Stress, Sleep, and Yeast Infections
We often turn to the abuse of antibiotics and steroid drugs as a primary cause of yeast infections and no doubt these are major factors but there are other lifestyle factors that can also make someone more susceptible to yeast or candida overgrowth.
Your immune system is key in the management of any and all potentially harmful invading organisms. Bacteria and viruses are present in our environment daily and yet most of us do not fall victim to these bugs and actually become ill. This is because our system, when functioning well, takes care of these pathogens and eliminates them before they can make us sick. The same is true with human yeast or candida. The body has the ability to keep these organisms in balance as well as long as the immune system is strong. The problem becomes more serious when the immune system becomes weakened by lack of nutrition and other lifestyle factors. It can then no longer act in a timely fashion to address the yeast and it begins to aggressively multiply.
In order to ensure that our immune system is strong and ready to deal with any potential yeast overgrowth rapidly we need to take care of it. First and foremost is proper nutrition. We have developed a special immune support supplement designed to both stimulate and nourish better immune function. Other factors include adequate sleep/rest and the better management of stress.
Excess stress over prolonged periods, is one of the most debilitating factors to your immune system. It is not uncommon for people, especially women, to develop a localized yeast infection when they are going through a stressful period or major life change such as a wedding, divorce, unemployment, a death, or even moving. Proper stress management is helpful in keeping our immune system strong and ready to protect us. One of the biggest ways in which we can better manage stress is through getting adequate rest.
Tossing and turning all night long or experiencing repeated nights of insomnia can directly lead to a weakened immune system. Getting adequate and deep sleep is one of the primary ways the body can repair itself and maintain optimal health. When you are unable to get restful sleep your immune system weakens. This can change the pH of the vaginal region, creating an environment for more rapid yeast overgrowth.
We recommend the use of natural supplements to support the body in the elimination of excess yeast overgrowth and also the use of an immune support supplement to keep your immune system ever ready to defend you. Check back next week for information about candida in the news.
Health Conditions That Can Increase Risk of Yeast Overgrowth
We know that yeast overgrowth or systemic candida can be a greater risk in those with a depressed immune system but there are other health conditions that can increase the chances of repeated candida or yeast overgrowth.
During pregnancy hormonal changes associated with this period, especially the increase in estrogen, can lead to a yeast infection. It is estimated that about 10 percent of all women will develop a yeast infection during pregnancy. Yeast infections during pregnancy can be more difficult to control because the chemical changes that pregnancy induces also weaken the immune system. Since many anti-fungal drugs cannot be used during pregnancy natural supplements are often helpful especially during this time.
Since most yeast organisms, candida included, feed off of excess sugar, once a yeast overgrowth is present the higher levels of glucose in the blood of diabetics can cause a much faster overgrowth of candida. While excess sugar does NOT cause a yeast overgrowth or a systemic candida situation, once this problem exists the higher levels of sugar in the uncontrolled issues can make matters much worse. We use a natural supplement. Check back soon for information about candida anti-inflammatory recipes and the new site we just found.
If you have a health condition that puts you at a greater risk for a yeast infection it is essential to keep that condition under as good a control as possible. In addition to that it would be a good idea to take extra precautions such as ensuring that you stay dry. Use panty liners if necessary. Do not wear overly tight fitting clothes, which can restrict air flow. Avoid douching with chemical products. Use natural soap and warm water only. Don’t soak for long periods in the bath tub.
Taking extra precautions if you have higher risk health conditions can prevent repeated yeast infections. If you are at greater risk you should consider taking a supplement on a daily basis to strengthen the body and support a healthy system. Since yeast is basically an anaerobic organism, the use of enhancing supplements provides an environment that also helps prevent excess yeast overgrowth. Check back next week for more information about candida and wine consumption. The belief that alcohol has an effect on candida may not totally be true.
