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Yeast infections do not strike just women. Every one of us has a certain amount of candida residing within our intestines, mouth and throat. In fact, babies are invaded with it shortly after their birth. Oral thrush is common in infants, and candida is the cause.

What It Is
Candida albicans is a form of yeast organism that is basically harmless and protects us from heavy metals to some extent. It resides in the mouth, throat and intestines along with good bacteria that provide a healthy PH level which keeps candida under control. When other substances are introduced that kill this good bacteria, that is when trouble begins.

Causes
Antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, stress, hormone imbalances and diet all play a part in reducing the amount of good bacteria in the body. This will give candida the perfect conditions to multiply, and once they start they can grow quite rapidly.

If someone has a suppressed immune system as with Diabetes and Aids, and overgrowth of candida can occur and frequent yeast infections and other symptoms will develop. Anyone can suffer from an overgrowth, especially if they are on repeated doses of antibiotics.

There are no blood tests to determine if an overgrowth is present, and this is why it can go undiagnosed and misdiagnosed as some other ailment. A physician will prescribe more drugs to treat another suspected illness, and this will only make the condition worse.

Treatment
The only way to successfully treat candida is by changing the diet. There are a lot of foods that contribute to overgrowth. Once these foods are eliminated from the diet for a period of time, a full recovery can be made. Here are some good foods and supplements that should be eaten daily.

Yogurt
This contains active cultures that combat candida. It can also be used to treat an infection when used as a douche.

Garlic
You can use it when cooking, it eat raw or start taking garlic pills daily. Garlic is known to kill candida. Also used as a suppository. Peel one clove and wrap in gauze. Insert like a tampon and leave in for up to three hours. If there is excessively inflammation and burning, avoid using garlic in this manner.

Probiotics
Supplements which contain acidophilus can be taken daily. This will help to restore a healthy balance of good flora in the intestines, which will combat an overgrowth.

Foods To Avoid

- Sugar, including brown sugar, syrup, honey and any food that contains fructose or corn syrup.
- Yeast. No foods that contain any form of yeast. This includes alcoholic beverages. Beer is the worst.
- Fruit. It contains natural sugars which candida feeds off of. No dried fruits. Nuts can be eaten if they are in the shell.
- Fermented foods should be avoided, including condiments that contain vinegar such as ketchup, mustard and relish.
- Well aged cheeses and fungus foods such as mushrooms are not allowed
- Tomato products. Tomatoes are acidic and should be avoided, as well as tomato sauces.

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