Filed Under (Womens Issues) by Rebecca Wincup on November-23-2008

There are many ways to avoid getting a yeast infection. There are uncomplicated and straightforward tips to prevent yeast infections that can make your life immeasurably better if you have already experienced the pain and discomfort that yeast infections bring.

A yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of the Candida Albicans fungus. It is not practical to completely avoid this fungus as it generally occurs in the body. However, prevention is more about managing it’s growth. Like all fungi, it grows best in a warm, most environment. It is that type of environment on the body that you should guard against coming into contact with Candida.

There are some things that you should avoid so that a yeast infection does not occur. Avoid wearing wet clothing, such as bathing suits, for extended periods of time. Don’t wear tight pants, leotards or spandex. Clothing that fits tightly can trap moisture while cutting off air circulation, creating a perfect environment for the growth of yeast. Also, tight clothing may make you uncomfortable and cause you to pull and scratch at the area, thereby causing more problems.

Selecting looser fitting, natural fabrics for your undergarments is a better choice to avoid the risk of yeast infection. Pantyhose or nylon underwear should be avoided, unless you wear something made from cotton underneath. Cotton helps air go through the fabric and take away moisture with it.

Making sure the vaginal area stays clean and dry is not only good hygiene practice, but also the key to preventing the proliferation of the Candida fungus. Feminine hygiene products with chemicals such as deodorants or perfumes can actually help yeast infections get started or make them worse - don’t use these products.

Use of antibiotics frequently triggers yeast infections. Try to avoid using antibiotics unless absolutely necessary; perhaps embarking on a healthier lifestyle would enable you to eliminate their use. Your doctor can advise you about healthy eating and exercising. Eating yogurt once a day is a great tip to prevent yeast infection that can be helpful in restoring and maintaining the balance of bacteria in your body. Be sure to select a yogurt with active cultures.

A last tip that will hold you in good stead is to be more discerning about the food you eat. Basically, foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugars will encourage yeast to grow in the body and could lead to an infection. So reduce your intake of sugar foods like cakes and soft drinks. Try to eat more fresh food, especially fresh vegetables and fruits in place of high carbohydrate foods. In this regard, you should also think about eating fresh fruits and vegetables at different times to cooked food. If you eat cooked food at the same time as you eat fresh food, the food can ferment inside your stomach. The fermented food will cause excess bacteria to grow along with the fungus you already have.

About the Author:




Comments are closed.