Causes for Yeast Infections - the Overlooked Elements

There are a variety of elements leading to the causes for yeast infections.  Here, we will specifically discuss some of the overlooked elements women face daily.

Diet

Keep in mind that yeast loves sugar! In addition to sugar, simple carbohydrates (white flour, potatoes, and other starches) can feed Candida. We seem to provide a perfect environment for the growth of Candida in our systems and to make matters worse; the Candida drives you to crave the things that feed it best.  Cravings for sugar are very common in people with systemic yeast infections, even cravings for coffee, beer and mushrooms are suspect because each of these feed the yeast.  Cola based sodas and alcohol can result in chronic vaginal yeast infections for some women.

Douching

All healthy women have bacteria and other organisms in the vagina. The balance of these maintains a normal acidity in the vagina and acts to prevent overgrowth of specific organisms, leading to symptoms of a vaginal infection. Douching not only disturbs the normal vaginal environment, but the ingredients in most commercial douches kill off the healthy bacteria in the vagina to begin with—causing yeast infections in women.  It is for these reasons gynecologists generally do not recommended this practice.  The vagina naturally cleanses itself.

Chemicals

Perfumes, dyes, detergents, and inks have a huge impact on causing yeast infections in women—a cause that women widely overlook.  An allergic reaction to chemicals once again, upset the vaginal eco-system.  The list is endless for the many products we use on a daily basis:  fragrance-laced laundry detergents, bubble baths, perfumed bath salts, feminine deodorant sprays, scented tampons and sanitary pads, perfumed and scented soaps, perfumed toilet papers, fabric softeners, synthetic underwear containing dyes, etc, etc…Becoming aware of this alone should quickly educate you on making the right choice, as there are just as many product alternatives out there for the consumer.

Clothing

Tight clothing can be a hindrance by not allowing air in and trapping moisture, a breeding ground for yeast.  Leaving a bathing suit or damp clothing on for an extended period of time can have the same result.  Wearing pantyhose frequently is another contributor.  Wearing white cotton underwear is the best way to go in addition to changing into a clean pair daily.  Some even suggest to not wear any when sleeping (if you do, put on a clean pair), as yeast loves to live there.  When going to the bathroom, it is wise to wipe from the front to back, so bacteria and other organisms from the rectum won’t come in contact with the vagina.  Poor hygiene is a contributor to yeast infections.  Women in wheel chairs are very susceptible to these also for obvious reasons (sitting all day creating a moist place for yeast to grow), so it is vital that proper cleansing, clean underwear and clothing are applied.  Neutrogena and other non-perfumed based cleansers are widely available.

Education is getting more important for women to make informed decisions regarding the causes of yeast infections:  informed decisions which will lead to better daily management and prevention.