Yeast and Penicillin: The Connection, The Prevention

Those who are prone to yeast infections should be aware that taking antibiotics can increase the chances of candida overgrowth in your body. While taking the antibiotics might be necessary for you to clear up an infection in your body, having a yeast infection does not have to be the consequence if you follow some natural candida remedy advice.

What is Candida?

Candida are present in our bodies in low quantities. We have intestinal flora that helps us with digestion but some of those bacteria can be bothersome if they multiply beyond healthy levels. A lot of things can cause candida infections but taking antibiotics can increase your chances of having an infection, especially if you’ve had yeast problems in the past. Candida isn’t just a vaginal infection. It is increasingly being recognized as causing an overall feeling of malaise and sometimes the vaginal infection doesn’t even happen when someone is suffering from yeast infections and an overgrowth of candida.

Candida can present itself in a vaginal or penile infection as well as rash and for some it results in bloating, gas, food cravings, sinus infection, joint pain, flu like symptoms, thrush, halitosis, mood swings, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms. You don’t have to take an over the counter drug or cream, though. There are many natural remedies and there are proactive approaches to help you avoid yeast overgrowth altogether. When you are taking antibiotics like Penicillin, you might have to take extra care and caution.

What is the candida and antibiotic connection?

Antibiotics kill bacteria. The problem is that they don’t discriminate. Instead of just killing the bacteria that are causing you an illness or infection, they wipe out all the flora in your digestive system. This means that they kill the good guys too. The good bacteria keeps the bad bacteria in check, so to speak and when the good guys are all gone, candida albicans yeast (the bacteria responsible for candidiasis) can replicate at warp speed and cause a whole host of unpleasant side effects.

Should you avoid antibiotics?

Those who’ve suffered this type of infection don’t look forward to relapses but sometimes antibiotics are a necessity. There are some proactive approaches you can follow to help you get through this period of time when your body isn’t going to be as equipped to fend off candida as usual.

Follow a candida diet. Remove candida causing agents from your diet and avoid foods that candida thrive on namely sugar, alcohol and yeast. Avoid junk food as well.

Take a supplement such as a synbiotic or a daily dose of organic apple cider vinegar which is known to help prevent candida.

Probiotic and prebiotic juices, yogurts and cheeses can be taken to help encourage friendly flora growth in your body. Probiotics contain friendly flora and prebiotics feed them so they can replicate and survive in your body.

Get plenty of exercise and rest as well. When you’re taking an antibiotic, obviously you’re already unwell so do your best to make your health your top priority.