Candid talk about Candida: to prevent yeast infections naturally, start with diet

Just as an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so does a healthy diet help keep yeast infections at bay. Of more than 150 types of yeast that flourish in the body, Candida albicans is the most common cause of infection. Yeast infections are the result of an imbalance of "good" and "bad" bacteria that thrive on the surface of moist, mucous membranes, particularly those in the intestinal tract, vaginal tract and skin folds. Although most often found in the vaginal tract, candida can also appear in the mouth as thrush, in the warm moist environment under a diaper, causing diaper rash, and other areas of the body.

Yeast infections may be triggered by excess weight, diabetes, antibiotics and oral contraceptives--all of which cause yeast populations to grow to abnormally high levels.

"Women who are overweight, diabetic or who take antibiotics are especially vulnerable to yeast infections," says Gerson Weiss, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the New Jersey Medical School in Trenton. Excess weight, which can increase body heat, and diabetes, which can increase sugar levels in the body, create ah ideal environment for candida growth. And unnecessary use of antibiotics that target the "bad" bacteria in your body also kills the "good" bacteria, allowing yeast to grow unchecked. In fact, increased use of both antibiotics and oral contraceptives is believed to be a major reason why the occurrence of yeast infections has doubled since the late 1960s.

In addition to the above causes of yeast infection, personal care--or the lack thereof--can also be a culprit, Weiss says. That's why it's important to keep all areas of your body cool and dry by wearing breathable cotton undergarments and loose clothing. In addition to vigilant personal care, you also need to follow a sensible diet to thwart the conditions that allow yeast to thrive.

Elisabeth Jones * is one of many women who have suffered bouts of yeast infections throughout her lifetime, but with dietary modifications, she is symptom free.

"After recent gall bladder surgery, I contracted a yeast infection, even though I didn't know what it was," says Jones, 31, who was 25 at the time of her operation. "All I knew was that one week after I got home from the hospital, I was feeling so irritable I had to take long soaks in the tub. I finally talked with a friend, who told me I had candida, caused by the antibiotics in my IV.

"Since then, I've been very susceptible to yeast infections--particularly since I also take birth control pills," says Jones. "I want to remain on the Pill, so I'm studying other ways to prevent these outbreaks."

There are, indeed, numerous ways to prevent yeast outbreaks. Unfortunately, it's not possible to eliminate candida permanently. No matter how successful a treatment may be, as soon as it's stopped, candida will return. However, probiotics--friendly bacteria--ensure that yeast regrowth will be minimal.

One way to introduce probiotics into your diet is with daily supplementation of super strains of beneficial bacteria--particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifido-bacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which can be purchased at your natural health food store.

Another way to introduce friendly bacteria is by eating yogurt, which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus--a dietary change Jones has embraced.

Heidi Reichenberger, RD, a registered dietitian in Boston, concurs with Jones about the importance of eating yogurt. She says the most valuable nutritional advice she gives women who have yeast infections is to make yogurt a part of their daily regimen. But make sure the yogurt you buy contains live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Diet Data

Like many women, Jones has discovered that diet plays a huge role in whether candida thrives or merely exists in your body.

Build your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and unprocessed oils, whose nutrients can keep the candida population at bay.

Unfortunately for gourmands, the list of foods that stimulate candida growth is long. Foods that contain simple carbohydrates such as sugar not only promote poor health, they help create conditions in which candida thrives. Avoid refined sugar, com syrup, white bread and other white flour products, and say no to soft drinks and sugar-coated, ready-to-eat cereals. Instead, focus on getting whole-grain baked goods, fresh produce and grain alternatives such as amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat.

Foods that contain hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils also stimulate candida growth. As a healthier alternative, replace them with unrefined varieties such as flaxseed, canola and olive oils.

Cut out yeasty foods and beverages. That means nixing dried fruits, mushrooms, condiments, canned or bottled juices, leavened breads, pastries, pretzels, pizza and rolls.

Alcohol stimulates candida growth, so avoid wine, beer, hard alcoholic drinks, fermented apple cider and root beer. Also stay away from any liquids, cereals and candy containing malt products--a kiln-dried grain used in the preparation of many processed foods and drinks.