Effective Strategies for Addressing Yeast Infections

Margo Gladding on
There are some natural strategies to dealing with yeast infections.

With hot summer weather upon us, women can experience more vaginal yeast infections. These uncomfortable infections are most often caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Candida is typically kept under control by beneficial bacteria housed in the vagina. However, diet, lifestyle and environmental factors can disrupt the body’s microflora balance and allow for candida to proliferate. If you struggle with yeast infections, fortunately there are many ways to help prevent them as well as effective strategies you can take to address them naturally.

The vaginal microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that contains more than 200 different bacterial species. Lactobacillus species tend to be the most prominent. These helpful organisms produce antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to create an acidic and protective environment against pathogens. Throughout a woman’s life, various factors can shift the vaginal microbiome composition and lead to dysbiosis, including yeast infections.

During summer, humidity and hot temperatures, sweating, wearing damp bathing suits, and swimming in chlorinated swimming pools, can contribute to microflora imbalances. Other factors that can contribute to yeast overgrowth include high stress levels, blood sugar and hormonal imbalances, toxin exposure, leaky gut, eating a diet that contains a lot of processed foods and sugar, in addition to taking antibiotics, birth control pills, and corticosteroids.

Symptoms of Candida

While yeast overgrowth can show up as a vaginal yeast infection, other symptoms of candida can include fatigue, headaches, sinus issues, gas/bloating, anxiety, cravings for sugar and carbohydrates, skin rashes, and anxiety. When faced with a yeast infection, it is important to take a whole-body approach to address it. Identifying underlying diet and lifestyle factors, supporting gut/vaginal microbiome health, and taking measures to promote immune health, can all help to restore balance.

Helpful Ways to Address Yeast Infections

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing, free of synthetic materials such as nylon and spandex. Change out of a wet bathing suit after swimming.
  • Avoid fragrances and other chemicals found in scented soaps, laundry detergent, body care products, and menstrual products.
  • Eat a whole-foods, low-sugar, and anti-inflammatory diet. Because candida feeds off of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and yeast-containing foods, it is best to avoid gluten, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dried fruit, fruit juices, and fermented foods.
  • Manage stress levels to help support healthy immune function.
  • Supplement with immune supportive nutrients, such as vitamins A, E, C, and zinc.
  • Supplement with a candida-specific antifungal formula, such as Sinus Survival Candida Balance.
Working with a healthcare professional can be a great way to receive personalized guidance on how to best support your body’s microbiome health. Whether you need acute support for a summertime yeast infection or help addressing chronic yeast infections, Village Green’s team of nutritionists and naturopathic doctors can help to create a health plan specific for your needs.
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