Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by the excessive growth of a fungus called Candida albicans, and are a common health problem in women. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 75 percent of all American women will develop at least one vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Certain dietary practices may be beneficial in treating your yeast infection, although you should always consult your physician before using diet and nutrition to treat this health problem.
Yeast Infections
An overgrowth of Candida in your vagina may be caused by certain factors, notes PubMed Health, including the use of antibiotic medications to treat other infections in your body, diabetes, pregnancy and obesity. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with a vaginal yeast infection include atypical vaginal discharge, dyspareunia or pain during sex, pain when urinating and vaginal or labial itching. Vaginal creams or suppositories are the conventional approach to treating this health problem.
Helpful Dietary Practices
Several dietary practices may be helpful in fighting your yeast infection. Including more vegetables, fish, meat and poultry, nuts, seeds, eggs, oat bran, flax seeds and gluten-free grains in your diet, as well as yogurt, may be particularly helpful in resolving this common female health problem, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Important dietary eliminations include pickles, nut butter, raw mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Avoiding baked goods and other products containing refined sugar is important in treating your yeast infection.
A Beneficial Food
One of the most beneficial foods to eat in treating your yeast infection may be oat bran. Oat bran, a non-glutenous grain, is the outer layer of the oat kernel and is located under the hull. Gluten-containing grains and refined sugar help feed Candida, due to their high glycemic index. Oat bran, notes nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," has also historically been used in balancing your blood sugar levels and as a grain replacement for people with celiac disease.
Considerations
Yeast infections, though a common health problem among women, should not remain untreated. If you experience the common signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at your earliest possible convenience. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating your yeast infection -- as well as the risks, benefits and limitations of this natural treatment approach -- speak with a health-care professional who has advanced training in clinical nutrition. More scientific research may be necessary to determine the true health benefits of some foods historically used in treating yeast infections.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Vaginal Yeast Infections Fact Sheet
- PubMed Health: Vaginal Yeast Infection
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
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