5 Tips for Preventing Yeast Infections
For any woman who has had to suffer the terrible slings and arrows of a yeast infection, you know how it can completely turn your life upside down. While a yeast infection is easily treated with antibiotics, once you come down with your first, it’s very easy to keep getting them. If, however, you follow a few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to effectively keep them at bay. Here’s how.
1. Don’t go overboard on sweets or caffeine.
Yes, a bit of a chocolate and a cup of coffee is sometimes exactly what you need to get your day started on a good note. However, if you take your sweet tooth and caffeine buzz to an extreme level, you’re just asking for trouble. Stay away from snacks and food items with too much sugar, and keep your coffee or soda habit to one a day max.
2. If you’re taking an antibiotic ALWAYS take a probiotic supplement with it.
We all get sick, and whether your treating an existing yeast infection with an antibiotic, or you’re taking antibiotics for some other reason, always be sure to take a probiotic supplement, found at most grocery stores and health stores, in order to keep your bacteria levels balanced. In addition to the bad bacteria, antibiotics tend to kill the good bacteria, which keeps those pesky yeast infections coming back. Taking a supplement will help to avoid these bacterial imbalances.
3. Eat a lot of yogurt and foods with live, active cultures.
Even when not taking an antibiotic, it’s a good idea to regularly consume foods that contain probiotics to keep your immune and digestive system working well. Yogurt and kefir are great sources of live, active cultures, and they also have a lot of good nutrients like calcium. Both yogurt and kefir make great, tasty snacks, too. Paired with fruit, it’s a combination that can’t be beat!
4. Make sure you either take a shower or at least change undergarments every day.
Yeast thrives in moist, unhygienic environments. This being the case, making sure that you shower regularly and change your panties often is one of the best ways to prevent yeast infections.
5. If you see signs of a yeast infection beginning, remember to not wear too-tight clothing.
Simple air is one of the best and most effective yeast killers. If possible, sleep without underwear. While tight jeans look great, if you wear them too often or for too long, then you’re just begging for a yeast infection to attack you full force. Also, after swimming, make sure to change out of your bikini into dry clothing as soon as possible. Wear cotton underwear whenever possible.
These are just a few ways to ensure that you don’t become the victim of repeated yeast infections. Also, remember to talk to your gynecologist about other ways to avoid vaginal infections. Finally, get for a check up with your gyno at least once a year, even if nothing is wrong. The best thing about actively preventing yeast infections is that many of these tips are compatible with weight loss diets, too!
