Yeast candida infection is not often very well understood, even by people who suffer from this condition. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about candida and we’re going to answer them in this article.

• What exactly is the “yeast” in a “yeast infection”?
• Is it the same yeast found in bread?
• Is candida a type of yeast or vice-versa?
• Are there different types of yeast?
• Is a yeast infection contagious?
• Is yeast a natural part of every human’s bodily systems?

Let’s start with the basics. According to Wikipedia, “Yeasts are a growth form of eukaryotic (basically, having nucleus structures) microorganisms classified in the kingdom Fungi. Approximately 1,500 species of yeasts have been described, most of which reproduce asexually by budding, although in a few cases by binary fission.”

Interestingly, the yeast in bread (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is just a different species of yeast than that found in yeast infections (candida albicans), but both are, in fact, yeasts. Again according to Wikipedia, “Yeasts have recently been used to generate electricity in microbial fuel cells, and produce ethanol for the biofuel industry.

Candida is a species of yeast, and candida albicans is the most common of the candida species. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by any member of the candida species, and is usually referred to as yeast infection or thrush. In persons with healthy immune systems, candidiasis is usually only found in exposed and moist parts of the body – mouth, vagina and/or vulva, skin folds in a child’s diaper area, nipples while breastfeeding, the ear, or the penis/foreskin in men. In people with immune system problems, the infection can spread to the esophagus and throughout the body, leading to a serious condition know as fungemia. Candida albicans is the primary culprit in a vaginal yeast infection.

Candida albicans is naturally present in a number of people, and only causes a problem when the body’s ability to control its growth is compromised. A recent study found about 19% of women carrying Candida albicans vaginally, and most showed little or no symptoms. A number of factors can cause this imbalance, including external irritants (some detergents or douches), and internal disturbances (hormone imbalance), which can upset the naturally occurring “flora” and lead to yeast overgrowth. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, antibiotic use, and diabetes mellitus have also been linked to yeast infections. Sugars, and sources of sugars (sucrose, glucose, lactose, starches) can also lead to yeast overgrowth, which is why diet may play an important part in the treatment of yeast infections.

A candida yeast infection – candidiasis – can be transmitted between sexual partners. Babies with diaper rash should be kept as clean and as dry as possible, to prevent further yeast growth. And, since breast milk is an ideal environment for yeast growth, thrush in the baby’s mouth or on the mother’s nipples should be treated as soon as possible.

Candida yeast will always be with us, but, as with everything, yeast problems arise from an imbalance in our bodies, and this imbalance should be treated as quickly as possible with some combination of diet, health habits, and medication. Many over-the-counter remedies are very effective at treating yeast infections these days, but do consult your doctor if your symptoms remain or become serious.