When you have a yeast infection, you might suffer from itching, burning, blisters or rashes. These inconvenient and uncomfortable symptoms can interfere with your ability to go about your daily life. While your treatment approach might include medication on the advice of your health care provider, you can hasten your complete recovery with careful food choices.
Yeast Infection
Yeast is an organism that lives on your skin, in your vagina or in your rectal area. Yeast cells typically are present in small amounts and live in harmony with other microorganisms in and on your body. Occasionally the balance of these microorganisms is disrupted and the yeast cells overgrow. This overgrowth of yeast is called candidiasis. Factors that disrupt this balance include hormone changes, pregnancy, diabetes, use of antibiotics and a diet high in sugar or alcohol.
Foods to Avoid
If you have recurrent yeast infections, you should evaluate your diet for a link between the foods you eat and the frequency of yeast infections, especially if you have diabetes or are pregnant. Foods high in sugar might contribute to the continued overgrowth of yeast during your course of treatment. Avoid sugary foods, including juices, sweets, crackers and sugary cereal. If you have diabetes and simple carbohydrates such as pasta and bread increase your blood sugar, avoid these foods when you have a yeast infection. Avoid alcohol, including beer, wine and mixed drinks, during treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of yeast infections vary depending on the location of the infection. Women with vaginal yeast infections often notice vaginal pain, pain with urination or intercourse, vaginal itching or a vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Oral yeast might present with white patches in your mouth or throat. Skin yeast infections, particularly on your fingers, toes, breasts or in the corners of your mouth, appear as a rash.
Precautions
While you can purchase over-the-counter drugs to treat yeast infections, you should avoid self-diagnosis and treatment, especially if you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection before. Seek medical treatment for evaluation and diagnosis before using medications. If you have multiple yeast infections within a 12-month period, talk to your health care provider about how to reduce your risk of further recurrence. Continue to moderate your sugar and alcohol intake to reduce your risk of recurrence.
