Vaginal Candidiasis 2; Dietary Effect On Yeast Infection
vaginal candidiasis
Vaginal Candidiasis 2; Dietary Effect On Yeast Infection
Yeast Infection
Candida commonly known as yeast is by far the most popular culprit of fungi infection in humans.
It was first thought to be an innocent bystander of the normal microflora inhabiting the human body until it begins to make its impact known in various parts of the body particularly the respiratory tract and the vaginal.
Though yeast is naturally equipped with structure and chemicals to attack the human immune system, it would not do so until conditions are right and favorable. This is the reason why yeast is known as an opportunistic organism.
It needs the prevailing environment and conditions to be appropriate for it to cause harm/damage. Some of the things that could lead to yeast/candida getting this conducive environment and conditions include the following;
The use of broad-spectrum/antibiotics
These drugs attack and kill off both good and bad bacteria creating an opportunity for microflora like yeast to multiply and cause health challenges.
The presence of too much sugar in the bloodstream
Sugar is a soluble food substance for all living organisms. The consumption of excess sugar makes sugar available in various tissue membranes to nourish and promote the growth and multiplication of opportunistic organisms like candida/yeast to cause damages.
This is a reason why diabetic patient are mostly prone to bacteria and fungi attack
The role of hormones
Hormonal changes in the body especially in the female during various times such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menses, etc. can alter the chemical balance of the body giving various organisms the room to proliferate therefore causing harm.
Sexual activities
Yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection; however, sexual intercourse with a carrier of the infection can transfer the organism into the other person thereby causing infection.
Weak immune responses
When the immune system is down, it is difficult for the body to get rid of unwanted visitors like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A weakened immune system gives room for opportunistic organisms like yeast to cause havoc in the body.
Read Also; Vaginal Candidiasis And The Most Common Yeast Infection In Women
Dietary Effect on Yeast Infection
Yogurt
It has been shown that raw and non-pasteurized yogurt contains probiotics. These probiotics are acid-producing lactobacilli which can retard the growth and multiplication of yeast/candida in the vagina thereby reducing the incidence of yeast infection.
Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep the balance of normal microflora in the body. There are other good bacteria naturally found in the body that also help maintain this balance.
These prevent yeast from growing and taking the opportunity of prevailing conditions in the body. The growth of these good bacteria is believed to be favored by the presence and secretion of some hormones such as- estrogen. These good bacteria can effectively prevent yeast infection in the gut and the vaginal
Sugar Diet
The presence of high sugar level catalyzes the growth and development of most bacteria and fungi. It is a rich medium that generally promotes growth thus increasing the risk of yeast infection.
The presence of high sugar levels particularly fructose in the bloodstream may directly lead to an increased level of sugar in mucosal tissues/membranes making excess food available to both bacteria and fungi to cause a health concern.
However, the reduction of sugar and the promotion of a low sugar diet reverses the risk of both bacteria and yeast infection.
It is important to note that trying to reduce sugar content in the outbreak of yeast infection may not be effective for its treatment but reducing sugar diet beforehand is very effective in preventing its outbreak.
Coconut Oil
Lauric acid is very effective against yeast infection. This acid possesses anti-fungi properties and is present in coconut oil to about 50%. This makes coconut oil an effective food product against yeast infection as well as other fungi infections.
Garlic
Garlic is believed to contain allicin; a substance that has strong anti-fungi properties. Various studies have shown that the consumption of garlic during the outbreak of yeast infection do not have effective results.
However, adding garlic to food does help to prevent the risk of yeast infection. The substance allicin is present in a small amount in garlic thus the need to consume more garlic to get enough of allicin.
The impact of lifestyle changes on yeast infection
Other than maintaining good hygiene practices, there are several lifestyle one can adapt to that can help prevent or reduce the risk of yeast infection, and these include;
- Wear cotton clothing that allows the passage of air. Unlike nylon and polyester, cotton absorbs moisture from skin surfaces that may support the growth of fungi in the presence of warmth.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing. This clothing promotes moisture and warmth thereby providing a suitable environment for fungi to thrive.
- Prevent the use of scented soaps, cream, oil, and deodorants to keep your vaginal area clean. These scented products irritate the membrane which results in an imbalance of the normal microflora of the affected area.
- After bathing, use a clean towel to wipe from front to back and not the other way around to avoid the spreading of yeast or bacteria to the vaginal.
- Avoid douches
Vaginal Candidiasis 2; Dietary Effect On Yeast Infection
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