Yeast infections are incredibly
common. In fact, vaginal yeast infections affect up to 75% of women during
their lifetime. Yeast infections aren't limited to just women though. You can
get a yeast infection in your mouth, called thrush, on your skin, or even in
your bloodstream.
An antifungal medicine typically
will get rid of the yeast infection, but it's much better to prevent yeast
infections before they even occur to save yourself the pain and discomfort
associated with them. To learn more about how to prevent yeast infections,
read on.
1.
Take Probiotics
Yeast infections are typically
caused by an excess of candida. Learn more about what that looks like so you know what to expect
. Probiotics help fill your body
with good bacteria that can fight off bad bacteria, such as the excess yeast
that causes yeast infections. You can take probiotic supplements or consume
things like yogurt, which is rich in good bacteria that helps promote a healthy
pH in your vagina and encourage the growth of good bacteria.
The benefit of probiotics is that
they can prevent yeast infections and help maintain gut health, helping with
many gastrointestinal issues you might be experienced.
2.
Wear Cotton Underwear
Yeast thrives in damp and humid
environments. If you are wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, such as
nylon or blended materials, it can cling to your body and doesn't dry as
quickly. This is especially pronounced in the summer. Cotton underwear are
lighter and breathable and absorb dampness.
Cotton underwear are also very
important if you are wearing leggings, pantyhose or tights, or other tight
pants often. Those items are often made of synthetic materials and cotton can
help minimize moisture buildup.
3.
Change Your Diet
Yeast grows when your diet is high
in sugar, especially processed and simple sugars. Changes to your diet can help
inhibit the excessive growth of yeast. A diet low in sugar and processed food
can help you prevent yeast infections in your vagina and on your skin. Other
diet changes that can prevent yeast infections include:
- Removing white flour and
glutenous grains
- Cutting out many diary
products, particularly whole milk
- Limited or eliminating anything
fermented with yeast, like alcohol
4. Don't
Use Scented Soaps and Lotions
Scented soaps, lotions, and laundry
detergent can disrupt the pH of your vagina, causing irritation and yeast
infections. Even if the products don't cause a yeast infection directly, they
could cause itching and irritation, which can often be misdiagnosed as a
yeast infection that your doctor may treat with an antibiotic.
Antibiotics, though, are one of the main causes of yeast infections.
5.
Avoid Antibiotics
Sometimes antibiotics are necessary,
but if you are prone to yeast infections, let your doctor know. Antibiotics are
used to kill harmful bacteria in your body, but at the same time, they often
kill the good bacteria in your body. If an antibiotic is necessary, there are
things you can do to prevent a yeast infection, such as taking an anti-fungal,
replenishing good bacteria through probiotics, or using yogurt to increase good
bacteria.
How
to Prevent Yeast Infections in Adults and Children
Now that you know how to prevent
yeast infections, you can take steps to ensure that you don't suffer from this
uncomfortable condition. While yeast infections are generally not
life-threatening, they can put a damper on your day-to-day activities and are
painful.
If you found this health information
useful, be sure to explore some of our other posts for more valuable
information.
If you enjoy my blog, please consider following me on Bloglovin'
