It’s true that vaginal yeast infection can be treated easily with a handful of home remedies most especially during its early stages. But why go through such ordeal when you can keep it at bay in the first place? To avoid such annoying condition that causes signs and symptoms like itching and burning sensation, painful sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge, minding what you eat should be done.
Continue reading to know some of the foods to eat to prevent a vaginal yeast infection from showing up. Also, at the end of this article you will find some of the things you should refrain from consuming to ward off the condition.
Garlic
Of all the medicinal gifts from nature, perhaps nothing is as popular and powerful as garlic when it comes to fighting off fungi. This is the reason why swallowing 2 to 4 cloves of the herb daily can protect you from having a bout of vaginal yeast infection. Garlic also bolsters your immunity by fighting off bad bacteria in your gut and stimulating the liver to neutralize toxic substances in your body.
Onions
There are so many types of microbes that onions can zap, and they include fungi that cause vaginal yeast infection. Adding onions to salads, soups and a variety of dishes allows you to benefit from its yeast infection-fighting properties. One more great thing about consuming onions is it flushes out excess fluid and eliminates bloating, a problem usually encountered by women suffering from a yeast infection.
Coconut Oil
Thanks to its lauric acid and caprylic acid content, the consumption of coconut oil can safeguard you from having a yeast infection. This yummy-smelling oil also helps strengthen your immune system, thus making it easier for your body to keep in check the number of candida — the fungus responsible for a yeast infection. Unlike many other vegetable oils, coconut oil is heat stable so it may be used for cooking and frying without trouble. However, you may simply consume 2 to 3 tablespoons of it daily.
Olive Oil
Aside from coconut oil, olive oil is also known to help prevent yeast infection from happening. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants. It also has superb antifungal properties. Drizzle your salads with olive oil or simply take a couple of tablespoons of it everyday to combat vaginal yeast infection and strengthen your heart too.
Ginger
Drinking ginger tea on a regular basis may help prevent a vaginal yeast infection from ruining your day. That’s because ginger is known to help reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. It’s easy to make ginger tea that inhibits the multiplication of fungi in the body. Grate a square-inch piece of ginger and allow it to steep in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of honey to taste.
Cayenne Pepper
If you love spicing up your food with cayenne pepper, you are less likely to have a bout of yeast infection. That’s because this super hot spice supports your immune system. With your immunity strengthened, it’s less likely for candida to multiply uncontrollably. Cayenne pepper also helps cleanse the gut and stimulates blood circulation.
Pumpkin Seeds
Snacking on pumpkin seeds is a great way to prevent a vaginal yeast infection from developing. Pumpkin seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent inflammation. These healthy fats also have antifungal properties. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish like sardines, trout, mackerel, salmon and halibut.
The above are some of the things that you should consume on a regular basis if you want to considerably reduce your risk of suffering from a yeast infection. It’s also important for you to steer clear of sugary foods and beverages because yeast feeds on sugar. Alcohol and refined grains or flour should also be dodged too.
