus, bloating, constipation, chronic sinusitis, dizziness and loss of energy often and wondering if it is ever possible to undergo both colon and candida cleanse. The answer is a resounding YES! On most occasions, doing a colon cleanse can be very helpful in treating candidiasis, an infection caused by the accumulation of candida in the large intestine. So, you may want to ask: Is colon cleanse good for candida?
It is safe to say that one of the die-offs of undertaking colon cleanse is that it will remove candida alongside other unwanted materials like feces and mucus that may be responsible for the intense pain people feel in their lower abdomen.
You are well on track if you have been using some anti-fungal supplements and other herbal products to remove candida from your large intestine. A great number of people use the following herbal products to reduce their candida overgrowth: coconut oil (4 capsules a day), garlic (3 capsules a day) and probiotics (1 capsule a day). The amount of dosages that can be effective varies from one person to another.
The natural function of colon is to facilitate our digestive system through peristalsis (the effective movement of our bowels), but the accumulation of candida breaks down the walls of our intestine, thereby reducing its bowel-movement capability. This is why some people experience intense stomach pain, irregular bowel movements and other inconveniences. Therefore, doing colon cleanse is quite beneficial to our health in the sense that it also removes candida from our colons. There are two main approaches to doing colon cleansing: using enzymes, enemas, laxatives and herbal remedies or undergoing colonics (colon irrigation), which is also referred to as colon hydrotherapy.
Colon hydrotherapy, a colon cleanse method which is also good for candida, is safe, gentle and efficient. Make sure you investigate everything about some treatment centers before choosing one. Most centers have colon hydrotherapy machine that is used in injecting warm water into clients’ rectums and for removing feces and other waste matters from their intestines.
Colon hydrotherapy for candida will be a good choice for you if you prefer a colon cleanse method that requires no chemicals or drugs. It is a relaxing process that produces no observable side-effects. You will be instructed to lie on a custom but comfortable treatment table and have the lower part of your body covered waist down. To inject the warm water into your intestine, a small hose which is connected to the colonic hydrotherapy machine will be slowly and gently inserted into your rectum. During this therapy, water temperature and pressure will be carefully monitored on the machine. These two important parameters (that is, temperature and pressure) can be alternately varied to stimulate enough peristalsis (muscular movement) in the colon. It is not a time-consuming procedure at all: a colon hydrotherapy session usually takes about 45 minutes to complete. If you are doing it for the first time, you will be encouraged to do, at least, a series of three separate sessions. At the end of the three sessions, you should be able to get rid of fecal matters, candida and harmful toxins that may have lodged in your colon for weeks, months and even years. It is believed that one colon hydrotherapy is an equivalent of many regular bowel movements! Some therapists do offer some instructions about light bodywork and breathing exercises to accompany the therapy.
In addition to the two procedures for cleaning colon highlighted above, oxygen colon cleanse has also been widely praised as a good colon cleanse for candida. If you are the type of person who dislikes having someone insert a colon therapy hose into your rectum or have been tired of edema and herbal supplements, oxygen colon cleanse will readily come on the top of your list. This is an oxygen-based colon cleanser, usually produced in capsule forms. A typical example of this is Oxy Powder. Most oxygen colon cleansers contain compounds of oxygen and magnesium (possibly in the forms of citric acid with oxygenated magnesium). This is how it works: when you ingest a capsule of colon oxygen cleanser, it disintegrates as it enters your digestive tract, releasing oxygen that will eventually liquefy all the solidified waste matters stuck to the inner walls of your colon. Other materials that will be liquefied include mucoid plaque and sludge. And all of them will be easily expelled from your body. When compared with other colon cleansing techniques, oxygen colon cleanse is the easiest and the gentlest approach so far: it also encourages the growth of good bacteria in your intestine, instead of killing them. This means that, unlike other colon cleansing methods, you don’t necessarily need to swallow probiotics to generate good bacteria needed in your colon after cleansing.
It is clear from all the facts outlined in this article that colon cleanse is indeed good for candida. Some of the benefits of using colon cleanse to treat anyone suffering from candidiasis include being free from symptoms of the disease and enjoying a good feeling of wellbeing. There are no known side-effects of well-administered colon cleanse techniques. But one cannot vouchsafe for the safety of the ones done by inexperienced or unethical therapists. Consult with your healthcare professional before you do a colon cleanse.
Baby powder is a synthetic powder mainly used as a deodorant for preventing diaper rashes and for other cosmetic uses. Diaper rash is a harmless rash that’s usually noticed on a baby’s scalp and on his bottom. It causes painful, waxy, red and scaly patches that without treatment could spread to other parts of your baby’s body. It is caused by yeast, bacterial infection or leaving a wet, dirty diaper for too long without cleaning or changing it. Baby powder helps baby’s skin feel fresh, smooth, dry and clean. It has anti-allergy agents and swiftly absorbs excess moisture.
Composition of baby powder
The major constituents of baby powder are talc (commonly called talcum powder) or cornstarch. Talc is a mineral formed of hydrated magnesium silicate which is considered the softest mineral as such you can easily scratch it by a fingernail.
On the other hand, cornstarch or cornflour is the starch derived from maize grains. Cornstarch is widely used as a food ingredient for making sugars and for thickening sauces or soups.
Talcum powder helps treat a yeast infection. It works by drying out the area of the body infected, hence stopping the spread of the yeast to other areas. When used in small quantities, it is safe, but do not use much of it as the excessive use of talc has been linked to cancer. Be careful to not use cornstarch or any powder that contains cornstarch as the infection could increase when cornstarch used. In cases of severe conditions, do consult your health provider before applying any powder.
Other benefits of baby powder
Baby powder has some amazing uses and here are some:
Keeping your feet and shoes clean
Lightly spread some baby powder inside your shoes and rub it softly into your feet every morning before embarking to work or any daily activity. This simple tip works magnificently as the powder absorbs any sweat during the day – stopping any potential slippery, bad smell and keeping your feet fresh.
Refresh your sheets
What is worse than sweating during sleeping!! Most people sweat while they are sleeping and usually in summer nights. And with the consistent need to wash your sheets, this could cost you. However, you could simultaneously keep costs down and clean the sheets by using baby powder. Dust some powder between your bed sheets before and after going to bed. The powder works by absorbing up any moisture and will refresh your sheets.
Use powder today to keep ants away
The presence if ants in in your home could represent a major problem. To stop ants from spreading, sprinkle baby powder into the area where they exist. Ants cannot withstand the scent of baby powder and will move away from it. Using baby powder as an ants-repellent is an excellent alternative to using harmful and mostly expensive other products especially when around your children.
Preventing irritation before and after daily treatments
Dust the breast area and inside your skin folds with cornstarch-based baby powder only and Do Not use talc-based powders. The cornstarch will absorb moisture, keep you smelling fresh and reduce friction. Apply the powder with a clean makeup brush and gently rub the area.
The side-effects of baby powder
Talcum dusting powder is widely used to prevent diaper rashes and mitigating the effects of irritation in babies and infants. However, this practice is very dangerous as the inhalation of significant quantities of powder could potentially cause acute or chronic lung irritation, known as talcosis.
Talc powder when inhaled can dry out mucous membranes of an infant lings, seriously affecting the baby’s ability to breathe. Furthermore, it could cause serious lung damage. Studies have revealed that talc can also lead to the incidence of pneumonia, respiratory failure and obstruction of the airways.
However, this risk could be minimally reduced by using cornstarch (also not ideal) powder as it is a bit safe and reliable alternative. Cornstarch’s particles are larger than talc’s and are not easily inhaled. In both cases, be careful to not use either of these powders around children with asthma.
Link between using baby powder and ovary cancer
The first warning about the dangerous effects of talc has surged in 1971 report. The warning was based on the identification of talc particles in ovarian cancers, in a research done by by Dr. G.Y. Hildick-Smith who was Johnson & Johnson’s medical director. Subsequent studies published in the International journal of cancer and Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey journal have confirmed the link between ovarian cancer and talc powder. And according to a recent study reported in 2008, conducted by scientists from Harvard Medical School, more convincing data about that link was revealed. As after analyzing 3,000 cases of women who were using talcum powder once per day in the body genital section, these women had a 40 % increased chance of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, in women who used talcum powder once per week, the risk plummeted to 38 percent.
Lastly, as protection is better than cure and based on the diversified reports that warn us about the dangers of talc powers, we should reduce our use of talc and try to find more appropriate and safe alternatives.
Chronic yeast infections are commonly attributed to lifestyle issues like using tight underwear, use of over-the counter feminine hygiene products/douches, being overweight or having a diet high in sugar intake, having diabetes, over-use of antibiotics, or having a condition that suppresses the immune system. However, one of the important underlying causes of chronic yeast infection can actually be hormonal imbalance – especially imbalance in sex-hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Effect of estrogen on infection causing yeast (Candida)
Over the last many years, researchers have consistently found an effect of estrogen on the growth of the yeast, Candida. For example, a study published in 2000 by researchers from Iowa clearly showed that estrogen (specifically, 17-β-estradiol) increased the growth and survival of Candida.
Candida exists in two forms – oval form and filamentous form. A change from the oval to the filamentous form is necessary for infection establishment. Research at the University of Illinois found that 17-β-estradiol, the predominant type of estrogen during reproductive years, supported the conversion of oval form to the filamentous form. On the contrary, 17-β-estradiol, which is similar to 17-β-estradiol but lacks its activity, did not have the same effect. Similarly, neither Estriol (produced in significant amounts during pregnancy), nor Ethynyl estradiol (a derivative of Estradiol commonly used in oral contraceptive pills) had any effect on conversion to filamentous form.
Many women notice an increase in vaginal yeast infections before their periods or around menopause. This is because of the changes in estrogen levels – high before periods and low closer to menopause. Lower estrogen levels cause vaginal dryness which can lead to more injuries to the vaginal tissue and increase the chances of infection.
Effect of Estrogen on vaginal immunity against infections
A review article published in 2010 describes the role of sex-hormones in immunity of reproductive tract against infections. The vaginal cells have an immune system of their own to prevent infection. However, the reproductive tract also needs to be able to support fertilization and maintain the fetus which, being genetically different, is foreign to the woman’s body. This balance is achieved by the changing levels of sex-hormones with the stage of the menstrual cycle. Thus, lower estrogen levels are protective against infections while an increase in estrogen suppresses the immunity against infections. This immunosuppressive effect of estrogen also seems to be responsible for yeast infections as shown by research published in 2012 by researchers from Arizona.
Effect of progesterone on infection causing yeast (Candida)
An article published in 2014 by scientists from Portugal and UK studied the effect of progesterone on Candida. Progesterone is produced in larger amounts in the luteal phase (between ovulation and start of the period) of menstrual cycle and also during pregnancy. They found that progesterone reduced the infective capacity of Candida. Progesterone achieves this effect by suppressing the genes of Candida needed for establishment of infection.
So what about chronic yeast infections?
You might wonder that if it is natural and normal for a woman to have fluctuating levels of estrogen, shouldn’t the lower levels of estrogen in the non-ovulating phase then take care of the infection? Yes, you are right, it should. Obviously, something else is happening that makes the yeast infection chronic.
A study carried out in mice by an expert from Sharjah, published in 2014, showed that giving estrogen externally to mice predisposed them to severe and persistent vaginal yeast infections.
Several prevalence studies have shown that Candida infections are more common in pregnant women during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This would correlate directly with the increased levels of estrogen in the second and third trimester. As we have learnt, the higher levels of progesterone during this time should prevent infections. So what is happening in pregnant women who get yeast infection?
Could the cause be hormonal imbalance due to external reasons? The question then changes to what are the external reasons for hormonal imbalance – especially estrogen increase (also called estrogen dominance)?
Endocrine disruptors
A review article by scientists from Kenya and USA, published in 2012, discussed the impact of endocrine disruptors on the immunity against pathogens in the reproductive tract. Endocrine disruptors are molecules in our environment that affect our hormones. These compounds include synthetic chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, plastics, and therapeutic hormones. Some naturally occurring compounds can also act as endocrine disruptors, for example, phytoestrogens – plant derived compounds that behave like estrogens.
Different endocrine disruptors behave differently – some block normal hormonal activity, others mimic the natural hormones, while some others trigger hormone production. Thus, there are external compounds in our environment that can cause estrogen dominance, for example, Bisphenol A (BPA – commonly found in plastic containers used to store foods and beverages) which triggers estrogen activity and phytoestrogens that increase the overall estrogen activity by mimicking estrogen.
So, if there are more of these endocrine disruptors in our environment, there are higher chances of getting hormonal imbalance and the related chronic yeast infections.
1) Does hormone imbalance related chronic yeast infection affect just females or male as well?
Estrogen is a hormone largely produced by ovaries, but also to some extent by adrenal cortex, and testes. So, men also produce estrogen to some extent. Natural hormonal imbalances do occur in men with age. However, estrogen dominance is also increasingly common in men of younger age. Yeast infections are not the commonly described symptoms of estrogen dominance in men. This is understandable due to differences in male and female reproductive anatomy and needs. That being said, there are increased reports of chronic yeast infections in men – these are primarily infections of skin of the genitalia (for example, balanitis). Whether there is a link between estrogen dominance and chronic yeast infection is yet to be determined.
2) Can hormone replacement cause recurring yeast infections?
Yes. A study published in 2011 by experts from University of Sydney showed clearly that postmenopausal women who took hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were significantly more likely to develop yeast infections. It is possible that this happens because the normal vaginal microbes change in the HRT receiving women, as was described by an earlier study from India. However, it is important to keep in mind that HRT involves external estrogen doses and each body is different and has its own normal limit. Also, it is not naturally normal for a post-menopausal woman to have high amounts of estrogen and therefore even levels of estrogen lower than in pre-menopausal women could be high enough to be considered hormonal imbalance in a postmenopausal woman.
3) What are bioidentical hormones? Are they safer?
Bioidentical hormones are exact duplicates of what your body makes, but is created in a laboratory. They are synthesized by chemical extraction of diosgenin from plants like yams and soy. Diosgenin is then modified chemically to make precursor progesterone which in turn is used to synthesize bioidentical estrogens and androgens. Specialists from Cleveland Clinic have discussed the misconceptions regarding Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) in an article published in 2011.
As bioidenticals are an exact copy of the natural hormone, for HRT, they will have the same safety profiles as the natural hormone. FDA does not recognize BHRT and is unaware of any credible scientific evidence regarding its safety, and recommends informed and careful decision while choosing HRT products.