What Causes Yeast Infections?

Inside our bodies, there are many different kinds of Candida, a kind of bacteria. These are normal, but when certain situations arise, they can grow out of control and can result in a yeast infection.

In order to understand why yeast infections happen you have to know why the Candida can suddenly grow out of control.

Antibiotics

In normal circumstances, Candida lives side by side with other microorganisms that are in the body to keep it healthy. One example of such a microorganism is lactobacilli.

When a person is prescribed certain antibiotics like tetracycline or ampicillin, the probiotic microorganisms that are needed for healthy function of the body are destroyed. Thus, Candida is left to grow unchecked.

Moreover, tetracycline, along with other antibiotics can actually stimulate the growth of yeast. Because of this tendency, prescription antibiotics are thought to be a main cause of yeast infections. Of course, you will have to take antibiotics at some points during your life; however, you should make sure the one you get does not stimulate the growth of Candida.

In addition, antibiotics are contained in red meats and dairy products if they are the product of livestock that have had antibiotics. Your body may become acclimated to antibiotics if you take them too often, which means infections will not be killed by them in the future.

Hormone Fluctuations

Some women get yeast infections either just prior to or just after they get their period. This is because the hormones fluctuate at this time. In addition, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies can cause hormone fluctuations and, as a result, yeast infections.

Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, specific hormones are altered to sustain the pregnancy. This can change the acidity level in the vagina and can lead to elevated blood glucose levels.

These higher levels can trigger yeast infections. Often, women who are pregnant get repeat yeast infections until the baby is born.

Diabetes

If diabetes is not carefully managed, it can lead to elevated glucose levels in the urine and blood. This can lead to yeast infections.

People who get yeast infections a lot may need to be tested for diabetes because persistent yeast infections are an indication of uncontrolled levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Improper Clothing

Clothing that is too tight or traps moisture close to the skin, particularly in the genital region can lead to yeast infections. This kind of clothing can make an existing infection more severe as well.

Sexual Intercourse

Yeast infections, on rare occasions, can be transferred from one partner to another during sexual contact.

Suppressed Immunity

People whose immune systems are not functioning at an optimal level have more risk of getting yeast infections. This is because the immune system is not monitoring the growth of Candida as it should be.

Stress

Stress can cause many problems in the human body. It can raise blood glucose levels in the blood, which provides food to the yeast and allows it to grow more quickly than it should. In addition, stress can lower the number of healthy microorganisms in the body so that Candida can grow unchecked.

Poor Diet

Eating too many refined carbohydrates like white flour, sugar, and white rice can give more food to the Candida and allow it to grow more quickly than it should.

It is important to consume many fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. This keeps the body’s systems operating properly so that any toxins are quickly eliminated.

Metal Poisoning

The body is exposed to metals and chemicals that are harmful to humans every day. The body must work overtime to get rid of these toxic substances. These metals and chemicals, if allowed to build up, could allow candida to grow out of control and lead to yeast infections.