Preventing Yeast Infections through Diet
Balancing the Body's PH with one's Dietary Intake
Mar 31, 2009
Yeast infections happen to almost every woman at least once in her life. The stinging, itching, white discharge and burning sensations are extremely unpleasant. The condition can make the daily activities of life impossible and create embarrassment. Finding out what causes yeast infections helps prevent them, as does a diet rich in acidic foods. Taking acidophilus supplements is also crucial. Yeast infections can be avoided with appropriate self-care.
What Causes Yeast Infections?
In a healthy woman's body, vaginal secretions are balanced. However, the natural pH balance in the vaginal canal can be disrupted for many reasons. Taking antibiotics is the number one cause of yeast infections. Doctors rarely mention this side effect of the drugs, causing an infection to develop which then must be treated by creams and ovules, many of which take 3-7 days to work effectively.
A woman's pH balance is also affected by taking birth control pills, her menstrual cycle, her levels of hormones in general as well as her overall health and diet. Some hygiene products can irritate the vaginal lining and create conditions ripe for yeast infections. See a doctor to diagnose yeast infections as the symptoms are readily confused with bacterial infections and several venereal diseases.
Use Diet to Prevent Yeast Infections
Once a woman gets a yeast infection, it can be expensive and time consuming to treat. The infection can be more uncomfortable than the illness potentially being treated by antibiotics. Yeast infections render exercise, daily activities, sitting and even sleeping problematic and painful.
Preventing yeast infections is the preferable route to take. Eating a diet low in sugars and carbohydrates is a good start. Steer clear from refined foods as they contain the simple sugars that yeast infections feed on. Make sure one's daily intake of whole grains, lean meats or other proteins, vegetables and a small amount of fruits is high.
Especially important is yoghurt consumption. Unsweetened acidophilus yoghurt, eaten daily, will combat the yeasty environment of the vagina and boost one's immune system. Garlic can also help, due to its antifungal properties and the manner in which it promotes good health. Avoid fermented foods like alcohol, cheeses and peanut butter if yeast infections are chronic.
Chronic yeast infections, over four a year, can be a sign of a more dangerous condition. Aim to avoid this aggravating problem by choosing a diet that maintains overall health and an acidic pH balance. If on antibiotics, also take an acidophilus supplement and wear a clean, unscented panty liner. Yeast infections don't have to be endured; they can be prevented.
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