How diet prevents yeast infections - Yeast Infection

Nutrition can affect what happens in the vagina and make a huge difference in how the immune system works. To prevent yeast infections, a diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugars is important. Yeast feed on simple sugars and grow more readily when blood sugars are high. To keep the cells in the vagina healthy, it is best to eat a whole foods diet that is high in vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and small amounts of fruit.

Avoiding alcohol, trans-fatty acids, sugar, refined foods and highly processed foods will help the body's immune system prevent infections. Eating garlic may be helpful in acute or chronic yeast infections because of garlic's antifungal properties. To boost the good bacteria in the vagina, eat unsweetened acidophilus yogurt daily or take a good quality acidophilus supplement. Acidophilus (also known as lactobacillus) makes the vaginal environment healthier and works with the immune system in the intestines to help the body fight infections more effectively.

In cases of chronic yeast infections, avoiding fermented foods may be beneficial. Fermented foods contain yeast which can increase the yeast population in the body when ingested. Testing to see if yeast is present in the stool, blood, and vaginal secretions will confirm whether there is a systemic yeast infection. Avoiding yeast and mold-containing foods-such as alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits and peanuts-is often a helpful treatment when yeast proteins (i.e. yeast antigens) are present systemically.