Chat with AHA!

Chat with Ask Healthshots

These 5 foods can help you prevent vaginal yeast infections, according to a nutritionist

A vaginal yeast infection is really irksome and comes with burning sensation, irritated skin, and discharge! Thankfully, these foods can help you prevent it.
vaginal yeast infection
These foods can help you deal with that nasty vaginal yeast infection. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Updated: 20 May 2024, 12:13 pm IST
  • 93
Medically Reviewed by

You can get a yeast infection due to a variety of reasons, ranging from lack of sleep, weak immune system, and diabetes to hormonal imbalance and unhealthy eating habits. While medication is one way to treat these infections, there are also some foods that prevent yeast infection.  

Your diet can make a big difference in prevention as well as treatment of yeast infection. This is why it is essential to know the foods that prevent yeast infection.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection in your vagina that can cause irritation, discharge as well as as an itchy vagina and vulva. It is caused by candida, a fungi, that lives in your body and can cause infections. The fungus goes deep into the vagina, and a yeast infection is caused. This is why a candida diet may alleviate the symptoms of a yeast infection. But, more research is needed to see if the candida removal diet helps with yeast infections. Herbs, plants and spices that fight off fungus in human body can help with yeast infection, as well as following a balanced diet, says nutritionist Dr Namita Nadar.

Also Read: 3 types of vaginal infections you must know about

Foods that prevent yeast infections

1. Dairy products

Eating foods with lactobacillus acidophilus organisms, such as yoghurt or acidophilus milk, can help you in preventing yeast infections, states this study, published in the journal Microorganisms. Both prebiotics and probiotics can help resolve the issue.

Drink milk every day to keep vaginal iyeast nfections away. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Virgin coconut oil

Unlike your regular coconut oil, virgin coconut oil is fresh, pure, and free of any chemical refining. And this oil can do wonders for your health, since it preserves all the minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. A study, done by the researchers at Tufts University found that coconut oil can be extremely effective at fighting Candida albicans—a pathogenic yeast that causes the infection. Dr Nadar suggests, “Coconut oil is a good food to decrease yeast infection. And it can be used orally and topically.”

3. Garlic

Yes, you read that right! The pungent-smelling food can help you prevent a yeast infection. “Garlic is very useful to suppress yeast infections,” she says. However, more research is needed on the same.

4. Turmeric

The starring ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. This plant compound can be ingested or applied locally to control and avoid a yeast infection, says Dr Nadar. A study, published in Canadian Journal of Microbiology, states that garlic is useful in killing candida-yeasts.

Take a Poll

What is your go-to remedy for menstrual cramps?

Take a Poll

What is your preferred method of contraception?

besan face pack
Say yes to spices like turmeric. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Your regular weight loss tonic and elixir for hair, apple cider vinegar can also help you deal with a yeast infection. Dr Nadar says, “The acidic component of apple cider vinegar can help decrease the infection. Add it to lukewarm water and drink it up. You can also add it to bathwater to get rid of the infection.”

Also Read: Vaginal smell putting you off? Eat these 7 foods if you want to keep your vagina smelling right

FAQs

Is it safe to have sex during a yeast infection?

You should ideally avoid having sex during a yeast infection as it can make your symptoms worse, and you make take longer to recover.

What are the remedies that you can try for vaginal infection?

There are a number of remedies that can be tried to cure vaginal infections. You can try to rinse the area gently with salt water. Additionally, tea tree oil can also give you some relief.

Also Read: How to maintain the pH levels of the vagina? These 5 tips may help

Summary

While eating the right diet, and staying away from certain foods can help in preventing and curing a yeast infection, if your situation doesn’t seem to get better, do visit a gynecologist. There are some home remedies as well that can help. If yeast infections are very frequent, then having a balanced diet and regularly taking prebiotics can definitely help prevent the same.

  • 93
Related Topics:
About the Author

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

Next Story
Healthshots AHA
Ask a Health Query
Anonymously for FREE!
Close Popup Healthshots AHA
  • Unlimited Queries
  • Completely Anonymous
  • Credible Sources
CHAT NOW