By Dan Jackowiak
Yeast is a fungus that naturally occurs in small amounts on the skin and in the body. If it is present in normal amounts, it is harmless and does not cause any problems. But certain factors speed up the growth of yeast and result in a yeast infection.
Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus responsible for various yeast infections. Certain factors interfere with Candida albicans and enhance its proliferation rate. This results in an overgrowth of Candida and causes an infection. These infections can occur almost anywhere in or on the body, including the mouth, genitals, and skin.
Below are some lifestyle changes that you can adopt to minimize the risk of yeast infections.
Good Hygiene
You can prevent yeast infections by keeping yourself clean and dry. Regular showers help prevent the growth of yeast on the skin. Dry your body properly after a shower and before dressing as damp areas favor yeast growth.
Oral thrush, throat thrush, and genital yeast infections are the most common types of yeast infections. Good hygiene can help prevent yeast infections.
- Oral hygiene – Regularly brush your teeth twice a day to prevent plaque formation. Clean your mouth with medicated mouthwash and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
- Genital hygiene – Make sure to wipe properly from front to back. This will prevent the spread of yeast infection. Wear cotton underwear and change them right away if they get wet. Avoid tight-fitting or synthetic underwear that can trap moisture and cause yeast growth. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton for your underwear, as they can help maintain proper airflow and minimize moisture buildup, reducing the risk of yeast infections. By prioritizing genital hygiene and choosing the best underwear for yeast infections, you can effectively reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort or complications. Avoid wearing a wet bathing suit or gym clothes for long periods. Keep your genital area clean and dry to prevent yeast overgrowth. When on your period, change your tampons and pads frequently.
Note: The vagina contains healthy bacteria that prevent yeast infections. Douching wipes off these healthy bacteria and can result in the overgrowth of yeast. Thus, it is necessary to avoid douching.
Avoid Scented Products
If you are more likely to be prone to yeast infections, make sure to use gentle detergents for washing clothes. Unscented detergents are free from harsh chemicals and are good for reducing irritation. Do not use scented products, including soaps, toilet papers, sprays, bubble baths, pads, and tampons.
Change Dressing Patterns
Be sure to wear loose clothes. Loose clothing made with breathable material is an excellent choice for the prevention of yeast infections. Moist and damp areas allow the yeast to grow rapidly. Make sure not to wear tight skirts, jeans, pants, underwear, etc. Such clothing can increase the amount of moisture around your private parts and the chances of a yeast infection. Cotton, silk, and linen are breathable clothes that absorb moisture and keep your skin dry.
Diet Management
Excessive consumption of certain foods can increase the risk for yeast infections. Some foods, such as refined sugars, fruit juice, sucrose, maple syrup, and honey, act as growth enhancers for yeast growth. Moreover, foods with high content of fungi and yeast favor the growth of Candida, such as alcoholic beverages, fermented foods, most breads, and dried fruits.
You can minimize the chances of yeast infections by cutting out sugary and refined foods. However, you can add protein-rich foods (legumes, nuts, and seeds), low-starch fruits, and vegetables to your diet to prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
Weight Management
Obese people may have larger skin folds that provide areas for yeast to grow. These skin folds tend to retain more moisture, providing a favorable environment for yeast proliferation. You should control your eating habits and add some physical exercises to avoid obesity and obesity-induced yeast infections.
Both men and women are prone to yeast infections. Usually, yeast infections are not serious; however, yeast will keep on increasing if the infection is left untreated, can enter your bloodstream, and cause serious complications.
Author: Dan Jackowiak, Nc, HHP, is the Founder of Yeast Infection Advisor. Dan is a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant that personally suffered from yeast and bad bacterial overgrowth of the gut for most of his life. The information on his website is a combination of his own nutrition and holistic training, life experiences, collaboration with fellow experts on his team, and over 18 years of studying medical research on candida yeast infections of all types, which has allowed him to take his life and health back and help others overcome yeast-related health problems and digestive problems of all kinds.
If you have any questions or comments, get in touch with me when you can.