The overgrowth of the Candida fungus can be due to a weakened immune system and strengthening it is of great help to recover and avoid relapses.
- What is thrush?
- What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
- Does thrush cure itself?
People who often suffer from thrush often wonder if thrush will cure itself. In some cases, thrush may go away on its own without treatment. This is more likely to occur when the infection is mild and the person has a strong immune system that is able to fight it.
A strong immune system is key to preventing many diseases. It protects us against foreign invaders (such as viruses, bacteria or fungi), and also prevents an overgrowth of microorganisms that inhabit our body. That is why taking care of our defenses is essential to avoid and combat candidiasis. We tell you how to improve immunity to encourage candidiasis to cure itself.
WHAT IS THRUSH?
Candidiasis is an infection with the Candida fungus. This fungus can be found naturally in our skin, mouth, digestive tract or vagina without causing any kind of problem. Under normal conditions, our immune system is able to keep the growth of Candida in the body under control. In some cases, however, this fungus can multiply and cause an infection.
The main risk factors associated with candidiasis are the use of antibiotic medications for a long time, hormonal changes, poorly controlled diabetes, obesity and having a weakened immune system.
Although not usually considered a sexually transmitted disease, thrush can be transmitted during sex if one partner has the infection. In this case, it especially affects women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 75% of women will have at least one episode of vaginal thrush in their lifetime, and more than half will have two or more.
Candidiasis can also affect other areas of the human body such as the skin, nails, mouth, throat or urinary tract.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDIASIS?
The symptoms of thrush are different depending on the area of the body affected, but usually include redness, swelling, itching, and pain.
Vaginal candidiasis also causes abnormal discharge (thicker or whitish and smelling different than usual) and pain when urinating and during sex.
DOES THRUSH CURE ITSELF?
Treatment of thrush depends on the area of the body, the type and severity of the infection, and may include antifungal medications, hygiene measures to prevent the fungus from proliferating, and dietary changes (such as avoiding sugar, alcohol, and processed foods and increasing intake of probiotic foods such as yogurt) and lifestyle.
In some cases, thrush may go away on its own without treatment. This is more likely to occur when the infection is mild and the person has a strong immune system that is able to fight it. In this sense, strengthening the immune system can help fight candidiasis and some of the measures to achieve this are:
- Follow a healthy diet that includes nutrient-dense foods, protein, and healthy fats. It is important to ensure a good supply of vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and probiotics.
- Perform physical activity on a regular basis. Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation and increase the production of immune cells.
- Get enough sleep, because lack of sleep is one of the factors that weaken the immune system.
- Reduce stress, as chronic stress also impairs the immune system. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing are of great help to achieve this.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other toxic substances.
However, time should not pass and wait for thrush to heal on its own because it could get worse and cause serious complications, such as infertility, invasive infections (such as candidemia, when the infection enters the blood), permanent skin damage or pregnancy complications.