Adding These Things to Your Diet Will Help Prevent Yeast Infections

Unfortunately, yeast infections are a problem for many people. They’re most often caused by Candida yeasts, especially Candida albicans. If you think you may have a yeast infection, the first thing you should do is talk to your medical provider. However, there are several herbs and foods possessing active ingredients with natural antifungal properties that aid in preventing or treating excessive yeast growth in the human body.

Here are 10 tips to switch your diet to fight Candida infections.

Yogurt

Yeast infections can be prevented by consuming plain yogurt without adding any sweetener or those which contain probiotic live cultures. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that are utilized for health benefits, especially for the healthy digestive system.¹ Probiotic-rich foods assist in restoring the gut flora to normal balance, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and killing the harmful ones.²

A recent study has proven that the ingestion of yogurt consisting of probiotics along with Lactobacillus acidophilus help in the suppression of yeast overgrowth.³ Another review of research has found that certain kinds of probiotics combat some of the yeasts which cause vaginal infection.⁴ Other research has suggested that probiotic Lactobacillus enhance the activity of antifungal medication which are consumed by women suffering from vaginal yeast infection.⁵ Probiotic suppositories are also effective in treating vaginal yeast infections.⁶

Oil of Oregano

One of the essential oils known to have excellent health benefits is oregano oil. A study found that oregano oil is capable of inhibiting the activity and the growth of Candida albicans, one of the most common causative agents causing vaginal yeast infections.⁷ This study proved the effectiveness of this essential oil in fighting overgrowth of yeast compared to the prescription antifungal drug clotrimazole. Similar findings were confirmed by another study which showed growth inhibition of Candida albicans⁸. Another research study provides the same evidence of the effectiveness of oregano oil against Candida albicans.⁹

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another excellent natural remedy that can be used to inhibit the growth of bacteria in our bodies. A study has found that this oil can effectively retard the overgrowth of Candida albicans.¹⁰ A study has shown that dissolving coconut oil in water was an efficacious antimicrobial agent.¹¹ This may be beneficial to preventing yeast infection as infections happen as a result of an imbalance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.

Coconut oil can also be utilized as a carrier oil after warming. It can be used with other essential oils which are more powerful in their anti-fungal properties such as oil of oregano and tea tree oil.

Nowadays, coconut oil can be easily purchased online or in health food stores. Certain products are specifically used in cooking rather than utilized on the skin so it is better to compare brands and various products before choosing an appropriate product.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is beneficial in urinary tract infections as it prevents the formation of Candida albicans.¹² Although studies have not exhibited its benefit in curing Candida albicans in the vagina, some women have claimed to have excellent results. Cranberry juice contains high amounts of vitamin C which supports the prevention of yeast infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar prevents and treats the excessive growth of bacteria as well as yeast in our body as it has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties. A study has found that apple cider vinegar retarded the growth of Candida albicans.¹³ In fact, the yeast infections which are unresponsive to conventional treatment options can be treated effectively with apple cider vinegar.¹⁴

There are many medicinal uses of vinegar as proven by research. When a half cup of apple cider vinegar is added to a lukewarm bathtub and soaked for about 20 minutes, the acidic component present in vinegar aids in eliminating any harmful microorganisms along with yeast.¹⁵

Garlic

Garlic possesses antifungal properties and has shown effectiveness in reducing the numbers of yeast in the course of yeast infection. Garlic and garlic oil possess well-known antifungal properties. Studies have even proven their antifungal activity against Candida albicans.¹⁶ Another study has proven the effectiveness of garlic as a Candida killer.¹⁷

There is a need for more studies to prove the usefulness of garlic against yeast infections. Although research has examined the results of utilizing a solution of garlic on sores inside the mouth and has found that it was efficacious in retarding the number of Candida albicans cells, it was not as efficacious as utilizing nystatin, an antifungal prescription medication.¹⁸

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an excellent booster of the immune system and plays a significant role in healthy skin. One of the superb ways to bring the body back to its natural balance is to build the immune system strong.

Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid and consists of antimicrobial components so the addition of vitamin C in the diet helps in the treatment of excessive growth of Candida.

Vitamin C has outstanding antifungal and antimicrobial effects and can be consumed orally as a remedy for fighting yeast infections.¹⁹ Vitamin C can be taken by eating citrus fruits and leafy greens or by consuming a vitamin C supplement. Increasing the intake of vitamin C boosts the ability of the body in beating yeast infections. Application of acidic vitamin C should be avoided to the sensitive tissues of the vagina.

Lemongrass Oil

Another essential oil for treating Candida albicans is Lemongrass essential oil. Its vapors can be inhaled easily for amazing results. A study has proven the effectiveness of vapor method in treating excessive growth of yeast.²⁰ This oil should not be consumed internally as it is toxic and can only be used internally under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals. This oil has a strong anti-inflammatory property, so a reduction in inflammation helps reduce itching and burning linked to yeast infections.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is recommended by some doctors to treat certain kinds of vaginitis. According to studies, it has been found that vitamin E helps in the reduction of inflammation in infections with Candida albicans in the lab.²¹ When the body is dealing with a yeast infection, it is vital to keep it healthy with a sufficient intake of important vitamins.

Curcumin

Curcumin is one of the main active components of turmeric, a popular Indian spice. Another study suggested that curcumin may reduce yeasts’ ability to attach to cells from the mouths of people with HIV. In fact, curcumin was more effective than fluconazole, an antifungal drug²².

Many people around the world are dealing with yeast infections, and yet most don’t know that their diet can actually have big effects on their infection. By simply taking a quick trip to the grocery store, and introducing these items into your everyday diet, your body will be helped with the prevention and treatment of yeast infections. However, you should always be sure to combine a strong diet with visits to your healthcare provider, to ensure that you are combatting yeast infections regularly and effectively.

References

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