Thrush
In women, yeast infections (Thrush) are the second most common reason for vaginal burning, itching and thick white discharge. Yeasts are found in the vagina of most women and can overgrow if the environment in the vagina changes.
Thrush is a common infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies, in particular the genital tract, digestive tract, mouth, oesophagus, and throat.
One of these opportunistic yeasts is Candida Albicans. Normally this yeast lives in a healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body, however, certain conditions such as increased stress, poor digestion, poor diet, increased intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates, antibiotic and steroid use is the most common reason for yeast overgrowth. But pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, HRT and birth control pills also can contribute to getting a yeast infection.
In people who have a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments, steroids, or diseases such as AIDS, yeast infections can occur throughout the entire body.
It is vital that if you suffer from thrush you first bring the yeast infection under control to allow you to support your immune system. This is because Candida keeps the immune system in an impoverished state and a healthy immune system is required to eliminate allergies.
The good news is that by increasing your intake of probiotics and gentle fibres, reducing your dietary intake of sugars and manage your stress, you can get your gut back on the road to wellness.
