Candida is a genus of yeasts (the most important being Candida albicans) that can cause fungal infections (candidiasis) in humans and other animals. Candida grows in the medical laboratory as large, round, white or cream (albicans meaning whitish) colonies on agar plates. Candida is a fungus often present in the human body. It only causes problems when there s too much of it. Then infections can occur not only in the vagina but in other parts of the body as well--and in both sexes. Though there are four different types of Candida that can cause these infections, nearly 80 percent are caused by a variety called Candida albicans.
Causes of Candida:
The biggest cause of Candida infections is lowered immunity. This can happen when you get run down from doing too much and not getting enough rest. Or it can happen as a result of illness. Though not usual, repeated yeast infections, especially if they don t clear up with proper treatment, may sometimes be the first sign that a woman is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Repeated yeast infections can also be caused by other, less serious, illnesses or physical and mental stress. Other causes include:
1.Use of antibiotics and some other medications, including birth control pills
2.Significant change in the diet
3.Poor nutrition
4.Diabetes
5.Pregnancy
Candida Test:
You can try this simple test to see if you have Candida: First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass. Fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour. If you have Candida, you will see strings (like legs) traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or cloudy saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you probably don t have an issue with Candida . There are medical test you can do to determine your levels of Candida, ask your doctor to do the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis and the Candisphere blood test. This test does not merely test for Candida. It measures and reports those factors that can be wrong with the digestive system that allow the Candida to grow. In this way these factors can be found and corrected. Keep in mind that it is estimated that over three quarters of the people who eat a standard diet and have been on at least one round of antibiotics in their life time has Candida and the cost of treatment is often less than the cost of the test so it makes sense to treat rather than test, especially if you are symptomatic.
Author By Michal John
source : news.yahoo.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Candida Yeast Infection Treatment
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Health Tip: While Chewing Gum May Relieve Stress
While chewing gum may help you feel better when you're stressed, don't overdo it, advises the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
When you're stressed, you may be prone to chewing more vigorously, which can strain your jaw.
Chewing too hard can cause fatigue and soreness in the jaw. It can also trigger a condition called TMJ, affecting the temporomandibular joint. The condition can causes pain in the head and the neck, and difficulty in opening and closing the jaw.
If you have any of these symptoms, give your jaw a rest and stop chewing gum for a few days. If symptoms don't subside, see a doctor.
Health Tip: Before a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy -- used to detect colon cancer and other potential problems -- involves use of a long, flexible tube with a camera that takes images of the colon. Before having a colonoscopy, you should follow certain do's and don'ts to ensure an accurate procedure. This list is provided by the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
- Avoid all solid foods and any beverages with food coloring for one to three days before a colonoscopy.
- You may eat fat-free bouillon or broth soups, or gelatin.
- You may drink water, strained fruit juice, plain coffee, plain tea or diet soda (no food coloring).
- As certain medications may affect your results, tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin, arthritis medications, blood thinners, medications for diabetes, or any vitamins containing iron.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Health Tip: Keep Bugs at Bay
Insect bites can itch, cause pain, and be quite uncomfortable. While they can't always be prevented, there are ways to reduce your chances of being bitten. Here are suggestions to help prevent insect bites, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Don't poke, pick up or otherwise provoke insects.
- Be cautious around nests and hives, and avoid sudden or rapid movement.
- Avoid heavy perfumes, and clothing that has a floral pattern.
- Wear protective clothing that covers the skin, and apply insect repellent when you're outside.
- Pay attention when eating outside, especially when drinking sugary beverages or sitting near garbage cans.
- People with known allergies to bites or stings should carry an emergency epinephrine kit.
Health Tip: Treating Acne Scars
- Laser resurfacing, which removes the top layer of damaged skin.
- Dermabrasion, which wears down the skin, fostering a new, smoother layer of skin as it heals.
- Fractional laser therapy, which affects deeper layers of skin without damaging the top layer.
- A chemical peel.
- Injections or surgery.
