Taking Antiobiotics And Now Have A Yeast Infection?

"I am taking antibiotics and now I have a yeast infection."  Those are words spoken by many people especially women. You're not alone.

Hear the word antibiotics and your first thought is "great for treating infections". In our mind we often connect antibiotics with other words like healing, wellness and medical treatment. Yet sometimes we forget antibiotics cannot only kill the 'bad' bacteria, but also good bacteria as well.

When we take antibiotics we upset the normal bacteria balance inside our body. Yes, we have a normal bacteria balance in our body. Bacteria help us digest food. Some very helpful bacteria help us break down carbohydrates in our body so we can use the food as energy. For women another helpful bacteria balances the yeast normal found in the vagina. The helpful bacteria keep the pH balanced so normal yeast doesn't overgrow.

The problem with antibiotics is when the antibiotic kills the helpful bacteria. We can end up with diarrhea or yeast infections or even other infections.

Does that mean we shouldn't use antibiotics? No, it just means using antibiotics appropriately. Ask your healthcare provider if the prescription is really needed. Too often providers write antibiotic prescriptions because they think we want a prescription to fix our sore throat or cold. And the antibiotic doesn't do much to help the common cold or virus caused flu. In fact, taking antibiotics can lead to the development of superbugs, which are resistant or not affected by antibiotics.

If you are taking antibiotics, be aware of the possibility of yeast infections. Yeast infections are found on the skin, mouth, and in skin folds. Yeast grows best in warm, damp areas. For women, vaginal yeast infection is frequently seen with taking antibiotics.

Some antibiotics seem to predispose people to yeast infections. These include Keflex and the rest of the cephlasporin family. Other antibiotics such as amoxicillin, augementin and other penicillin family can also lead to yeast infections in some people.

When you are given a needed antibiotic for an infection, consider adding yogurt with active cultures to boost your natural body's defenses. Eat a healthy diet with vegetables to boost your immune system.

If recurrent yeast infection is a problem for you, then consider an anti Candida diet. You can find some excellent information at Natural Remedies for Yeast Infection. Want some tasty, easy to make recipes for your anti Candida diet? Then check out the cookbook, Yeast Free Cooking Recipes for delicious recipes you and your family will love.

Photo courtesy of Richard Dunstan