Healthy Living 
Are you suffering from yeast infection? You are not the only one with this problem. At least three out of four women have experienced or will experience this infection in their lifetime.
The most common yeast infection symptoms are: redness, burning and swelling in the vaginal area, pain during sex and/or urination, and a thick, white discharge. You can avoid yeast infection by following a number of very easy steps.
Here are some possible causes of chronic yeast infections and things you can do to help prevent it.
Intestinal Troubles
Candida, which is one of the most common types of yeast, can be found in the intestines along with healthy bacteria and enzymes that help to break down food. Some doctors believe that avoiding certain kinds of foods may be helpful.
Carbohydrates, sugars and fermented foods feed a yeast infection. Cooked or fresh fruit consumed with other food tends to spoil and ferment in the stomach, causing further bacteria. Fresh fruit eaten separately from other foods will not ferment.
Medications to Avoid
Yeast infections are much more common in women than men.
Yeasts are found in the vagina of most women and can overgrow if the environment in the vagina changes. The use of antibiotics and steroid is the most frequent reason for yeast overgrowth. This happens because antibiotics destroy bacteria i.e. at the same time when they may be healing a common problem such as sinus infection they can also be destroying healthy bacteria in the vagina. Pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes and birth control pills are also able to contribute to getting a yeast infection. Pills mess with hormone levels in a woman's body causing natural bacteria levels to modify and sometimes decrease. So it may be time to re-evaluate your birth control preferences.
Weakened Immune System
Your immune system can be an open door to yeast infection. Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida. People with serious illnesses such as cancer or AIDS are more likely to succumb to yeast infection. This infection can occur throughout the entire body and can become quite difficult to treat. If you think your lifestyle is one of the causes of recurring yeast infections, try to change your habits. Switch to a healthier diet, learn a sport, sleep proper hours and take vitamin supplements.
Your Lifestyle as a Determining Factor
One of the best things you can do while treating a vaginal yeast infection is not to have sex. You can spread one to your partner. But if you do have sex, use a latex condom. This may help prevent spread of yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy.
Avoid a Yeast Infection by Your Choice of Clothes
Keep in mind that yeast propagates in a warm, moist environment so be careful what you decide to wear or not wear. Problematic clothing includes:
- Wet bathing suits.
- Tight-fitting clothes, especially jeans.
- Spandex or Lycra exercise gear, including leotards o Nylon underwear or other clothes made out of synthetic fibres. Stick to cotton underwear that is clean and other “breathable” fabrics.
- Pantyhose.
