The Yeast Infection
The yeast infection is common among women. There are methods in which yeast infection rates can be decreased or even prevented. First and foremost, it is important to understand the normal environmental equilibrium that exists. It is possible for foods and certain conditions to affect this environmental equilibrium.
Normal Environmental Conditions
The environment of the vagina changes based on several factors, but is also individualized.
- Friendly Normal Bacteria: The vaginal environment normally has certain “normal flora” or normal bacteria associated with it.
- pH: The vagina is normally associated with partially acidic conditions, with a typical pH of approximate range of 3.5 – 4.5. Candida infections prefer alkaline conditions (higher pH).
- Sugar Levels: Candida require refined sugars as a food source for survival. Increased sugar levels create a more favorable environment for Candida overgrowth.
How Food Influences Environment Conditions
Digestion of food products is necessary for the absorption of nutrients necessary to produce the energy required by the body for proper functioning. Food products contain specific amounts of these nutrients and other products.
It is important to ensure adequate nutrient levels for the maintenance of proper immune system function. A healthy immune system is more capable of fighting off infections. It is also possible for specific foods to change the natural environment. Foods that increase an overall healthy environment are known as probiotics.
Diabetes and Pregnancy
The conditions of diabetes and pregnancy change environmental conditions. Both conditions change the normal pH values of the vagina, increasing susceptibility rates of yeast infections. This pH change is due to the reduction in the storage of glycogen, increasing blood sugar levels and overall pH. Candida also thrive on the presence of refined sugars as a food source.
Yeast Infection: Inhibition and Prevention Methods
- General Skin Care: Good general skin care is essential for the inhibition or prevention of any infection.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains healthy bacteria. Studies have shown that regular intake of yogurt significantly decreases Candida infection rates due to the increase of the friendly active bacteria Lactobacilli.
- Drink Water: Water is responsible for cleansing the body.
- Avoid Restrictive Clothing: Creates an environment with increased moisture and warmth, preferred by Candida.
- Oral Contraceptive Use: Changes hormone levels.
- Sex: The presence of semen in the vagina increases the pH to alkaline levels, creating a more susceptible environment for Candida overgrowth.
- Topical Applications: Avoid any topical agents that may cause changes to the normal environment. Changes increase risk of Candida infection.
- Menstruation: An unavoidable circumstance that changes normal environmental conditions. Change pads/tampons on a regular basis and ensure general cleanliness of the area as much as possible.
- Antibiotics: Take all antibiotics as directed by your doctor.
Yeast Infection: Treatment
Not all yeast infections can be prevented. Infection by Candida has several methods of effective treatment dependent upon the specific type of infection and the individual. Typically yeast infections can be effectively treated through natural methods and over-the-counter medications.
Severe Candida infections require the attention of a physician for prescription antibiotics. If home treatments are provide ineffective relief after one week, it is suggested that a physician be consulted for further treatment methods.
Learn more about Candida Albicans and Yeast Infections here.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/candidiasis-yeast-infection
http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-yeast-infection-basics
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vaginal-infections?page=2
http://women.webmd.com/vaginal-wet-mount
