There is probably more misinformation about yeast infections and their resulting candida symptoms than almost any health topic. Yeast diets, candida diets, along with special herbal formulas for combating yeast and candida infections abound. Candida diets do not eliminate candida or yeast. These diets simply help reduce the candida symptoms, but they will not cure the problem.

Candida albicans is one of over 80 species of yeast. They are parasites. They live off our food. They even make us crave sugar, yeast breads and alcohol to help them thrive. This yeast lives in all of our digestive systems and when kept in check they pose no health problems to us. The problem comes if our immune system becomes weak then they will multiply and become systemic. To stop this from happening we must maintain or restore a healthy GI tract.

A yeast infection is capable of producing over 100 symptoms. This makes it extremely frustrating for anyone with this condition to be able to find out or understand what is exactly wrong with them. The average candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated.

If you are suffering from a yeast infection then maybe like me you may be wondering where did it come from? What triggered your symptoms? I decided to do some research and find out the possible causes. Here are the top 10 triggers that I found...

Trigger 1 : Antibiotics - These destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply.

Trigger 2 : Birth Control Pills - Oral birth control pills are mostly the hormone estrogen. Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast.

Trigger 3 : Birth Control Devices - The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.

Trigger 4 : Parasites And Intestinal Worms - These are more common then anyone would think. Some researchers have estimated that over 85% of all people living in North America and Canada have parasites. They destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.

Trigger 5 : Alcohol - Excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Beer can be a particular problem not because of the yeast but because of its maltose content. Maltose is a sugar that is derived from malt. Malt sugar is very potent and can feed yeast cells very quickly. This does not mean that hard spirits or wine in excess are any safer. Alcohol should always be used in moderation.

Trigger 6 : Drugs - Drugs can also cause yeast overgrowth particularly if they disturb the digestive system. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.

Trigger 7 : Excessive Stress - Stress causes the release of certain hormone called cortisol . Cortisol can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenceless against the sudden elevation in yeast. These two reactions tend to happen together as cortisol levels go up.

Trigger 8 : Consuming Tap Water - Common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This drop in friendly bacteria is an invitation for a candida overgrowth.

Trigger 9 : Hormonal Imbalance - An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth. In order to support friendly intestinal flora, adequate amounts of both hormones are needed. Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth.

Trigger 10 : The Toxic Metal Connection - Toxic metals show up consistently in the candida patient. They are Mercury, Copper and Arsenic. These metals disable the exact part of the immune system that seeks to control candida! They are often found in ones dental fillings and in tap water. As they pass through the intestinal tract they can stimulate the growth of more candida.

The symptoms can vary so much, I have mentioned just a few of the main ones here...

• Vaginal odour and/or discharge
• Painful sex or sexual dysfunction
• PMS and/or menstrual pain
• Acne
• Eczema
• Respiratory Infections
• Food Allergies
• Gas
• Depression or mood swings
• Chronic rashes
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Irritability
• Joint pain or swelling
• Headaches or constant migraines
• Impotence

Now knowing the main triggers of a yeast infection, how do you go about finding relief from the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing candida symptoms?

Prescription drugs don't get to the root of the problem. They just mask over your candida symptoms. They may help you to find temporary relief from your discomfort, but they don't correct the long term cause of yeast infections. Billions of dollars are spent each year on antibiotics, creams, nasal sprays, unnecessary hospital visits, operations and antidepressants, due to mis-diagnosis of yeast infections.

A yeast infection starts from the inside and can only be treated and cured from the inside. If you continue to treat your candida symptoms externally by simply killing the yeast, or by using antibiotics, you are literally putting your health on the line and you will never get rid of your infection.

Your body sends you messages all the time. Most of us ignore the majority of them. A yeast infection is, after all, a desperate message from your body telling you that something is wrong inside. The only way you can ever cure your infection is from within by listening to what your body is trying to tell you. The key to your success is working with your body by stopping the internal cause of the yeast infection while maintaining that inner natural balance where candida overgrowth ceases to exist.