Stress and Yeast Infection
Does stress contribute to yeast infection?
Studies indicate that the immune system is certainly affected by stress. There are three levels of stress: Short term stress, Long term stress and Aging stress.
Our body reacts to short term stress by preparing itself to fight back. A sudden loud noise, a drop from a height are short term stresses experienced by our body which get a rush of adrenaline to fight back. Short term stress also helps enhance our immune system.
On the other hand, long term stress has the reverse effect. The reflex to fight back is dulled over a long period of time, bringing in depression and harmful changes in the immune system. Beginning at the cellular level, it slowly effects the entire body’s immune system, bringing in some irreversible changes. The immunity slowly dies down making the body susceptible to viral and bacterial attacks.
Aging stress affects the elderly and sick people. The degenerating central nervous system slowly becomes desensitized reducing the efficiency of the body’s immune system. The body’s reaction to any infection is retarded and by the time it does react, the fighting power is already weak, straining the body’s immune system and reducing effectiveness.
What causes yeast infection?
Normal and healthy individuals have a fungi called Candida present in their system. However, the healthy person’s immune system does not allow the fungus to multiply. It is when the fungus begins to grow beyond control that yeast infection occurs. This usually happens when the immune system of the individual is compromised due to some illness or a long term or chronic condition. The lowered immunity disables the body from fighting back and lets the yeast grow and multiply.
Though men are affected by yeast infection, it is the women who suffer from this condition far more often. Women often suffer from the vaginal yeast infection because the vagina is close to the excretory system in the female and, therefore, more susceptible to bacterial infection.
Women are also considered to undergo more stress in comparison with males. They go through life having monthly periods, getting pregnant, illnesses, juggling with their personal life and family and going through menopause. These stresses play a major role in increasing the chances of being infected with the condition of yeast infection.
Bringing awareness in women and educating them about reducing stress levels by alternative therapies like yoga and meditation will help them relax and avoid getting affected by yeast infection.
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