Yeast infection results when too much yeast grows on the skin and causes infection. Vaginal yeast infection can be characterized by extreme itching, irritation, and vaginal discharge. But worry no more because here are 5 tips to prevent yeast infection.
- Don’t soap too much
Yeast infection is caused by the accelerated growth of yeast and bacteria. This is not great and can easily be developed when your vagina is in an alkaline state.
You have probably heard that the human body would be better off being in an alkaline state rather than acidic, but this does not apply when it comes to the vaginal environment.
The vagina needs to be acidic to kill off bacteria as well as halt their growth and spreadability. When you clean your vagina with soap, you cleanse all the acidity and this could instead be not so great in the long run.
The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism and so all you need to soap is the outer part of the vulva, which is the labia majora. The lips of the vagina, so to speak, can be cleaned with mild soap and rinsed with warm water.
You still need to know factors that trigger yeast infestation to better control them. According to a WebMD publication, yeast is most frequent when you are lax about your private part hygiene.
Even without using soap, extremely hot water such as hot tubs and shower can manipulated the delicate vaginal pH range.
- Maintain cleanliness and dryness
Yeast infection can easily be prevented if you stick to a good hygiene routine.
Basically, the vagina is an environment that needs to be acidic so as to halt the growth of bacteria, but this doesn’t mean that bad hygiene is a good idea. Surely you get the gist.
The self-cleaning part of the vagina is inside, so the outer part does need proper maintenance on a daily basis.
This is especially true if you often sweat a lot and the vagina can get really hot and humid.
This is not great, so if you live in a hot and humid area, you need to wear cotton or silk underwear so as to keep humidity in check and slow down the spread of bacteria.
Meanwhile, if you are often out and about all day long, it is also a good idea to carry spare underwear to change during the course of the day.
- Manage your diet
Yeast infection can easily be triggered by consuming foods that are high in sugar content. Even fruits that contain natural sugars can contribute to this in some people.
Vaginal yeast colony is caused by Candida albicans, a fungus that lives with other micro-organisms in the vagina.
According to an article on Everyday Health, a more alkaline vagina encourages yeast multiplication. The article, titled “Yeast Infections and Your Diet: What’s the Connection?” mentions that certain meals contribute to the disruption of this environment.
The main reason for this is that yeast thrives off feeding on sugar. The more sugar you have running in your system, the more the yeast has to eat and it can easily multiply itself.
People who are diabetic are easiest to develop yeast infection if their sugar consumption is not limited.
With that said, it is a good idea to consume less sugary foods, including fruits. Citrus fruits are best in this case. Also, try not to overeat flour products as well.
As you can tell, a lot of fried foods contain flour and gluten, they can also contribute to yeast infection if you overindulge in them. The best course of action would be to avoid an excess of refined sugar.
- Wear cotton fabric
If you are a teenager, yeast infection may be more prone to attack you than if you were much older.
During these transitory periods, it would be a good idea to keep wearing cotton underwear so as to prevent yeast infection as much as possible.
Cotton as the fabric has a very high ability to absorb water, and this includes humidity.
Wearing it as underwear helps your lower body part breathe more comfortably and remain fresh, clean, and dry through the course of a day.
This is important to keep yeast growth in check. Meanwhile, if you happen to live in a very hot and humid environment, and you also sweat a lot during the day, it is best practice to carry second underwear to change during the day.
It may be an extra effort for a teenager but the effort is worth your while for the sake of your health and comfort.
- Sleep well and keep your stress level in check
Yeast infection is also pretty linked with the body’s natural immune system. Women are more likely to develop yeast infections when their immune system is low and weak.
Things like stress, fatigue, poor sleep quality and overall fatigue can all lower a woman’s immune system significantly.
When in this state, the body will find it harder to fight off the spread of yeast and then as a response, an infection is likely to occur.
Strong immunity is vital for the entire vaginal health and reproductive system in women.
According to a publication of the PubMed Central website, a weakened immunity disrupts the aubiosis of the vaginal microbiota.
Thus any dysbiosis weakens the delicate epithelia membrane, propagating the spread of sexually transmitted infections and harmful bacterial transfer.
With that said, getting quality rest, as well as sleep, is very important. This is important for women of any stage in life, but teenagers need to especially pay heed to this.
The things you eat and your daily habits can affect your sleep pattern so it is also good to try to eat things that don’t stimulate your digestive system too much near the time you go to sleep.
To sum up, yeast infections can be treated, but the occurrence of yeast infections has been increasing among women. The tips like staying hydrated, eating clean, and caring for vaginal health can reduce the chances of yeast infection.
5 Tips To Prevent Yeast Infections
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common type of fungal infection that affects millions of people every year. It is caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida albicans, which is normally present in small amounts in the body. Yeast infections can occur in various parts of the body, but the most common type is vaginal yeast infection.
The symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, and redness in the affected area, as well as a thick, white discharge. While over-the-counter medications are widely available for treating yeast infections, many people prefer to use home remedies due to their convenience and natural ingredients.
In this paper, we will discuss some effective home remedies for yeast infections that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
1. Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the body. They can be found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, or can be taken in supplement form. Probiotics can help prevent the overgrowth of Candida albicans, thus reducing the risk of yeast infections.
2. Garlic: Garlic has antifungal properties that can help fight off yeast infections. It can be consumed raw or in supplement form. Some people also use garlic as a topical treatment by crushing a few cloves and applying the paste directly to the affected area.
3. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help kill off the fungus causing the infection. It can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and applied to the affected area. However, it is important to note that tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, so it should always be diluted before use.
4. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the body. It can be used as a douche by mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one quart of warm water. It can also be consumed by diluting two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking it daily.
5. Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which has been found to be effective against Candida albicans. It can be applied topically to the affected area or consumed orally. Coconut oil can also be used as a natural lubricant during sexual intercourse, which can help prevent the spread of yeast infection.
6. Boric acid: Boric acid is a mild antiseptic that can be used to treat yeast infections. It can be inserted into the vagina using a gel capsule or mixed with water and used as a douche. However, it is important to note that boric acid should not be used during pregnancy.
7. Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice is known for its ability to prevent urinary tract infections, but it can also be helpful in treating yeast infections. It contains compounds that can prevent the growth of Candida albicans. It is important to choose unsweetened cranberry juice as sugar can feed the growth of yeast.
8. Epsom salt bath: Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt can help relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection. Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe itching and burning. It can also help reduce the inflammation caused by the infection.
In addition to these home remedies, it is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent and treat yeast infections. This includes keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding the use of scented products in the genital area.
If symptoms persist or worsen after trying these home remedies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and prescribe medication if necessary.
In conclusion, yeast infections can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life, but there are several effective home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. It is important to remember that prevention is key, and maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent future occurrences of yeast infections.
