Archive for June, 2011

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

There’s a new natural ingredient that is taking the US by storm, it’s name: Tamanu Oil. This long used traditional ingredient from the Pacific islands have even been featured on Oprah and in countless other media outlets. It’s claim to fame: To be able to heal and rejuvenate skin, even cure acne and work as an antibiotic and disinfectant. That’s some big claims for a relatively inexpensive oil!

Tamanu oil orginates from the Pacific paradise island of Tahiti, where the sap from the nuts of the Ati three have long been harvested and used as an all purpose medicine and supplement. It is only recently thought that the oil has been ‘discovered’ by the medical and cosmetic industry in the West. There have been experiments and studies conducted on the benefits of the oil since the 1930′s, but lack of availability has kept the oil out of the reach of the general public.

Since then, Tamanu oil has been the subject of many medical studies, but the oil has not been available to public until recently. The oil was ‘discovered’ by the cosmetics industry recently as well and is now being promoted to treat just about any skin condition, from athletes foot and fungi to acne and other skin conditions.

Tamanu oil is basically an all purpose skin product that is completely natural and relatively inexpensive. It can both cure skin disorders, but can also be used exclusively for beauty as it leaves the skin looking silky smooth and soft. If you suffer from dry skin, then it is a very effective moisturizer.

However amazing these uses are, in the West, the oil is now being introduced primarily as a supplement to use for perfect smooth skin. The oil, though thick, is easily absorbed into the skin and will help alleviate any skin conditions such as rash, enzema, pimples and even acne, while making the skin silky smooth. It also works wonders on cracked or dry skin, since it works as a moisturizer. If you are one of the many Americans who spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on skin creams and moisturizers, then Tamanu oil may be a much healthier, much cheaper and much more effective purchase.

Tamanu oil is all the talk at the moment and for once, it actually seems like this natural ingredient may deliver on its promise!

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Yeast infections in men are not very common. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms you may be one of the unfortunate to be experiencing a candida infection:

Sores on the head of the penis, foreskin or both.
Irritation such as feeling very itchy on the head of the penis.
Burning sensation.
Possible white discharge.
Some men do not experience a thing. Once the man does suddenly experience symptoms it is usually volatile.

Yeast infections are more common in women, but men are susceptible to yeast infections as everyone as some Candida yeast in their body. If there is a dark, warm and moist place on your body, a candida can thrive. The most common place a man will get a yeast infection on their penis is under the foreskin.

Reasons you may suffer a yeast infection as a man include:

A bad diet. If you eat poor you may throw off the balance of bacteria that fights off the candida infection. You need to stay away from refined sugar, carbohydrates, mold and yeast; there are alternatives to consume.

Taking antibiotics may cause you to suffer from a yeast infection as a man. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. When the good bacteria are killed it is not there to help fight off the Candida fungi which will cause the Candida fungi to start to increase.

A low immune system. If you have a low immune system your body will not be able to fight off the increase of Candida.

Sexual Intercourse. Sexual intercourse can cause the candida infection to be passed from partner to partner if left untreated.

Diabetes may be a culprit in yeast infections in men. If you have diabetes, you have sugar in your urine and this helps yeast grow. A compromised immune system is a factor in a diabetic thus making it easier for yeast to multiply.

You may choose to treat yourself with a Candida diet. Holistic therapy can help you stop candida infections. There are inexpensive, natural, safe, and holistic methods you can use to treat your yeast infection.

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

When fighting recurring yeast infections, your diet and lifestyle are important tools. Knowledge is also important and knowing what your candida triggers are can help you manage this problem in your life.

There are candida foods to avoid and foods that you can and should eat that will help you or that will hurt your efforts. yeast infections thrive on yeast foods and on sugar and certain foods and beverages can work either for you or against you in your quest to normalize your body’s chemistry.

We all have a certain amount of yeast in our body. As a matter of fact we have all sorts of different types of microorganisms swimming inside us and some of them have very important roles. The candida albicans need to be there but when they overpopulate your body, that’s when the problems start.

Some people are very prone to excessive bacteria of this sort and those people can find that they need to look at diet and lifestyle very carefully to be able to manage the yeast population in their body. The alternative could be discharge, bloating, food cravings, sinus problems, insomnia or listlessness and other symptoms. Candida is a growing health concern that is becoming more mainstream as people recognize it as a recurring infection in their bodies that can become more than bothersome.

Chemistry plays a big part of your body’s health and factors like your pH level can impact how fast unhealthy yeasts can thrive and grow. Consuming alkalizing foods and drinks can be a big help and you might need to follow a strict diet for a time to learn about what your candida triggers are.

What about beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages?

Alcohol contains two things that candida love. Yeast and sugar. Because of that, you could create a candida feast inside your body if you are already at high level of albicans or low body ph level for various reasons. It’s very advisable to refrain from drinking beer, wine or any fermented food or liquid when you are dealing with yeast infections.

Can I ever drink beer again?

You don’t’ necessarily have to remove these beverages from your diet forever but while you’re discovering what makes your candida infections flare up it’s wise to remove all yeast infection diet prohibited foods and drinks for at least four weeks. Many experts will suggest that after that period, you begin adding one restricted food at a time to your diet in order to see what impact it has on your body.

Another way to ensure that a small amount of a candida diet restricted food or drink is not going to have a big impact on you is to follow a list of approved foods and drinks as well as work with other natural remedies so that your body is continuously working towards a harmonious environment. In a case like this, it could be that your body is at such a healthy level that an occasional splurge with alcoholic beverages won’t be detrimental to your body chemistry.

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Yeast infection in the mouth or medically called as oral thrush is a condition wherein Candida albicans, a type of fungus, grew inside your oral cavity. A question will surely pop into your mind. What causes yeast infection in the mouth? Newborns are exposed to this type of infection during vaginal delivery. There are also infants who are affected by this infection due to the contamination of their pacifiers or nipples of formula bottles.

Adults can also be diagnosed with oral yeast infection which can be caused by both Type I and II Diabetes. If you are using corticosteroid inhalers and were not able to properly rinse your mouth, you are at risk in having oral thrush. If you are a long-term user of oral antibiotics and as well as birth control pills, there is a great possibility that you will develop the condition.

In order for your oral yeast infection to be treated, topical medications such as Nystatin can be applied four times a day onto your oral cavity. Results can be seen after five to seven days.

Fluconazole is another medication that is claimed by doctors as more effective than the former. It is applied once a day for at least one week. If your baby or child is affected by oral yeast infection, it is recommended that you apply the ointment to the nipple of your formula bottles or even to your nipple if you are breastfeeding. This helps in the success of the treatment of your child’s oral thrush.

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

A vaginal yeast infection is an abnormal growth of yeast cells in the vagina. These infections are most common in women who are in their child bearing years, but they can happen at any age. What are the types of treatments for Candida Infections? Candida infections can be treated with antibiotics and anti -fungal creams like fluconazole and diflucan. There are also other topical treatments as well. Natural and home remedies can also be used to cure the infection.

You should limit your use of antibiotics because they can cause yeast infections, change your clothes immediately after exercising or any physical activity.It is also a good idea to eat healthily by eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. These simple tips can help keep you and others from getting yeast infections.

Garlic and yogurt can be applied either internally or externally. You can insert garlic into the vagina or crush it, soak in water and drink, you can also soak a tampon into yogurt and insert in the affected area. Washing the affected area with apple cider vinegar will alleviate the burning and itching. Using the Tea tree oil by rubbing into the affected area is another way the infection can be cured through home remedies.

Being rich in anti fungal propertie,s tea tree oil can be extremely beneficial. Just massage it daily on affected area. Adding few drops of tea tree oil to the bathing water everyday can also work wonders.

Maintain a regular personal hygiene regimen to get rid of yeast infections. Wash your vaginal area with warm soapy water at least once daily. Dry your vaginal area with a clean towel to prevent excess moisture build-up. Wipe from “front-to-back” to reduce the amount of fungus surrounding your vaginal area. Adjust your hygiene regimen to account for your daily activity level. For example, take an extra bath or shower if you participate in sweaty activities such as aerobics.

Another good way to prevent yeast infection is by getting a lot of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C that can help build your immune system which will protect you from yeast infections. Your doctor can also help you with ways to keep yeast infections away, so never forget to ask your doctor, that is the number one thing. It is good to get information on yeast infections because you should always be prepared for what symptoms you might face when you have any type of yeast infection.

Sustain a suitable vaginal environment to get rid of yeast infections. Wear breathable cotton underwear whenever possible to promote proper air flow throughout the vaginal area. Refrain from wearing form-fitting clothing to further your efforts. Trapped air and moisture can contain harmful fungus.

Diet is also an important part, when suffering from yeast infections. You must avoid foods rich in sugar because the yeast tends to multiply and grow due to sugar. Your candida yeast infection diet must include foods like rice cakes, nuts and seeds, lentils, brown flour products, beans, onions, sprouts, unprocessed meat, soy milk and eggs. Eating cranberry can be most beneficial as it lowers the pH level of urine.

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Before we may talk about yeast infection treatment we could do with certain information with reference to what yeast infection actually is.

Understanding Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is triggered as a result of an overgrowth of candida albicans bacteria. We each possess a substantial amount of assorted bacteria together with candida on our skin, in our mouths, in the genital area in addition to in our insides.

Inside a ordinary healthy individual there is a subtle balance of these bacteria. The candida bacteria maintain other possibly damaging bacteria in check – and the candida bacteria are held in check by other friendly pro-biotic bacteria.

Sadly a variety of situations in life could interrupt our internal equilibrium and this is what time an overgrowth of candida albicans is able to occur and we begin to endure through a yeast infection.

Triggers of Yeast Infection

There are a sizeable number of probable causes:

Using antibiotics that may exterminate the pro-biotic bacteria which we need in order to stop candida overgrowth.
Hormonal changes (during the typical menstrual cycle, pregnancy or as a result of hormone treatment or birth control)
Defectively controlled diabetes might allow increased blood sugar levels that the yeast will feed on.
Clothing which permits more humidity next to the skin.
Sexual contact with an infected partner.
A weakened immune system (perhaps as a consequence of HIV).
Nervous tension might cause raised blood sugar levels which the yeast will feed on.
Poor diet – Refined carbohydrates might trigger candida to grow.

There are quite a few chief types of yeast infection treatment:

1) Over the Counter Treatments

Throughout the most recent twenty years or so over the counter medications like anti-fungal creams, tablets and suppositories have become accessible from your local pharmacy..

The majority of these medications can be helpful at treating the symptoms of yeast infection however very few are able to correctly tackle the root cause – our bacterial imbalance inside our gastrointestinal tract. This is for the reason that the internal imbalance stems from such a complex situation which potentially involves numerous discrete issues.

Consequently the down-sides of relying on over the counter yeast infection medicine are:

They are not able to tackle the root cause – merely the symptoms.
There might be worrying side effects if they are used in the long term.
They do not prevent us from continuing what might be a very unhealthy life that contributes to perpetuating the trouble therefore allowing recurring yeast infections, possibly for several years to come.

2) Quick Relief

There are several swift methods that may be of use in lessening the symptoms:

The usage of pure yoghurt that has not been heat-treated and still contains active pro-biotic bacteria could assist when applied to the affected area and left for an hour or so. Make sure that it has not been heat-treated because heat-treatment kills the pro-biotic bacteria. If the container says “bio-live” on the side this is a good sign that it still includes pro-biotic bacteria.

Garlic has powerful anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal properties. It could be applied to the affected area and taken internally and should assist to tackle the symptoms.

Natural apple cider vinegar might also assist when applied to the affected area.

Please realise that though these speedy relief methods will certainly go some way towards relieving the symptoms they are extremely unlikely to fully heal the infection

3) Doctors Prescriptions

Doctors find yeast infection not easy to wipe out – purely for the reason that it may be caused by what could be a very complicated situation by way of a combination of so many different factors.

4) Immunotherapy Therapy

Immunotherapy yeast infection treatment was pioneered in London in the 1960′s. This includes dietary changes along with oral drops or injections in order to intensify the body’s immune system while reducing the allergic response.

This therapy might be successful although is not generally a lasting answer because it wears off over time.

5) Natural Holistic Treatment

A natural holistic yeast infection remedy is the safest and most effectual way to eliminate the infection permanently – for the reason that a comprehensive holistic treatment works on the entire person to tackle the root cause and restore our natural healthy internal balance rather than simply dealing with the symptoms.

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

You should not scratch the area this will only irritate the area. When it is time to go to bed and you will scratch them wear gloves to bed. You can lightly wrap the area with an
elastic bandage so you can not scratch the hives. Make a milk compress with cool milk and lay it on the area of the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. You can also try putting some ice in a towel and lay it on the area.
You can use a moisturizer on the dry skin this will help relieve some of the itch.
Try taking a bath in warm water and use a mixture of half a box of baking soda and a cup of oatmeal. You can try a one percent topical cortisone lotion that is available with out a prescription. You can try oral Benadryl that is also available as an over the counter product. You should only take this at night because it may cause drowsiness. If you are having several hive outbreaks you should consult with your dermatologist. Hives will get better in a few days so do not scratch then this will only make them itch more.Try some of these fix it remedies for athletes foot, jock itch and skin rashes. If your are playing sports skin rashes can be prevented with good personal hygiene.
Fungus grows in moist, wet ,dark areas like showers and locker rooms especially if they are heavily used. If you are wearing tight spandex, jock straps it can cause fungal growth easier to catch. This type of clothing will cause chaffing which can lead to skin rashes. Fungal infections can be diagnosed by redness and itching of the effected skin area.

You should shower after any sports activity. Make sure to dry your groin area ,under arms and the spaces between your toes. You should wear clean underwear and socks everyday. When you are in the locker room make sure to wear some kind of sandal and you should not walk around in bare feet.

Athletes foot is the most common fungal infection caught in locker rooms. Do not touch any socks that are left on the floor the socks could be contaminated with athletes foot. If your heals are red and you are itching between the toes you probable are infected this would be a first sign. Itching and scratching will only make it worse. You can spread the athletes foot to other parts of your body. You need to dry your feet completely and apply a topical antifungal agent or power after each shower and put on dry clean socks.