Diet

There are many different tiny organisms living on our bodies some of which aid us, some cause harm i.e make us ill, and some do nothing. The fungus that causes a yeast infection called Candida Albicans is one of the microorganisms that when kept in small numbers does nothing. Good bacteria control its growth and while they are in balance all is fine. But if something happens to those good bacteria the fungus can overgrow and this leads to a yeast infection. This is why we have to prevent the yeast in order to don’t have to treat the yeast infection.

Rather than having to treat a yeast infection if you know the triggers you can take steps to prevent it ever being a problem for you! Here are a few thing you can do. Wear clothing that is not too tight. Tight clothing makes you sweaty as the air is not circulating, and the yeast will thrive in that kind of warm and wet environment. When choosing underwear opt for cotton as it allows the skin to breathe and so you are more likely to stay dry.

What you eat and drink can be a trigger for an overgrowth so look at your Diet as another way to prevent a yeast infection. Foods to cut down on or completely cut out are junk, processed and refined. Also avoid yeasty foods like beer or bread and sugar. The fungus feeds on sugar, so the more sugar you eat the more you are feeding the fungus and helping it to grow. Foods you can eat more of that can help are cranberries or the juice, probiotic yogurt, vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Of course keeping clean is important, but just as important is keeping dry and the products you use. Wash with gentle soaps, do not use chemicals that can cause irritation and upset the balance of the vagina’s natural flora. Douching also kills the good bacteria and can lead to a yeast infection and is not necessary anyway. If you are pregnant visit your doctor and is you are still sexually active and use petroleum based lubrication, swap to water based.

Basically you need to decide whether you want to try natural remedies or stick with more conventional drug based treatments. Your doctor will prescribe something stronger if you have a severe infection that has not responded to over treatment methods. Or of your infection is milder you can look at over the counter treatments from a pharmacy. There are many brands to choose from and treatment comes in several forms. Natural methods are what some turn to when disappointed by conventional. They include remedies like yogurt used as a lotion, apple cider vinegar in water used as a bath, or even raw garlic used as a suppository.

For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our yeast infection treatment website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: treat yeast infection

Diet