The human body is a haven for microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Generally, however, those that reside in your body share a mutually beneficial relationship with you (or your body, however you want it). They help you synthesize and break down essential vitamins that your body needs, fight off any infection, and stimulate your body's immune system. On the other hand, you provide them with nourishment, protection, and transportation. All in all, your body and the microorganisms that live within it strikes a balance that essentially keeps you healthy and living.

There are also microorganisms that strike up a commensal relationship with your body—that is, they don't harm your body in any way while you provide them with nourishment. An example of this microorganism is the yeast, specifically, those of the Candida albicans genus. Normally, they won't give you any problems. However, if they multiply uncontrollably, they will give you the condition that is candida, which happens to be a general term for any disease that the yeast of the candida species cause.

More commonly known as yeast infection or thrush, candida (or candidiasis) is a fungal infection caused about by any of the fungus under the Candida species. Because there are a lot of fungi classified under candida, candidiasis therefore encompasses a rather large range of infections, from the simple vaginitis and oral thrush diseases to those that are life-threatening and systemic, especially if the person is immunocompromised.

Normally, for people whose immune systems are working fine, candida manifests itself in the following ways: through the oral cavity (called oral thrush), the esophagus, the pharynx, the intestines, and the vagina, although candidiasis can also occur in the male genitalia. For those people who are immunocompromised, the infection can hit the esophagus and become systemic, resulting in a more serious condition that is called candidemia. The most common cases of yeast infection, however, is vaginal and oral.

Vaginal yeast infection is not generally considered a sexually-transmitted disease, although a small percentage of men who engage in sexual intercourse with women who have them develop symptoms like penile rash and itching. Under normal circumstances, vaginal yeast infection isn't life-threatening although it can be an annoying distraction in your daily activities. Keep in mind, however, that vaginal yeast infection can be an underlying symptom for another more serious condition. Because of this, it is recommended that you check with your physician to make sure.

There are several causes for vaginal yeast infection. Some of these are:

• Antibiotics – You would think that antibiotics are essential in combating harmful bacteria that exists all around you all the time and, in most cases, you would be right. However, there are instances where taking antibiotics can kill the friendly bacteria that inhibit excess yeast growth.

• Steroids

• Diabetes – Since yeast thrives on glucose, any condition that affects your body's glucose level, such as diabetes, can cause yeast infection. Other things that affect glucose (and hormone) level include hormone pills, pregnancy, and a vulnerable immune system.

• Douches or any feminine hygiene sprays

• Vaginal scratches – Your vagina may get scratches from insertion of tampons or any other materials)

• Tight underwear – tight-fitting underwear can increase moisture, temperature, and irritation.The usual symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include severe itching on the vaginal area, accompanied by vaginal discharge (typically grayish-white and thick) as well as a feeling of irritation on the vagina and the vaginal area. Since these are also typical of other female genital diseases, consulting a physician for correct diagnosis is recommended.

If you're confirmed to have vaginal yeast infection, you can do several things to get rid or at least lessen its symptoms.

Take over the counter topical creams and suppositories. There are several products in the market that allow you to combat yeast infections. When choosing the right medication, make sure it has any of the four active ingredients needed to break down the infection. These are: nitrate, butoconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, and tioconazole. All are effective anti-fungal medicines and they stop the Candida fungus as well as restore your yeast levels to healthy amounts.

Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing or underwear cause or further irritate any growing yeast infection you may have, especially if they're synthetic (as synthetic clothing doesn't allow your body to breathe). The reason for this is that tight clothing traps in moisture and heat—conditions that are very favorable to the growth and multiplication of fungi and bacteria. Get back the yeast levels to normal by wearing loose, clean clothing. You can even be daring and not wear anything at all, if you like.

Keep yourself clean and dry. It might seem like common sense, but keeping your genital and genital area clean and dry inhibits the growth of bacteria. If you're already suffering from the infection, then constant cleaning of the area will relive the irritation that usually comes with the infection.

Avoid the use of chemicals that may exacerbate yeast infection. There are chemicals found in dyes, inks, or perfumes that are found in tampons, underwear, hygienic sprays, and any other materials that are in contact with your crotch that can cause yeast infections. If your genitals become irritated after the use of these things, try to isolate the cause right away and as much as possible, use environmentally-derives, nature-friendly alternatives.

Aside from vaginal yeast infections, the other common form of candida is oral yeast infection, commonly known as oral thrush. Oral thrush usually causes white, creamy lesions to form on your inner cheeks and tongue, sometimes extending to your gums and tonsils, and even the roof of your mouth. The lesions may be painful and may cause bleeding when they are scraped.

If you're suffering from oral yeast infection, you can do the following to alleviate or get rid of the symptoms.

Rinse your mouth well. Rinsing your mouth properly will remove the excess yeast bacteria that populates your mouth. Try not to use antibacterial gargles or toothpaste as these may kill the helpful bacteria that help in keeping the yeast under control. If you're using a corticosteroid inhaler, then be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after you've taken your medicine. Steroids promote yeast growth.

Eat yogurt. Especially get yogurt that contains the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. These bacteria can kill off the yeast bacteria, stopping or controlling their growth in your mouth. If you can't stand yogurt, you can also take acidophilus capsules when taking your antibiotics.

See your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist regularly, like once every six months or so, can help you keep track of your oral health. You should do this especially if you're suffering from diseases that upset your hormones and affect glucose production, like diabetes. Do the usual dental care: brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss after every meal. If you wear dentures, then be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Be careful with what you eat. Since glucose promotes yeast production, control your consumption of any food that contains much sugar. Also, try to limit food that contains yeast like bread as well as wine. Consuming these might promote the growth of candida.

There are other forms of yeast infections but the two mentioned above are among the most common. Since yeast infection generally are the result of the same type of yeast, using one treatment will usually work with another. In every case, it is always recommended that you check with your physician just to make sure. After all, your doctors know best.

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