Yeast infections are caused by an overabundance of Candida albicans, a species of yeast. Candida is present in all of us. If it maintains a controlled population size it serves to play a beneficial role in out digestive process through its action on sugars. But the yeast is an opportunist and has the habit of growing out of control and flaring into an infection with negative symptoms if conditions allow. Although it is not always possible to identify a single trigger for each yeast infection outbreak, studies have highlighted a number of risk factors that are associated with higher incidence rates. These include the following.
1) Excessive or prolonged antibiotic use. Antibiotics destroy bacteria in the body including healthy bacterial strains that could prevent Candida outbreaks. If you are on antibiotics and are also experiencing some of the symptoms associated with yeast infection discuss this with your doctor.
2) Hormonal changes. Women in particular are susceptible to yeast infections due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause and when on the birth control pill. Changes affect our internal biochemistry and may alter conditions to be more favorable to Candida.
3) Diets that are high in sugar and processed foods. Yeasts feed on sugar and may flare up if levels remain elevated in the bloodstream for a prolonged period of time. For this reason diabetics commonly suffer from Candida yeast infections. A vicious cycle can set in where high sugar causes Candida to bloom, the large Candida population quickly reduces sugar levels in the bloodstream which leads to a sugar craving, more sugar is then ingested and the cycle starts again. Candida diets, designed to reduce yeast outbreaks, restrict all sugar from the diet. Some diet plans recommend taking a course of probiotics. See more on the best probiotic supplement for Candida over at Fungus Facts.com
4) People with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop a yeast infection. Remember that stress can lead to a weakened immune system so try to take steps to reduce levels of stress in your life where possible.