A yeast infection is a type of vaginal infection that is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Candida is a type of yeast that naturally exists on and in the body—mainly on the gut, on the skin, on the vagina, and in the mouth.
Typically, these yeasts cause no problems, as they are kept under control by the beneficial bacteria that also exist on and inside our bodies. If something negatively effects these bacteria and reduces their numbers, however, it is a different story.
When the bacteria that keep Candida under control are reduced, Candida no longer have anything in place to prevent their growth, and so being the opportunistic species that Candida is, it grows and begins to colonize new areas of the body. When Candida grows out of control and causes an infection, it is known as Candidiasis, or “Candida overgrowth.”
If it’s the bacteria in the vagina that are reduced (which can happen if the pH of the vagina is altered) then Candida can take over and lead to a vaginal yeast infection. It is also possible, however, for the infection to start in the gut and to spread to the vagina.
In fact, this is one of the most common causes of both vaginal and oral yeast infections. Because we can’t see inside the gut without instruments, we often don’t notice the symptoms of what is going on inside the gut. We much more easily recognize symptoms in the mouth, vagina, or skin, but cannot always recognize that these are stemming from a deeper issue.
Candida starts out small but continues to spread and colonize more and more of the body. Even though it commonly starts in the gut, it can spread to other areas.
If you have been trying to treat a vaginal yeast infection but have not been seeing any results, it may be because the real issue is a Candida infection in the gut.
To get rid of a Candida infection, it is important to follow a specific protocol. First, it is recommended to follow a diet like the one outlined in Zuma Nutrition’s Candida Cleanse Diet guide (Read More Here). This diet excludes sugars—which feed Candida and allow them to grow—as well as inflammatory foods and foods that can negatively affect the immune system.
In addition to following this diet, it is important to include antifungal herbs as well. These herbs work to eliminate the overgrowth of Candida. Following that, it is recommended to focus on recolonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria. Once the beneficial bacteria have returned they can keep Candida under control and prevent a Candida infection from recurring.
Once your Candida infection is gone, it is also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle so that you don’t unintentionally eliminate the good bacteria again.
By treating the Candida infection in the gut, you can get to the root of the problem and can eliminate vaginal and oral infections as well. This is especially true in cases with recurring vaginal yeast infections that don’t seem to go away.
