By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2011-06-13 03:04:38 | Word Count: 584
Let's begin with the causes of yeast infection. Contrary to popular myth, they aren't caused by coming into contact with someone who has an infection. The main triggers or causes for Candida (another name for it) are; beneficial bacteria depletion, a compromised immune system, too high blood sugar, some drugs and hormonal imbalance.
Following on from these you can perhaps now understand why things like diabetes, feminine products, pregnancy, monthly periods, contraception, drug habits, stress, etc., can all help to produce a yeast infection.
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There are many treatments for Candida including over the counter and prescription drug-based medications that are applied topically to the affected area. And there are also many natural ways to help treat your yeast infection. But perhaps one of the most important, irrespective of whether you are using drug-based or natural treatments, is dietary.
This is important because, as we saw above, high blood sugar along with a lowered immune system and good bacteria depletion are key triggers for yeast infections. Your diet has an impact on all of these so needs to be addressed.
So let's look at a diet to treat yeast infection...
First up, you need to keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day. This helps to flush toxins out of your body. Drink at least 3 litres of water each day. But use bottled water as tap water may have antibiotics in it that can help to kill-off your body's good bacteria, which you don't want.
Avoid sugar. This includes things like artificial sweeteners, honey, jams, fructose, dried fruits, glucose, dextrose, sucrose, sweets, cakes, chocolates, and tinned foods like beans, fruits and vegetables, etc.
And you need to avoid processed and smoked foods as these contain sugar, sweeteners and other additives that can cause you harm. Avoid fermented products too. And avoid food that is very fatty. Pay attention to cooking times, as over-cooked food loses much of its nutrients. Try to steam as much of your food as possible.
Cow's milk products should be avoided as these can contain sugar and added antibiotics and hormones that aid the growth of the Candida albicans fungi that cause the symptoms of yeast infection. But plain natural yogurt, with no additives, contains good bacteria so can be consumed. As can butter which contains little sugar. You can also consume cottage cheese, soya milk, soya-based cheeses, rice milk anf almond milk, etc.
Fresh organic food is best to eat as part of a simple diet to treat yeast infection. This includes things like meat and poultry, fish (deep-sea and fresh-water), free-range eggs, seeds and nuts, beans and pulses, etc. Moderate amounts of non-refined carbohydrates like potatoes, whole-wheat pasta, organic breads, sweet potatoes, etc., can also be eaten.
Getting the right diet to help treat your yeast infection is an important part of your recovery, especially from recurring infections that can lead to some serious health problems if not ceased. And it is reckoned that at least 50% of victims will have more than one infection with many of those ending up with recurring infections.
