Candida albanis, a type of yeast found in the dark warm places in our body is what causes the infection. Normally these are kept in check by the good bacteria in our body such as lacto acidophilus, which prevent the yeast from becoming overgrown.

However if you are taking antibiotics, under stress, or your immune system has been compromised due to sickness these good bacteria can die off leaving the candida to multiply and take over. The candida can get into the blood stream and cause a number of symptoms which can include:

- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Mouth ulcers
- Digestion problems
- Weakness
- Genital itching and rash
- Penile discharge
- Infection

It is important to remember that we not only get antibiotics from our doctors, but that we also get them from our food. Chickens, cows, pigs and other animals that we eat receive large doses of antibiotics, so when you eat them you also ingest antibiotics. Dairy products can also contain antibiotics as they are given to the cows to protect against infection.

So you can stay away from antibiotics by reducing your meat and dairy consumption. You can also eat a diet that helps to maintain a healthy immune system and nurtures the good bacteria in our system.