Drinking fruit juices may sound like a healthy idea but the high sugar content of some brands may encourage the growth of yeast infections like vaginitis - the inflammation of the vagina characterized by an itching and burning sensation and a thick vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.

This warning comes from Dr. Felicia Stewart, a gynecologist in Sacramento, California who said that consuming excessive amounts of sugar regularly such as those found in some fruit juices may alter the slightly acidic pH environment of the vagina and promote vaginal infections.

Vaginitis and other yeast infections are commonly caused by Candida albicans, a fungus normally present on the skin and on the membranes of the mouth, throat, intestines and vagina. When there is a change in the body environment triggered by pregnancy, menstruation, the use of antibiotics, diabetes or a high-sugar diet, the fungus multiplies rapidly and causes an infection.

The resulting condition is known as candidiasis, candidosis, moniliasis or a yeast infection. If the mouth is affected, it is called thrush. On the skin, the infection may manifest itself as a diaper rash. In women, it is commonly known as vaginitis.

Other contributing factors in yeast infections are stress, the use of birth control pills, tight clothes, and patients receiving chemotherapy or taking drugs that suppress the immune system.

To stop yeast infections from spreading, practice good hygiene. Avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing, routine douching, strong soaps and perfumed products. Don't share your towels with others, wash the secretions away, and clean your hands frequently with soap and water.

When fungi attack the nails and cause them to become thickened, brittle, discolored and dull, you have onychomycosis or a fungal nail infection. This stubborn and painful condition affects more men than women, especially the elderly.

Antifungal creams and topical lotions often don't work since they can't penetrate the nails. Oral antifungal agents, on the other hand, are very expensive and have a lot of side effects. To be on the safe side, switch to Somasin AFS, a natural way to put an end to embarrassing nail infections. Somasin uses a unique dual system to stop fungi in as little as 7 days. Check out for details.