a healthier life

Exposing Yeast Infection Prevention And Treatment

There are some microorganisms living on our body that help us such as ‘good bacteria’ which work with the immune system. There are also some that either do nothing at all or actually cause us harm. One of these is called Candida Albicans and it is a fungus. The good bacteria work to keep the numbers of this fungus at low levels and while that is happening we stay healthy. But if the good bacteria are killed or something trigger an imbalance, the fungus will grow very quickly into larger numbers that will cause us harm as it causes a yeast infection.

Prevention: Avoid wearing tight clothing and underwear. The fungus loves moist and warm areas, this is why the vaginal infection is so common. You need to wear underwear that allows air to the vagina and clothing that allows circulation. Cotton is best as it allows the skin to breathe.

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.

Clean regularly and keep the area dry. Avoid chemical use there such as feminine sprays. Do not douche. During sexual intercourse use lubricants that are water based rather than petroleum based. Pregnancy makes a woman more likely to get an infection so avoid steroids.

There are over the counter treatments that are drug based from a pharmacy, or if you need something stronger your doctor can prescribe something. There are also natural remedies that women have tried and tested. You may have to find the right one for you but such remedies include yogurt, either eating it or using it like a cream. Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water to make solution for cleaning the area with. Raw garlic can be eaten or a peeled clove inserted in the vagina or gentian violet can be used on the vulva.

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: yeast infection during pregnancy