Are there
any foods
that can prevent vaginal yeast
infection? Latest medical
researches support the assumption that avoiding certain
foods while increasing the intake of others may be
extremely effective as a first step for combating
candida infection as part of a comprehensive holistic
vaginal yeast infection treatment.
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
triggered by multiple factors, while inner balance
disruption is most important of them.
Candida
(genus of yeast that 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 bacterial. 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.
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 control vaginal
yeast infection:
1.
Diary
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 diary products made of
cow’s milk. But should also be taken in
moderation.
2. Yeasty
foods such as mushrooms, condiments, dried fruits and
vinegar can feed candida and contribute to candida
overgrowth and thus should be avoided.
3.
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.
4. 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
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.
5. Alcohol
stimulates candida growth so avoid wine, beer (also
contains yeast) and hard alcoholic drinks.
So what
foods
can prevent vaginal yeast infection? 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.
