Archives for November 2009

Yeast Infection Treatments – What Are The Options?

Yeast infection treatments are generally focussed on clearing the fungal organism Candida albicans which causes the condition.  While antibiotics are designed to target bacteria, anti-fungal medications and lotions are produced to clear up conditions caused by fungal infections.

Candida albicans, the organism that causes the yeast infection, is naturally present on our bodies. When we are fit and healthy the body keeps the levels of this organism in check.  Problems can arise when an imbalance occurs and this opportunistic organism takes its’ chance and begins to grow rapidly.  There are many reasons why this imbalance can occur, such as low immunity, when you have been on a course of antibiotics, if you have been using strong, scented body washes, if you have not dried yourself thoroughly after bathing or you have not been getting enough nutrients from your diet.

There are a variety of yeast infection treatments available to target this fungal growth and restore good health.   So, if you have a yeast infection, you have a number of treatment options to consider. You could consult a medical professional and get a prescription to clear the problem, you can buy over the counter medications from your pharmacist or you may chose to use a natural anti-fungal treatment.

Oral treatments

All medication should be taken with due care, however if you are taking any other medications or you are pregnant be sure to mention this to your doctor or the pharmacist.   This will ensure that you avoid any unnecessary risk.  Combining medications without knowing the effect could damage your health, or if you are pregnant, could possibly harm your baby.

Topical creams

Another way that you could treat yeast infection is by using a topical cream, lotion or ointment.  These are often used in conjunction with oral medications and while they are not quite as invasive as oral medication, it is also still advisable to consult a health professional if you are taking any medication already, or you’re pregnant.

Natural yeast infection treatments

The most popular alternative to pharmacy or prescription medication is to use natural anti-fungal treatments.  As prescribed or over the counter yeast infection treatments are not always suitable, a good alternative is the use of naturally occurring products with anti-fungal properties, such as Tea Tree Oil.   These products are able to help relieve the symptoms and reduce the levels of fungi in the body which are causing the infection.  These products are able to be used throughout a pregnancy, to treat children and should not create any conflicting problems if you are already taking some form of medication.

Choosing between natural yeast infection treatments and over the counter or prescription medication could be a personal choice, or it might be done out of necessity.  If you have any doubts, then it is important to consult a medical expert.  Your health and wellbeing is important and you don’t wish to suffer in silence while you are facing this problem.

How to Worship God in Spirit And in Truth

We live in a time full of temptation and distractions that take our minds off God and put our focus on this mortal life, rather than on the eternal life that awaits those who follow Jesus with all their hearts.  We have so much going on in our lives with work, television, sports, socializing, materialism, family, friends, that we leave very little time for God.  So what can we learn from Jesus’ words to the woman at the well in John 4?  Let’s look at the verses:

John 4:21,23,24 ….’Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.’

One thing that stands out for me is that Jesus says we MUST worship God in spirit and truth.  So this is a command.  Now notice what He says first.  That it doesn’t matter where you worship God, because God isn’t concerned with where you worship, and what type of building you worship in, but HOW you worship.  Afterall, God is a spirit and isn’t concerned with material things.  He isn’t concerned with how good the worship band are, or how funny the preacher is.  No, He is concerned with the state of your heart.

So how do we worship God in spirit?  Well, take a look at the first and greatest commandment.  Mark 12:30 ….’And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.’  This is how we worship God in spirit.  We give our all for Him, all our time, all our money, all our possessions, everything.  We hand it all over to Him.  Can you say that prayer? …. “Lord, here I am with everything I have.  Take it all and use it for your glory.”  Could you let everything in your life go for Jesus?  You need to! 

God must come first in our lives.  I would suggest that you do a test in your life and see if God is first.  Do you spend more time with God than you do watching the TV?  Do you spend more time with God than with your friends?  Do you spend more time with God than playing sport?  Do you read the Bible more than you read novels?  If not, then you need to get on your knees and ask God to help you put Him first in your life.  If you find that you are unable to stop watching the TV, then throw it out, do whatever it takes to put God first.  Afterall, Jesus said that if your right hand causes you to sin, cut if off.  That means whatever in your life is causing you to sin or is stopping you spend time with Him, then get rid of it.  Friend, this is eternity we are talking about.  Don’t lose it just for some temporary pleasures in this short life.

How do we worship God in truth?  Take a look at the following two verses:

John 17:17 ….’Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.’

2 Timothy 2:15 ….’Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.’

We need to study and live according to the truth in God’s Word.  Not according to the tradition of man, like many professing Christians do, but according to the Word of God alone.  We must base our beliefs on scripture alone, and nothing else.  There are too many Christians being led by their pastors, and not studying the Word for themselves, and they are being deceived.  This is why there are so many different denominations out there, because Christians are not studying for themselves.  We must be like the Bereans, who studied everyday to find the truth.  Acts 17:11 …’These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.’

Time is short, we must give our all for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  We must study His Word each day.  We must put Him first in our lives, and worship Him in spirit and truth.  If you would like to find out more about how to worship God in spirit and truth, then visit www.worshipinspiritandtruth.net which has free Bible studies and more information about this issue.