Yeast infections are triggered by the Candida albicans fungus that lives in our bodies. It particularly resides in the warm, moist, dark areas. This is why we see most infections in the genitalia, mouth, anus, gut, arm pits, nail beds, under the breasts, and where there are skin folds, etc.

Your body's good bacteria normally helps to keep the Candida albicans under control, but under certain conditions this doesn't happen and the fungus is able to 'overgrow' into an infection. The most common yeast infection symptom is severe itching.

The main yeast infection causes are; reduced numbers of beneficial bacteria, too high blood sugar levels, a lowered immune system, hormonal imbalance, and some drug types. Another cause is pH imbalance.

These infections are also called Candida, Candidiasis or Thrush, and can affect women, men and even children, particularly babies. Some common yeast infections are vaginal, oral thrush, and nail bed infections. Some -- but not all -- diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection.

Vaginal is the most common type of Candida in women. The symptoms are chronic itching, burning, white cheese-like discharge, painful urination and painful intercourse. It is advisable to avoid using feminine sprays and douches etc., as these can help to change the body pH. It's also advisable to stop wearing tight underclothes made with man-made fibers. These don't allow the area to 'breathe' and so retain moisture. Stick to loose-fitting cotton and other natural fibers.

Oral yeast infection is often called Thrush. Most at risk are people who wear dentures and / or are smokers. Also at risk are people who use inhalers. The symptoms of oral Thrush are raised white / creamy spots over the tongue and soft tissue in the mouth. When these are scraped off they can show bleeding underneath. Other signs are difficulty swallowing, and a burning sensation.

You can also get an infection under your nails. On top of the causes given above, this can happen when unprotected hands are in water a lot, perhaps during household chores, perhaps in work. It may also occur when a nail manicure has been done badly. Whatever the underlying cause, the result is painful, swollen, red nail beds. In the worst cases the nail can separate from the bed.

Diaper rashes -- more often called 'nappy rashes' in the UK -- in babies are pretty common and can be caused by yeast infections. The irritating symptoms are red splotchy patches, which are hot to touch, on the baby's bottom, genitalia, and other areas such as skin folds. One of the key triggers for these infections is the trapped moisture that the Candida albicans loves.

Mainstream treatment is usually by over-the-counter (or prescribed) drug-based medications like creams, pessaries, oral suspensions, etc., depending on where the infection occurs. But they can have some awful side effects and because they tend to just address the symptoms and not the root cause(s) of yeast infections, it's believed that around 50% of sufferers will have a recurring infection.

More and more sufferers are turning to natural ways to cure yeast infections. This includes natural ways to improve your immune system, reduce sugar levels, replenishing beneficial bacteria, etc., i.e. to fix the key underlying causes...