Yeast infections are a common affliction, effecting millions of women every day. The burning and itching can really keep you feeling like staying at home until all symptoms subside! Read the following article for helpful tips you can use to prevent yeast infections or treat them right away if you get one.

Do not douche. The notion that douching cleanses the vagina is a misconception, as it actually cleanses itself. Douching removes the beneficial strains of bacteria that help to keep yeast under control, too. This can lead to even more frequent or severe yeast infections. If you experience persistent discomfort or a bad smell, see your doctor–you may have a more serious infection.

Make sure that if you sweat a lot or work out at the gym, you always take a change of clean, dry clothes with you. Never sit around in sweaty gym clothes or a wet bathing suit. By keeping your body dry and out of wet/sweaty clothes, you are preventing any yeast infections.

Did you know that the bacteria in plain yogurt can help fight a yeast infection? It is true, but it has to be unsweetened yogurt. Yeast feeds on sugar and yogurt will not be helpful if it contains sugar. You can even use it as a topical treatment by dipping a tampon in yogurt.

When searching for a bit of a reprieve from the pain and itching of a yeast infection, you may find apple cider vinegar to be incredibly effective. By pouring a cup of this vinegar into your bath water before taking a soak, you can achieve a surprising level of soothing relief.

A major cause of yeast infections is the way you wipe when you have a bowel movement. When you wipe from back to front, you are transferring bacteria from the rectum to the vagina. These bacterias increase your chances of developing a yeast infection. Always wipe from front to back.

Eat yogurt daily in order to prevent yeast infections. The healthy bacteria contained in yogurt helps your body to ward off a build-up of yeast. Eating yogurt on a regular basis enables your system to kill the fungus that causes yeast infections. If you already have a yeast infection, you can eat yogurt or even apply plain yogurt topically to help soothe the symptoms.

Whenever you take an antibiotic, it makes your body more prone to yeast infections. You do not needlessly need to suffer with the itching and burning of an yeast infection, though. As soon as your start taking that first antibiotic, also start taking a probiotic. You can purchase it in a powder form and add it to a fruit smoothie. You can also eat yogurt. Acidophilus, a bacteria found in yogurt, is a probiotic. You can also get probiotics in a pill form, if that is your preference.

When working to battle a yeast infection, dietary changes can make a huge difference. By following a diet plan in which you try to limit your intake of sugar, high-lactose dairy, peanuts and dried fruit, you will eliminate many common sources of yeast and get a leg up on conquering the existing infection.

Wearing tight apparel can cause a yeast infection. Yeast thrives where climates are warm and moist.

Apple cider vinegar is a inexpensive and effective home remedy for yeast infection. A therapeutic bath can be made by simply adding 1 or 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath water and soak for a few minutes. You can also add apple cider vinegar to your diet. On good way is to add a couple of teaspoons to your drinking water 2 to 4 times daily.

Try to keep your stress levels at bay! Many people who experience an onslaught of stress, often reach for unhealthy junk foods. This also means, more sugar added to an already unhealthy diet. By choosing healthier foods and cutting down stress, you are lowering your chances of developing a yeast infection.

Try to consume a diet which is low is sugar. Sugar is what fuels yeast growth, so reducing your sugar intake can definitely stop the severity of a yeast infection and decrease the time it takes to treat said infection. Remember, many foods contain hidden sugars, so always check food labels carefully.

Going without underwear can leave you prone to yeast infections. Remember, cotton underwear is the best type for you because they are drier. Going commando will only worsen your problems.

Choose all cotton undergarments and avoid tight pantyhose and pants to reduce the risk of yeast infections. Man made fibers prevent air circulation and create the perfect conditions for yeast growth. Cotton fibers allow air to circulate and help prevent the moist, warm conditions that yeast needs to flourish.

Hopefully this article has given you plenty of helpful tips to avoiding yeast infection, or finding a quick cure once you’ve got one. Nothing will slow you down more than this irritating and very personal problem, and you really need to be able to help yourself get rid of it, fast!

Learn About Clearing Up A Yeast Infection was originally published on Spring