Obviously preventing yeast infections is much more advisable than treating the condition once it appears.
Candida Yeast
Yeast infections usually involve an overgrowth of candida yeast.
Other types of yeast may also cause infections, but candida is the most common type.
Yeast is commonly present on most areas of the body including the skin and mucous membranes.
The immune system and various types of beneficial bacteria on the body usually keep the yeast from harming the body.
Causes of Yeast Infection
Some types of medications, such as antibiotics and steroids, can affect the balance of yeast on the skin and membranes.
The yeast may begin to grow out of control, causing an infection.
People who are immunocompromised may also have trouble with yeast infections and preventing yeast infections for this group is much more important.
Many people develop yeast infections directly after or during a course of antibiotics.
Antibiotics and Yeast Infections
Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary and should be taken, but other times, the body may be able to fight infection on its own.
Consult your doctor to find out if antibiotics are the best possible course of action.
Antibiotics works by killing bacteria, and they often kill beneficial bacteria along with the harmful bacteria that you are taking them to combat. Overuse of antibiotics can cause resistance, which can make it more difficult to fight further bacterial infections.
Discover how to replenish those beneficial bacteria in your gut by reading our how to cure a yeast infection page.
Other Factors that Cause Yeast Infections
Other drugs, such as corticosteroids, can impair the body’s ability to keep yeast levels under control. These drugs can suppress the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to keep the yeast at a normal level.
For the same reason, those with diseases affecting the immune system are also at greater risk for yeast infections. People with leukemia, HIV or AIDS may have frequent yeast infections.
Diets high in sugar and processed foods have also been linked to developing more yeast infections, and making it more difficult to get rid of them.
Candida yeast can be nourished by the overabundance of sugar in the blood and cells, encouraging them to grow out of control.
Diabetics may have trouble with yeast infections if their blood sugar levels are not controlled. Preventing yeast infections in this case usually involves making dietary changes and keeping their blood sugar levels under control.
Controlling the skin’s environment is also important for preventing yeast infections. Tight clothing and synthetic fabrics can create an environment in which yeast can thrive.
It is recommended to wear all-cotton underwear rather than synthetics for women.
Baby’s diaper’s can also cause yeast infections. The diaper area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before putting on a new diaper, and it’s a good idea to allow the baby to sometimes play without a diaper.
Exposure to air can be helpful to prevent yeast infections.
It has also been suggested that the lactobacilli present in yogurt can help to treat and prevent further infections. These are a type of beneficial bacteria that is naturally found in and on the body. These can help to keep the levels of yeast in the body under control, and eating a serving of yogurt every day could help to prevent infections.
If you buy yogurt for this purpose, you should make sure it contains lactobacillus acidophilus, because some types of yogurt do not.
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