Commonly Asked Yeast Infection Questions

What Are Yeast Infections?
Who gets Yeast Infections?
What causes Yeast Infections?
What are the common symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
What are the less common symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
Is Yeast Infection Common?
Where in my body would I expect to have a Yeast infection?
Can People recover from a Yeast Infection?
Is Age or being Male or Female a factor in a Yeast Infection?
How often do bouts of Yeast Infection occur?
Can a Yeast Infection become chronic?
I want to prevent a Yeast Infection from returning. How do I stay healthy ?
Will my Candida come back?
I have been on your Candida Crusher Program for one week and feel really terrible, why? Eric, you told me I was going to feel better!
Why do I still feel so bad after being on the Candida Crusher program for three months?
How do I know the Candida Crusher Program is going to work, or is any better than others I have tried?
Do Heavy Metals cause Candida?
Can candida damage my thyroid gland?
Can you die from Candida overgrowth?
Is there a genetic predisposition towards a Yeast Infection?
Is a Yeast Infection related to other Health Conditions?
Can Yeast Infection be spread in Tanning Beds?
Can ingrown Hairs be caused from a Yeast Infection?
Can waxing cause Yeast Infections?
Can a Yeast Infection go away by itself?
If a doctor says there is no such illness as a Yeast Infection, what options do Patients have?
Are Americans more prone to Yeast Infection than people from other nations?
Does anyone get through life without a yeast infection?
Can Healthy People get a Yeast Infection?
Can someone have Yeast Infections with no Symptoms?
Can shaving cause Yeast Infection?
Can tight Jeans cause a Yeast Infection?
Can untreated Yeast Infections cause cramps?
Is Candida Albicans the only candida species to cause a Yeast Infection?
Under what conditions do Yeast Infections thrive?
Can Yeast Infections occur naturally?
Does Lack of Sleep cause Yeast Infections?
Is Yeast Infection common in someone with Cancer who is going through Chemotherapy?
Does a yeast infection increase susceptibility to infections?
Is Yeast Infection related to Depression?
Is a Yeast Infection related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Is Yeast Infection a factor in people with HIV?
Does a Yeast Infection cause or increase Allergies?
Are there any pre-surgery Precautions that will protect from a Yeast Infection?
Are there any effective Home Remedies for Yeast Infections?
Is Hydrogen Peroxide effective in yeast Infections?
Can you take Peroxide and Cranberry Juice together to treat a Yeast infection?
How will a Doctor Treat your Yeast Infection fast?
Are prescription drugs necessary to treat Yeast Infections?

Answers

What Are Yeast Infections?

Many people fail to realize that yeasts are a normal, and needed, part of the body metabolism. They make up part of the microflora community that reside in the intestinal tract and work not only to digest the food we eat but also to deal with toxins and pathogens which enter the body. The problem arises when one strain of this community, for whatever reason, becomes dominant. Then instead of being beneficial to the body, they actually become pathogenic and start causing problems.

Intestinal yeasts, like all others, are simply fungi or molds and they grow in the same way. But in the intestinal tract Candida in particular is known as being ‘opportunistic.’ This means that if it gets the chance to become dominant then it most certainly will and so is renown for causing problems within the body particularly under certain conditions.

So when we are talking of a yeast infection what we really mean is an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeasts.

Who gets Yeast Infections?

It’s true to say that anyone can get a yeast infection. Even babies can suffer from them and the most commonly known is diaper or nappy rash. However it is also considered that some babies are born with the condition which is transferred from the mother at birth.

No matter where you live or what your race it is true to say that you can suffer from a yeast infection, although there is now an increasing body of evidence to show that modern lifestyles are actually making the problem much worse. These reasons, and they are multiple, have seen a vast increase in not only the number of people suffering from yeast infections, but also making the problems of treating them very much worse.

It is also fair to say that no matter how healthy you are, then there is still a strong possibility that a yeast overgrowth will manifest at some point. This is because, very often, the foundation for a yeast infection can be set up many years in advance of someone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.

What causes Yeast Infections?

Modern living, although less physically demanding than decades ago, is not really conducive to better health and certainly not where yeast infections are concerned. For example, as any beer or bread maker will tell you, yeast loves sugar, the more it can get the more it grows because sugar, to yeast, is food. Our modern diet helps yeasts grow because it is crammed full of sugars in many different forms. Not only are we exposed to many sweet products, but sugars are used in everything from cereals to many processed meats. Antibiotics are also a problem because they are now a well known cause of yeast infections. Not only that but we are also aware that in addition to microflora being resistant to attack from antibiotics, but they will also build up a resistance to further attack. This is because yeasts, like other members of the microflora community, have found to often be living in communities known as biofilms rather than as individual organisms. This community have also been discovered to be able to communicate by a method known as quorum sensing and will actually call in reinforcements if they are exposed to an antibiotic trying to kill them off. It may be a great survival mechanism, but it makes things pretty tricky for the sufferer of a yeast infection.

Adrenal function is also affected by yeast overgrowth. As the adrenals become fatigue the immune function depletes. This means that anyone with a yeast infection really should get an adrenal function test as well. However the only way to replete adrenal function fully is to rest the adrenal gland, so the causes of this, i.e. the yeast infection, needs to be successfully treated as well.

What are the common symptoms of a Yeast Infection?

Many people believe they know the common symptoms of a yeast infection but these are mainly linked to what more commonly recognized conditions arising from it such as vaginal thrush or athlete’s foot. However because most yeast infections are of an internal origin and conditions such as athlete’s foot are simply external manifestations or indicators of a deeper issue, then the other indicators are often overlooked or misinterpreted as something else.

So, in addition to the common signs such as general itching and discomfort, whether that be in the genital region or in between the toes, here are a few of the more common indicators that I come across and which would lead me to investigate the possibility of a yeast overgrowth:

• Anxiety and/or depression
• Bloating and/or flatulence (although they generally exist together)
• Brain Fog (inability to think clearly and comprehension skills are often impaired)
• Cravings (usually carbohydrate driven for sweet and sugary foods)
• Fatigue (lethargy, inability to function effectively on a daily basis)
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Impaired memory and general forgetfulness
• Itching (not limited to toes and genital but can be anywhere on skin but particularly dark, warm moist areas)
• Vaginitis (Vaginal thrush)

What are the less common symptoms of a Yeast Infection?

There are other indicators of a yeast infection that I see frequently, but in a normal clinical setting are less often linked to an overgrowth even though they quite frequently are:

• Acne or other skin condition
• Chemical sensitivities
• Cystitis/urethritis (urinary tract infections)
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Discolored nails
• Earaches
• Headaches and/or dizziness
• Heart arrhythmias
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Inhalant allergies
• Loss of libido
• Menstrual irregularities
• Mucus, catarrh, sinusitis, hay fever

Is Yeast Infection Common?

The short answer to this question is, yes. Yet the likelihood of contracting a yeast infection continues to grow as the numbers of sufferers today is far in excess of the number of recorded sufferers in say, the 1950s.

Where in my body would I expect to have a Yeast infection?

The real truth of the matter is that many yeast infections, or at least the source of them, is internal. The yeast infections you see on the outside of the body are typically external manifestations of that internal source. This means that although you can see infections such as with athlete’s foot or even oral thrush, the real cause often remains hidden. Most yeast infections, whether internal or external, are called local infections and so they will present as rashes or itching usually on parts of the body which are warm, dark and moist. These include the genital region, armpits, ears and even nose. Other internal local infections result in digestive disturbances or even itching of the anal region.

Less often you see systemic infections and this means the overgrowth has been transported through the blood where it then settles anywhere in the body. As a result you can get organs or joints infected with yeasts and particularly Candida.

Can People recover from a Yeast Infection?

Yes, but it takes both time and patience. Although initially a yeast infection can be caused by something as simple and time-limited as a course of antibiotics the effects can last a long time. This is because once the microflora of the gut has been thrown into a state of unbalance and a yeast such as Candida has gained dominance, then it takes some effort to restore the equilibrium.

Is Age or being Male or Female a factor in a Yeast Infection?

As I mentioned earlier, age is no barrier to a yeast infection and anyone is susceptible. However despite the fact that women more than men are treated for yeast infections this could be due to misconceptions about what a yeast infection is, or more commonly, what symptoms it causes. Many men, and clinicians, simply don’t think that males can suffer from an overgrowth of yeasts and particularly that of Candida.

How often do bouts of Yeast Infection occur?

As with all conditions these things tend to vary from person to person. It is possible to suffer from only one yeast infection, other people have recurring infections and with some people the condition becomes chronic. There are many factors which contribute to different situations however in most people it is unusual to see only one manifestation of a yeast infection.

Can a Yeast Infection become chronic?

As I mentioned earlier, it would seem that although there are many factors which contribute to recurring or chronic yeast infections, often it can be because the infections are actually housed in a biofilm. If that infection is treated with antibiotics then the biofilm will actually reinforce both its numbers and structures and effectively build up a resistance to treatment.

Other factors which can result in a chronic yeast infection include different types of stress. These can be emotional stress, physical stress, and environmental stress. When we talk of environmental stress we can include such things as chemical stressors and toxins. Yet no matter what type of stress we mean, the body still has to deal with the implications of it. The effects, particularly on organs such as the adrenal glands or digestive tract, mean it is often difficult to restore the metabolic function of the body.

I want to prevent a Yeast Infection from returning. How do I stay healthy ?

It is simply not possible to stop all factors which contribute to a yeast infection. However it is possible to stop a lot of them and to limit the impact of others. For example, ask your clinician to offer you possible alternatives if you are prescribed antibiotics. Limit the amount of sugar in your diet and that includes looking at the ingredient lists of manufactured products and cutting out the ones with added sugar. Remember the really important factor when it comes to the nervous system of the digestive tract – rest and digest. Your digestive system has its own nerves and they need to relax too. Try taking yoga classes or practice meditation at home.

Look into supplementing at least with probiotics. This makes sure your beneficial microflora get all the support they need to fend off any developing overgrowth.

Eat good quality, organic, fresh foods wherever possible. Locally grown is usually best. This means that not only does the food retain its nutritional content, but it also hasn’t been subjected to any quality control procedures such as irradiation which often neutralizes the enzymatic activity in foods and particularly in that of vegetables.

If you have had a yeast infection and are in recovery, then rest and digest becomes particularly important. Remember not only to limit physical activities, but also to rest your digestive system by not overloading it again with poor quality produce.

Will my Candida come back?

There are two factors which influence whether or not a Candida infection recurs: The first is that you rid yourself of it properly, and the second is that you avoid practices which may trigger a reinfection.

Getting rid of the original Candida infection takes time, self-control and patience. Despite what many supplement manufacturers claim, this cannot be done overnight or even over a couple of weeks. Remember that if you cheat when trying to get rid of the original infection the only person you are fooling is yourself. Following all the guidelines I provide should insure that your Candida infection goes away…for good.

When you are well then the other important factor in making sure you stay that way is not to return to your original lifestyle. Although many people may initially think this is a form of self-sacrifice often it is not the case. This is because your craving for the sweet stuff may well have disappeared. The same often applies to alcohol and junk food. You will have noticed that eating fresh produce actually provides you with more energy and vigor. You will not need supplements or junk foods and by feeling more energized you will performing more energetic tasks. The circle becomes self-perpetuating, but in a positive rather than negative fashion. Providing that you remember Rest and Digest, and don’t overdo things, then you will not lower your immune function but raise it and be able to more easily defend against illness. This leads to a lower likelihood that you will need the modern drugs that are now proven to set up Candida infections.

I have been on your Candida Crusher Program for one week and feel really terrible, why? Eric, you told me I was going to feel better!

Often people feel worse before they begin to feel better and this is a very difficult thing for people to both comprehend and deal with – particularly when they weren’t feeling good in the first place. There are two reasons for this: one is that the body is going through changes in having to deal with different circumstances, particularly that of food. When it comes to withdrawing certain things from the diet, particularly sugars, what you are actually suffering from is withdrawal symptoms. These are not imaginary and can range from headaches to irritability. Another problem relates to what is known as ‘die-off’ or the Herxheimer Reaction. This is when toxins are released into the body as the yeast cells die as a result of treatment. When cells die off which is known as apoptosis, then they release toxins which can negatively affect the body and Candida is a big offender in this situation. This is why many people suffer symptoms which often resemble severe flu. The good news is that this situation isn’t here to stay and people usually start to feel better again within a week or so.

Why do I still feel so bad after being on the Candida Crusher program for three months?

This scenario is quite unusual and the first question I would obviously have to ask is, are you cheating? As I mentioned earlier it really is important that you stick to the advice and guidelines because if you don’t the end result is that you are only fooling yourself. If though you are sticking to the program then it is essential other causations are investigated. I have a separate chapter in my book which deals with problems when patients are not seeing improvements over prolonged periods.

How do I know the Candida Crusher Program is going to work, or is any better than others I have tried?

Obviously there is no way to answer this question without sufferers participating in the program. However what I do provide for sufferers is a Test and Measure strategy which means that patients themselves continually assess their progress as the move through the program. This enables you to see exactly how and where you are improving. Although I clearly state, and reinforce, that recovery is never quick, you should see gradual improvements.

In practice, the most frequent reason for my program not working is simply down to the fact that some patients don’t stick to it. There are, rarely, situations which arise whereby patients may not improve for other reasons, but in the twenty plus years I have been providing advice and guidance, I have seen such cases very infrequently.

Do Heavy Metals cause Candida?

Although heavy metals, like mercury in amalgam fillings, have not been proven to directly cause Candida, there are reasons for them negatively affecting Candida overgrowth indirectly. This is because heavy metals can suppress the immune response of the body. Once this happens, and particularly so because Candida is known to be an ‘opportunistic’ organism, the immune system cannot react in the way it should toward a Candida infection.

Can candida damage my thyroid gland?

The short answer is that, no, Candida cannot damage the thyroid gland directly. However there can be no doubt that many people suffering from Candida also have thyroid dysfunction. What has to be borne in mind is that the thyroid is essentially a balancing mechanism and, because Candida can negatively influence many metabolic functions of the body, then the thyroid is simply negatively affected because, like the adrenals, it is put under too much pressure trying to regulate all the imbalances.

Can you die from Candida overgrowth?

What you have to distinguish between here is localized and systemic infections. No, no one has ever been recorded as dying from a local Candida infection. However, as I discussed earlier in this segment, often systemic infections, ones which invade bodily organs after Candida has traveled through the blood, can affect patients who already have a serious illness and particularly one where the immune system is compromised. In such cases Candida has at least been recorded as contributing to the demise of the patient.

What we normally deal with though are localized Candida infections, and these are infinitely less severe. Although they can disrupt the metabolism of the body they are not, and never can be, on their own, life-threatening.

Is there a genetic predisposition towards a Yeast Infection?

There is very little research indicating that people are more genetically predisposed toward Candida. However we are aware that if parents are sufferers then children are likely to be too. Although this might seem like a contradiction it quite likely occurs because the infection is passed from mother to child during the birthing procedure. Also, if a parent is infected then, because Candida can be carried on the skin, then it can be transferred when caring for the child. Often such children indicate a predisposition to Candida early in life and they will suffer from diaper rash, recurring infections and allergies. Also such children may also take longer than normal to recover after unrelated illnesses.

Is a Yeast Infection related to other Health Conditions?

This problem occurs frequently because often many other conditions are not identified as being caused by a yeast infection. So, you may get illnesses such as sinusitis or urinary tract infections, which are treated directly, but for which Candida may be the real underlying cause. This leads to a lot of confusion and what are essentially misdiagnoses. If you have similar conditions which recur then the indications are that Candida may actually be the real problem.

Can Yeast Infection be spread in Tanning Beds?

This is not something I have heard of and certainly I cannot see any way it could happen. When yeast infections are transferred person to person then usually this is done by direct contact with the yeast organism itself. This can be direct body to body contact through sexual intercourse, or it may be by wearing shoes which someone with Candida has already worn and left behind yeast spores.

Can ingrown Hairs be caused from a Yeast Infection?

It is possible that a yeast infection can be set up by an already infected hair regrowing into the body. This problem can become amplified if someone is treated for an ingrowing hair infection with antibiotics because they disrupt the balance of the digestive microflora. Obviously in such cases it is impossible to identify whether it is hair itself or the antibiotics which have directly resulted in a yeast infection.

Can waxing cause Yeast Infections?

The direct response to this question is, no. This is because waxing removes hair which has the potential to actually cause yeast infections. Waxing in the groin area is more likely to reduce the possibility of a yeast infection because it makes it easier to keep the area both clean and dry which are environments not conducive to yeast overgrowth.

Can a Yeast Infection go away by itself?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is, no. A yeast infection is highly unlikely to go into remission without the correct treatment. This is because once it occurs it is self perpetuating and, without the correct action, will continue to develop. When we talk of ‘treatment’ however, often this is limited to lifestyle and dietary changes, together with some supplementation. The good news about treating candida infections is that with localized issues, aggressive drugs are simply not a requirement.

If a doctor says there is no such illness as a Yeast Infection, what options do Patients have?

Unfortunately in spite of the wealth of research which has been available to doctors since the 1950s, many have failed to upgrade their skills and knowledge and some either believe only women can get yeast infections, while others deny the existence of this condition altogether. This puts patients in a difficult position, however as I mentioned previously, treating Candida does not require aggressive drugs. You can simply follow my program and make changes to your lifestyle and diet and see for yourself how this improves your condition.

If it works you can always point your clinician in the direction of my book.

Are Americans more prone to Yeast Infection than people from other nations?

Unfortunately the American lifestyle is more conducive than most others to initiating yeast infections. They are highly work oriented which results in emotional and physical stress, so rest and digest get forgotten. They eat take-aways and junk food which are not only nutritionally deficient but are also loaded with sugars which we know Candida love. They also have a high alcohol and soda intake which again this increases sugar load and caffiene consumption is one of the highest in the world.

All this contributes to making Americans more prone to localized yeast infections than any other nation.

Does anyone get through life without a yeast infection?

Of course there are people who never experience a yeast infection. However in some cases it could be that they do have a yeast infection but, because it manifests as another recognized illness, it is never actually attributed to having a yeast overgrowth as a cause. But there are people who remain free of yeast infections, however that number seems to be growing fewer every day. It would also seem that since the use of antibiotics, corticosteriods and oral contraceptives are ever on the increase, there is no indication that figure will drop any time soon.

Can Healthy People get a Yeast Infection?

This question really is double-edged. By definition if you are healthy then you won’t need medical intervention and are unlikely to be on the receiving end of drugs such as antibiotics. By maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle then you are putting less stress on your metabolism and are receiving less exposure to possible causations. However this does not mean you are immune to contracting a yeast infection. It can happen through taking oral contraceptives or coming into sexual contact with someone who already has a yeast infection. So the answer has to be, yes, a healthy person can get a yeast infection but the likelihood of it happening is much less frequent.

Can someone have Yeast Infections with no Symptoms?

The answer to this question is yes, but it’s a highly unlikely yes. What can happen is that a patient has a yeast infection, but it has not yet produced symptoms which means they are asymptomatic. However since yeast infections tend to start causing problems quite early on, it’s possible that there are symptoms present, such as increasing flatulence, but as of yet this hasn’t been attributed to a direct cause.

Often though it is not the sufferer who notices the problem. It is just as likely to be a work colleague, friend or partner, who recognizes changes, for example increased anxiety, and will mention it to the sufferer.

Can shaving cause Yeast Infection?

No, shaving cannot directly cause a yeast infection. If you shave too closely and leave the skin open to infection then, of course, it is reasonable to assume that a yeast infection could set up home. However this is highly unlikely to occur and more particularly so since the face is exposed to light and air which most yeasts absolutely hate.

Can tight Jeans cause a Yeast Infection?

Tight jeans in themselves cannot directly cause a yeast infection but they most certainly can aggravate and encourage an existing one. Even if you have a minor yeast infection and wear tight jeans then all you are doing is making the perfect environment for it to flourish. This problem is made worse if you also wear nylon underwear which does not allow the skin to breathe and encourages sweating. Now what you have done is made a dark, moist, airless and warm environment for the Candida to thrive.

Can untreated Yeast Infections cause cramps?

Most certainly they can. If you consider that all kinds of problems are being created in the digestive tract, which includes fermentation of food instead of degrading, and the motility of the intestinal tract can vary – this is the rhythm of the intestines to move food along – then it comes as no surprise to learn that patients can experience all kinds of digestive disturbances including pain. This can manifest in many different ways from sharp pains to dull aches and it can arise from anywhere in the digestive tract from the stomach to the colon.

Is Candida Albicans the only candida species to cause a Yeast Infection?

Because there are more than 20 strains of Candida it is impossible, without the benefit of specific tests, to know which strain is causing the problem. However what we do know is that Candida albicans is, more often than not, at the root cause of many yeast overgrowths. But there are 2 others strains of Candida, tropicalis and glabrata, which are becoming not only more prevalent as the the source of overgrowth, but also more resistant to treatments including over-the-counter anti-fungal medications.

Under what conditions do Yeast Infections thrive?

Take any sachet of dried yeast, add a little warm water, cover with a cloth before setting it aside in a cupboard, and see what happens. This is exactly the same way yeast infections thrive both inside the body and on the exterior. They like warm, dark, moist and preferably airless conditions and then come to life and multiply. If you really want to see yeast get active then all you have to do is add sugar – and it’s just the same in the human body. Of course on the inside of the body there is little you can do about the environment except increase acidity and deprive the fungi of sugars, but when it is on the exterior you can certainly make life more uncomfortable for those little organisms.

Can Yeast Infections occur naturally?

Again we have to realize that when we talk of ‘infections’ in the context of yeasts what we actually mean are ‘overgrowths.’ Yeasts which occur naturally in the body actually have a job of work to do. They are normally kept under control by good bacteria such as Lactobacillus sp. but sometimes things go wrong. When it does and the yeasts grow out of control then they become damaging and are known as infections or overgrowths.

Does Lack of Sleep cause Yeast Infections?

Although a lack of sleep cannot cause a yeast infection directly, what can happen is that a lack of sleep, like too much physical exercise, can result in adrenal fatigue. When this happens the immune response of the body becomes limited and it can leave you open to an invasion by the opportunistic Candida. Of course, when the immunity of the body is low then it is also open to many other kinds of infection so a consistent lack of sleep is not a good thing for many reasons.

Is Yeast Infection common in someone with Cancer who is going through Chemotherapy?

The answer to this question is most certainly, yes. The problem can arise for several reasons, but the main two are that the immune system of the body is suppressed when undergoing chemotherapy and this leaves it open to invasion by Candida on a systemic level. The other issue is that of adrenal fatigue which indirectly affects the immune system. The adrenals become stressed and fatigued when trying to deal with the cocktail of toxins from chemotherapy and subsequently the immune system is once again depleted. This is why many people undergoing chemotherapy will actually be given ‘zole’ drugs to deal with systemic yeast infections.

Does a yeast infection increase susceptibility to infections?

Yes, this can and does happen. When a strain of the microflora community becomes pathogenic rather than beneficial, the beneficial members of the community become overwhelmed and cannot fend off pathogens which enter the body. This, obviously leaves it open to infections which would usually be easily fought off. Also, as I explained previously, because yeast infections adversely affect adrenal function, the immune response is muted as a result. Again this leaves the body open to other infectious sources.

Is Yeast Infection related to Depression?

Yeast infections are part of a disruption to the microflora of the gut which is commonly termed dysbiosis. What may come as a surprise to many people is that dysbiosis has been known about for over 100 years. It was also, even back then, strongly indicated as a cause of many mental health issues and not only depression. So the answer to the question is, yes, yeast infections have been strongly linked to depression for many decades.

Is a Yeast Infection related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Yes, yeast infections are linked to CFS and it is always advisable for those diagnosed with this condition to get the specifics of a yeast infection checked out. In the simplest terms, yeast infections can prevent adequate digestion of many nutrients which,in themselves, can lead to fatigue. This is excluding possible adrenal fatigue and other things such as systemic infections which can affect the joints. Yeast infections and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are usually found to be linked in some way.

Is Yeast Infection a factor in people with HIV?

Yes, yeast infections are a known and feared complication in people already suffering from an illness which compromises the immune system. This is further compounded because many of the drugs used to treat various aspects of the condition will also compromise it. That is why many patients with HIV are given the ‘zole’ drugs to prevent systemic invasion of yeasts which can be highly detrimental to the organs of people who are already considered to be seriously ill.

Does a Yeast Infection cause or increase Allergies?

Yes, this is thought to be one of the major problems in respect of allergies or, more often, food sensitivities. It is all linked to the condition known as leaky gut or intestinal permeability where the intestinal wall loses its integrity and allows, among other things, food particles to be released into the blood stream before they have been degraded to the correct size and compounds. Not only can Candida escape into the bloodstream due to this intestinal failure which leads the immune system to recognize everyday foods as ‘enemies,’ but it can also be caused by Candida because it releases a toxin which actually causes the integrity of the gut wall to break down in the first place.

Are there any pre-surgery Precautions that will protect from a Yeast Infection?

There can be no doubt that some yeast infections are set up by invasive surgical procedures. This can be caused for several reasons including the introduction of Candida protected biofilms and antibiotics either given orally or intravenously. If you know you are heading for surgery make sure to regularly top up your probiotics well before you go. Also cut out the sweet stuff and alcohol and generally increase the amount of fresh organic produce in your diet. You can also follow my protocol which includes yeast supplement products to ensure you have plenty of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract to reduce the impact of pathogenic organisms.

Are there any effective Home Remedies for Yeast Infections?

There are two remedies you can use which utilize over-the-counter products and which have long since been noted to be of benefit in reducing a yeast infection. Of course these have to be used in conjunction with my dietary and lifestyle changes to bring about an effective and permanent resolution of your condition.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide effective in yeast Infections?

Hydrogen Peroxide occurs naturally in the human body and is usually present in the vagina. It is useful for clearing pathogenic overgrowths, but when the numbers become too great then the small amount of hydrogen peroxide which is present becomes overwhelmed. You can buy hydrogen peroxide very cheaply at most pharmacies, but make sure that you get the correct strength. Tell the pharmacist that you intend to use it as an antibacterial and you do not want the kind used to bleach hair as this is very much stronger:

Mix one teaspoon of HP with one cup of water and douche daily until your symptoms are gone. An alternative way of using HP is to add between one and two cups to a bath of water which covers the legs. The genital region is not sensitive to hydrogen peroxide so it should not result in irritation. It is usually sufficient to stay in the bath for between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Have plenty of hot water on tap so you can keep topping up if necessary. This type of bath can also be used by men who have genital candida infections. For both men and women only one bath of this kind is necessary per week to start seeing beneficial results.

Note: if you do experience itching or burning sensations then get out of the water and rinse yourself with clean water. It is a rare occurrence for someone to find hydrogen peroxide irritating to the skin, but it can happen.

It is also worth noting that because hydrogen peroxide has more oxygen than ordinary water it can stimulate rather than relax you. For this reason it is best to have a hydrogen peroxide bath during the day rather than in the evening when it may disrupt your sleep.

Can you take Peroxide and Cranberry Juice together to treat a Yeast infection?

Hydrogen peroxide is also obtainable in food grade and you can use this, with the direction of your pharmacist, as a beverage mixed with Cranberry juice. Cranberry and its medicinal benefits as well as its acidic pH can do much to sooth the digestive tract.

Colloidal silver can also be used as a douche or in a bath in the same way as hydrogen peroxide. It can also be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Use either one teaspoon in a cup of tepid water as a douche or one cupful in a bath of water which covers the legs as described above. If you are uncertain about the reliability of colloidal silver then have a chat with your pharmacist first.

How will a Doctor Treat your Yeast Infection fast?

Most doctors first line of attack against a yeast infection is usually antibiotics. Since the success rate of treating yeast infections with antibiotics is extremely low this is not a drug I would recommend.

Are prescription drugs necessary to treat Yeast Infections?

Prescription drugs most certainly are not necessary to treat yeast infections of the localized variety – the issue can change with what are known as systemic infections. In fact most contemporary drugs are quite ineffective at resolving the issue and may also produce some very undesirable side-effects. By using home remedies together with dietary and lifestyle changes as detailed in my Candida Crusher program and here on this website, it is possible to clear up a yeast infection – permanently.