Yeast is present in your body in one form or another all the time. When a yeast overgrowth occurs, various health problems are not far behind. Modifying your diet by removing certain foods and adding others can help keep your yeast problem in check. Consult your doctor if you feel you may have a yeast infection and aren't sure how to proceed.
Foods to Include
Foods that will help you prevent yeast overgrowth problems include natural yogurt, garlic, vegetables, beans, meat, eggs and whole grains like rice, barley and millet. Unprocessed nuts and seeds and whole grain pasta and rice are also beneficial additions.
Foods to Avoid
Avoiding foods that work to promote yeast in the body is a key to keeping your yeast levels in a normal range. Foods that are high in refined sugar and processed foods are bad choices. Avoid foods like breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, vinegar, fermented foods, cheese, pickled meats, mushrooms, peanuts, soy sauce, corn and potatoes, says the Yeast Diet website.
Symptoms
Yeast infections can manifest in a few different places on the body. White, creamy-looking spots or patches on the mouth or throat indicate oral thrush, which is a form of yeast infection. Skin rashes and blisters in the groin area, fingers, toes or beneath the breasts can be a yeast infection. One of the most common symptoms of yeast infection is vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Causes
The use of antibiotics is a major cause of yeast infection, as they attack and kill off friendly bacteria in your intestine. Eating foods that are yeast promoters is another cause, as is being overweight, pregnancy, HIV or AIDS infection, a weakened immune system or diabetes. A yeast-like fungus called candida that can affect the vagina, mouth, stomach, skin and urinary tract is also a cause.
Treatments
Drugs are the primary treatment for different yeast problems. Over-the-counter antifungal creams and capsules are available to help deal with the problem. Your doctor may also prescribe something along the same line, only a little stronger. Taking probiotics in the range of 1 to 10 billion live organisms pr day may also provide a benefit.
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