Amber Rose

Socialite Amber Rose sparked concern on social media when she posted this photo of herself and Instagram model Lira Galore on Instagram.

Amber’s alert followers noticed Amber and Lira had a white coating on their tongues. Amber’s followers suspected a yeast infection might be the cause.

Many of Amber’s followers suggested tongue scrapers or a trip to the doctor (considering her unhealthy sexual lifestyle)

Needless to say, Amber deleted the photo.

So what causes whitening of the tongue?

The cause can be as simple as mild dehydration or as serious as HIV/AIDS infection.

Yeast infections of the tongue are caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.

Candida fungus is normally present in our mouths or in the body in safe amounts.

When Candida yeast grows out of control (overgrowth), it appears as a white, cottage cheese-like substance on the tongue, throat, anus, or vagina.

What causes Candida to grow out of control?

Healthy bacteria in our intestines keeps Candida yeast in check. Taking prescription antibiotics or getting a colonic can destroy the good bacteria in our intestines and allow the Candida to grow out of control.

Also, infections such as HIV can cause Candida to proliferate inside our mouths, intestines and vagina.

Other factors that cause Candida to grow out of control:

  • Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
  • HIV/AIDS or other illness
  • Weak immune system
  • Medications (antibiotics, etc)
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Taking oral contraceptives
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Living a high-stress lifestyle
  • Not getting enough rest

    • Symptoms of Candida overgrowth include:

  • White patches in the mouth, cheeks, throat, palate (roof of your mouth), and tongue
  • Mouth or throat pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling fatigued (tired all the time)
  • Mood wings, depression, anxiety
  • Itchy ears
  • Strong cravings for sweet sugary snacks and meals high in carbohydrates

    • Diagnosing Oral Candidiasis

    Your doctor will examine you and take down your medical history. Things your doctor will ask you is if you’ve recently engaged in high risk sexual behaviors such as oral and anal sex; if you drink or smoke and the frequency; and what medications you’re taking.

    Your doctor will also give you a blood test to look for certain antibodies that increase in the presence of high Candida levels.

    Treatment

    Your doctor will prescribe anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan or Nyastatin, to decrease the yeast to safe levels in your body.

    Yeast loves sugar, so your doctor will caution you to eliminate simple sugars from your diet, such as sugary beverages, candy and sweet snacks. Also eliminate fermenting foods such as pickles.

    Your doctor will suggest you eat more complex carbohydrates, like grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta and potatoes.

    Over-the-counter Probiotics can help you keep the Candida in your gut in check. But beware of taking OTC Probiotics if you have been diagnosed with ulcers in your stomach or intestinal problems.

    Probiotics are made with live bacteria that can cause serious infections and other problems if they get into your bloodstream.

    If you take OTC Probiotics, and you suddenly develop a high fever, go to the ER and tell the nurse or doctor you’re taking Probiotics.

    Thanks to loyal reader Israel Size for the tip.

    More Info On the Web

    Candida and Oral Thrush – Medicinenet.com

    10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth – MindBodyGreen.com

    Yeast Infections (Men and Women) – WebMD

    The Candida Diet – TheCandidaDiet.com

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following advice found on this blog.