Chronic yeast infections are common in the elderly, in infants and in people with compromised immune systems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Candida, the yeast-like fungus that causes these infections, occurs naturally in various parts of your body, such as your mouth. If the fungus multiplies to much larger numbers, however, infection occurs. Medications are generally the first line of defense against a yeast infection, and people who experience them chronically may need antibiotics periodically. Dietary changes may also have an effect on the occurrence of chronic yeast infections. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your eating habits.
Reduce Refined Sugar
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some research supports the claim that decreasing your intake of refined sugar can help reduce the incidence of yeast infections. Dr. Janet Starr Hull explains on her website that limiting sugar intake may help decrease the available nutrition that encourages yeast to grow in your body. Sources of refined sugars include soft drinks, white flour products, cookies, cakes and candy, but any product that uses refined white flour, notes Dr. Hull, is a potential source of nutrients for yeast.
Add Probiotics
Probiotics, which are available as a supplement and also in several different foods such as yogurt, are microorganisms that may help repopulate your digestive system with "good" bacteria. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that probiotics are purported to help treat conditions such as bacterial diarrhea, skin infections and vaginal infections, including those caused by yeast. Research supporting the effectiveness of probiotics is mixed, but evidence appears to support the treatment of infections of the urinary and genital tracts of women. Probiotics are generally safe, particularly when consumed in foods, and they are available at your local grocery or health food store.
Increase Essential Fatty Acids
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can help decrease the inflammation that can occur from yeast overgrowth. Essential fatty acid supplements can help you meet the recommended daily dose of 1,000 to 1,500 mg. Eating foods that are rich in these fats, such as salmon, mackerel and flaxseeds, can also help reduce your consumption of saturated fats. In addition, reports the medical center, essential fatty acids may also have a preventative effect against yeast infections. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications, ask your doctor before consuming essential fatty acids, which can cause increased bleeding.
Other Foods
Additional foods that may be helpful in building your resistance to chronic yeast infections include garlic, whole-grain products, and the spices cinnamon, sage and cloves. Garlic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, has natural anti-fungal properties that may help decrease the incidence of recurring yeast infections. Consuming garlic daily may also improve your cardiovascular and immune systems. Whole-grain products, in contrast to refined-flour products, are less likely to produce large amounts of sugar in the body that can feed yeast and lead to infection.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2009
- Dr. Janet Starr Hull: A Love Story - Candida Loves Sugar
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Probiotics; August 2008
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Essential Fatty Acids; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; April 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Garlic; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
