FitSugar

DrSugar Answers: Is Candida the Culprit?

DrSugar — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:42 PST

DrSugar is in the house, and she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I have been experiencing severe stomach pains for about four months, as well as other lesser symptoms like fatigue and skin breakouts. So far, my doctor is leaning toward the all-encompassing diagnosis of IBS, which obviously can only be "managed" (so far unsuccessfully) with lifestyle changes. I have tried eliminating gluten and dairy, which helped at first, but the pain has flared up again. Somebody at work suggested my problem might be candida. Is candida a "real" medical problem? And if so, are there diagnostic tests or medicinal treatments available? Any information about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for candida would be much appreciated. Thank you!
- Tender Tummy

To see DrSugar's response continue reading.

Yeast Infection Vaccine?

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

If you've ever had to deal with the annoyance of a yeast infection, then you might be interested to know a vaccine to prevent them is in the works. Early lab tests of the vaccine performed on mice have been successful.

Female mice were given one of several variations of the vaccine, and then were exposed to a lethal dose of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for yeast infections. Another group of female mice were given a placebo vaccine to create a control group. The mice who received the yeast infection vaccine had a 40 to 100 percent survival rate, while the control group sadly all died. I'm not sure why they had to give them a "lethal dose" of this fungus (since I wouldn't say a typical yeast infection is deadly - just horribly uncomfortable), but it seems that the vaccine has worked.

Tell me ladies, once this becomes safe for humans, would you get a vaccine to prevent yeast infections?

Source

Underwear and Exercise: Health Risks If You Wear or Go Bare

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:06:06 PDT

While halfway through my morning workout I said to my running buddy, "Dang, I shouldn't have worn this underwear!" She was surprised I was wearing any at all. That got me thinking - is it healthier to wear panties while exercising, or is going commando better for your lady business? If you do wear undies, are certain materials or styles healthier?

The combination of heat, sweat, and friction in your nether regions is not only uncomfortable, it can be unhealthy. Tight and nonbreathable clothing traps heat and moisture, which can encourage the growth of candida, and lead to an unbearable yeast infection. That's not the only thing you have to worry about. When bacteria travels from back to front, it increases your risk for contracting an uncomfortable urinary tract infection (UTI) as well. These can both be prevented if you pay special attention to what you wear below the waist.

There's a lot worth mentioning about your unmentionables, so keep reading to find out what you should be wearing when working out.

DrSugar: Antibiotics, Probiotics, and Yeast

DrSugar — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:00:14 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I am on antibiotics (Clindamycin) to clear up an infected tooth before having a root canal. Good times, I know. I haven’t taken antibiotics in years, but know that they give me a serious yeast infection. I have upped my yogurt intake to twice daily and have been taking a probiotics pill twice a day too. Is that overkill? Should I be doing more? And if so, what do you recommend to keep the secondary yeast problem at bay. Thanks!
- Possibly Over-proactive

First off, I’d like to give you well wishes on a speedy recovery from your recent root canal! I’m really glad you asked this question, because antibiotics are some of the most commonly prescribed medications and for women, taking antibiotics can definitely lead to yeast infections. To see why antibiotics can lead to yeast infections and what you can do to try and prevent it, keep reading.

DrSugar Answers: Running and Yeast Infections

DrSugar — Thu, 13 May 2010 09:00:11 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I am training for my first marathon and have slowly been increasing my mileage and am experiencing an unexpected side effect: yeast infections. Not too sexy I know, but a painful problem. I know in my non-running life to wear loose cotton clothing to help prevent getting a yeast infection, but when logging miles that is just not an option due to chafing issues. I am hoping you can give me some preventative advice. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!
- A Runner

First of all, congratulations on training for your first marathon! What an accomplishment and I wish you all the best on your fitness goals! I will quickly review causes of yeast infections, then answer your excellent question, so keep reading.

DrSugar on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DrSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:57 PST

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's teaching us about digestive issues.

In last week’s column, I answered a great question from a reader who was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her physician. I addressed her question regarding Candida infection of the gastrointestinal system but felt that a separate column on IBS was warranted, given its common prevalence and media attention. As many as one in five adult Americans have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than men; the onset of the symptoms occurs before the age of 35 in over half of people with IBS.

To learn more continue reading.