Diet plays an important role in
Yeast Infection
According
to an underlying assumption of holistic medicine, our
dietary habits play an important role in keeping our
body’s delicate natural inner balance. This assumption
becomes especially relevant when dealing with yeast
infections. Unlike viral diseases, such as angina or
flu, these infections cannot be just caught but are
triggered by multiple factors, while inner balance
disruption is most important of
them.
Candida
(genus of the yeast responsible for yeast infections in
human individuals) naturally resides in the warm, moist
parts of the body (vagina, mouth and intestines), along
with other types of bacteria, including the beneficial
gastrointestinal bacteria. The Candida microorganisms
contribute to proper digestion and to the absorption of
micronutrients, including amino acids, essential fatty
acids and glucose, and are vital components of a healthy
body. As long as the delicate equilibrium between
Candida and the beneficial gastrointestinal bacterial
flora exits, Candida will be kept under control.
However, under certain conditions Candida can reproduce
rapidly shifting from yeast to fungal form, thus
triggering yeast infections.
Diet
can help control Yeast
Infection
Both
physicians and paraprofessionals believe that adhering
to several dietary principles including the introduction
of certain foods to one’s diet and eliminating foods
that feed candida (or create the environment that
encourages candida overgrowth) can be effective in
preventing and reversing yeast infections. The following
guidelines, among other dietary and lifestyle
principles, can make a positive impact on one’s overall
health and well-being, while helping to control vaginal
yeast infection:
·
Dairy
products, especially products made of cow’s milk create
heavy mucus, provoke allergic reaction, and take longer
to digest. This often leads to mucus buildup and
digestive problems that manifest themselves as yeast
infections. Goat and sheep’s milk products are
recommended as alternatives to dairy products made of
cow’s milk, but should also be taken in
moderation.
·
Yeasty
foods such as mushrooms, condiments, dried fruits and
vinegar can feed candida and contribute to candida
overgrowth and thus should be
avoided.
·
Foods
that contain hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated
oils can stimulate Candida overgrowth as well. As a
healthier alternative, replace them with unrefined
varieties such as cold pressed canola oil, flaxseed oil,
and extra virgin olive oils.
·
Foods
that contain refined or simple carbohydrates such as
honey, white sugar, white rice, leavened breads,
pastries, bottled juices, rolls, pizza etc. contribute
to creating an environment in which Candida thrives.
Avoid honey, refined sugar, white rice and white flour
products. Recommended alternatives are whole-grain baked
goods, which are yeast free and made of non-gluten
grains such as buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth. Stevia
can replace sugar.
·
Alcohol
stimulates candida growth so avoid wine, beer (also
contains yeast) and hard alcoholic drinks.
Now
you know the foods to prevent
vaginal yeast infection, but you must keep in mind
that while the above dietary principals can be highly
beneficial for controlling vaginal yeast infection, diet
is only a small part of the puzzle. The only way to
control and prevent vaginal yeast infection is to tackle
all internal and external contributing yeast infection
factors by following the holistic approach, which is
based on taking specific herbal and vitamin supplements
while following a complete set of dietary principals,
detoxification, lifestyle changes and Candida control
protocols. This approach is aimed at tackling all the
underlying conditions that trigger vaginal yeast
infection, and as such can cure your medical condition
thoroughly and prevent its recurrence, safely and
effectively.
