During the summer months, many women head to the OB-GYN office for uncomfortable yeast infections. The hot weather, sweaty clothes and wet swimsuits can make it quite easy for yeast infections to develop. But there are natural ways to prevent them so you can stay comfortable all summer long.
Cut back on sugar and processed carbohydrates
You might love sweet treats and processed carbs, but you’re not the only one. Yeast thrives in a sugary environment, and the more sugar and processed carbs you consume, the higher your yeast level will go, leading to an yeast infection. Apart from the obvious sugar-laden foods, avoid breads, pasts and alcohol.
Limit antibiotic use
When you think of good bacteria in the body, you probably think of the gut. But the truth is, there is a lot of healthy bacteria populating the vaginal area, too. When you take an antibiotic, it not only clears away the harmful bacteria, but it also wipes away the good bacteria, too. This can leave the vaginal area vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.
Don’t douch
Douching might feel refreshing, however it can alter the vaginal area’s natural pH levels. And if the douching process removes the old bacteria, yeast levels can rise.
Keep the vaginal area dry
Whether it’s your underwear, swimsuit or clothing, if it’s damp or wet, swap it out with something dry. This can prevent the vaginal area from becoming a perfect environment for infection.
Include probiotics in your diet
Probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri and rhamnosus are particularly good for the vaginal area. So, look for supplements which include these two strains. Garden of Life Women’s Probiotic is a high quality supplement to consider.
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Additionally, you can include fermented foods in your diet, too, like plain yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut.
