Did you know that your body is home to trillions of microorganisms? These tiny organisms, known collectively as the microbiome, reside on our skin, in our nose, mouth, and even intestines. Some bacteria are good for us while others can be harmful. Yeast falls into the latter category. Yeast is a type of fungus that grows readily in moist environments with ample access to sugars.
Many people associate yeast with the production of beer and bread but it is present in many other places as well. For example, there are over 80 different strains of Candida albicans (also known as “thrush”) that live on human skin without causing harm or symptoms.
However, when a person’s immune system becomes compromised or pH levels become unbalanced in their body (as might happen after taking antibiotics), these harmless strains can turn parasitic and feed off of human sugars to thrive and grow rapidly. This article discusses everything you need to know about yeast infections and their impact on the body—including how to prevent them from occurring again in the future.
What Is A Yeast?
A fungus that can grow as single-celled organisms or as filaments (hence “yeast”), yeast is a type of microorganism that is naturally present in our bodies and our environment. There are many types of yeast, but one very common type is Candida albicans.
Most people have some amount of yeast in their bodies, but it usually stays in balance and causes no harm. When the balance is disturbed, yeast can multiply and cause infections, like oral thrush, vaginal infections, and diaper rash. People with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for yeast infections because the yeast has an easier time growing and taking over the body tissues where it’s present.
Benefits of Yeast for your Body
Yeast provides a tremendous amount of health benefits to your body – including the following: –
- Proper digestion – The breakdown and assimilation of amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids can be improved with the addition of yeast to the diet.
- Natural detoxification – A healthy liver is responsible for the removal of toxins from the body. Yeast is rich in B vitamins that help improve liver function and the natural detoxification process.
- The boosted immune system – A healthy immune system can fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other diseases.
- Improved skin – The vitamins and minerals found in yeast stimulate collagen production and help keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- Strong bones – Vitamin B12 found in yeast is essential for the proper formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Improved mood – B vitamins found in yeast promote serotonin production in the brain which is responsible for mood, sleep, and appetite control.
- Better hair – B vitamins also help your hair grow thicker and stronger.
- Enhanced athletic performance – The B vitamins in yeast can improve endurance and performance in athletes.
- Reduced risk of heart disease – Vitamin B6 found in yeast helps lower the risk of heart disease.
- Healthy pregnancy – Vitamin B6 also helps with fetal development and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
- Improved brain function – Vitamin B12 found in yeast can improve memory and concentration.
Yeast Can Get Out of Balance
Yeast is a type of fungi that grows on the surface of the skin and in warm, moist places. It is a beneficial microorganism that helps to break down sugars and release nutrients, but can also cause infection.
If the immune system is weak or the pH balance of the body becomes unbalanced, yeast can get out of balance and can cause infection. Yeast infections are a common side effect of antibiotic use. Antibiotics kill off a normal population of bacteria in the body. This can create an environment where yeast can thrive.
A vaginal infection may cause itching, irritation or a burning sensation while urinating. It can also cause vaginal discharge and discomfort during sex. Candida grows in the mouth as oral thrush, causing white patches on the tongue or the inside of the cheeks.
Your Immune System’s Involved
The human body is an ecosystem. It’s a balance between good and bad bacteria, as well as other microorganisms that live in our bodies. There are around 100 trillion bacteria in your body, weighing about 3 pounds.
There are good bacteria that help us to digest our food and absorb nutrients and bad bacteria that cause diseases. The strongest part of our body is our immune system and it does a great job at keeping our bodies free from bad bacteria.
But when antibiotics are taken, the immune system is weakened and it can’t do its job as well as before. Bacteria can grow and cause infections, but they can also change into fungus.
This is exactly what happens when you get a yeast infection. Your immune system isn’t able to keep the fungus under control. This is why you should always use condoms when having sex with a new partner if you have a yeast infection.
About Candida
Candida, also known as thrush, is a type of fungus that has several species. While generally harmless to healthy people, it can cause infection in people whose immune systems are compromised, such as babies, those who are pregnant, diabetics, those who are immunocompromised from diseases like HIV, or who are taking antibiotics, which kill off the good bacteria in the gut that keep Candida in check.
The most common types of Candida are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. This fungus lives in small amounts in most people’s bodies, but can grow and cause an infection if the immune system is compromised. It usually lives in the mucous membranes of the body, such as the mouth, intestines, and vagina. Candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida. It’s also called a yeast infection.
What Is A Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the naturally occurring fungus called Candida. A yeast infection can happen in any part of the body, but it is most common in the mouth and the area between the vagina and the rectum.
A vaginal yeast infection causes itching, irritation, and sometimes a foul-smelling discharge. It can also cause burning when urinating, and irritation during sex.
A yeast infection in the mouth causes white patches to appear on the tongue or inside the cheeks. If you get a yeast infection, you can treat it with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medicines.
You can also prevent a yeast infection by making healthy choices like limiting your sugar intake, using condoms during sex, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing.
Yeast Infection Signs
Some of the common signs of yeast infection in women include itching and irritation in the vagina, a thick and white discharge from the vagina, and pain during urination. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to visit your doctor and get medical advice. The doctor may prescribe you antifungal medications.
There are many natural remedies for yeast infections, such as baking soda, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and garlic. Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable and cause a lot of pain, so the sooner that you start treatment, the better. Yeast infections are easily treated, so it is best to look for signs and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Yeast Used In Food Products
Yeast is used as a leavening agent in many baked goods such as bread, pizza dough, and pastries. It is also used in brewing beer and wine and is sometimes added to processed meats such as sausages and hot dogs. Though many yeast food products are safe, they can occasionally be contaminated with other harmful microorganisms, such as the fungus that causes yeast infections.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is often used as a vegan cheese replacement. It is rich in B-vitamins, protein, fiber, and amino acids. Some brands of nutritional yeast contain inflammatory ingredients, but many brands are also gluten-free.
Nutritional yeast can be used as a condiment or sprinkled on meals for added flavor and nutrients. It is especially popular in vegan diets. Though it contains many vitamins, nutritional yeast is not a replacement for a multi-vitamin. It contains very little Vitamin B-12, which is often the deficiency that vegans are at risk for.
It Might Fight Cancer
Yeast may improve your health in many other ways. Some people believe that yeast may help prevent or even treat cancer. There is limited research on the topic, but some studies suggest that certain types of yeast may reduce tumor size and number in people with cancer. The benefits of yeast are largely dependent on the type of yeast consumed and how it is prepared.
When it comes to choosing a yeast product, you have many different options available to you. You can use nutritional yeast, baking yeast, or beer yeast for cooking. When it comes to medicine, some of the most common types of yeast are Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, and Candida.
