These 5 foods can help you prevent vaginal yeast infections, according to a nutritionist
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When you have a vagina, a yeast infection is bound to happen. 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. But it doesn’t matter what the cause is, because the symptoms are equally painful in every case.
But before you start popping pills and blindly following home remedies to prevent yeast infection, know that your diet can make a big difference. Says Dr Namita Nadar, Head Nutritionist at the Fortis Hospital Noida: “Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products can help you prevent a yeast infection.”
So, yes ladies, you can stay safe from a vaginal yeast infection by just taking care of your diet. In fact, here are five foods that can come to your rescue:
1. Dairy products
“Eating foods with lactobacillus acidophilus organisms, such as yoghurt or acidophilus milk, can help you in preventing yeast infections,” says Dr Nadar.
Moreover, a study published in the journal Mycopathologia found that in women with yeast infection who received an oral and vaginal probiotic, similar to what’s in cheese, incidents of reinfection reduced to just 31%!
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.
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.
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.”
While these foods can very well help, if your situation doesn’t seem to get better, do visit a gynaecologist.