Candida infection, which causes itching and burning in the vaginal area, is quite common among women. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid it (75% of women suffer from candida at least once in their lifetime), but steps can be taken to prevent it from recurring often. Here's how to prevent candida infection by wearing the right clothes, taking care of hygiene and changing both nutrition and lifestyle.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Wear the Right Clothes
Step 1. Wear comfortable clothes
Candida infection develops when conditions are right for the proliferation of bacteria and yeasts. Tight-fitting clothes promote a humid and warm environment, perfect for candida, while looser garments allow air to circulate, keeping the skin dry. Avoid wearing the following clothes for many hours a day:
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Tights. Wearing them all day promotes the development of candida. If you like to wear tights, choose models that are not too tight, or make a cut in the groin area to allow air to pass through.
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Bodysuits and other items in elastane. This type of fabric does not allow the skin to breathe well, but traps body heat by creating a halo of moisture on the skin.
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Step 2. Put on underwear made of breathable fabric
Nylon and elastane trap moisture and heat, thus promoting the development of candida. When you go shopping, remember:
- Linen made of cotton or other types of breathable fabric keeps the skin dry, preventing candida infection.
- Wear thongs and lace lingerie for special occasions, avoid using them every day. These garments are tight and create the ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Maintain Personal Hygiene
Step 1. Keep the vaginal area dry
It is essential to prevent candida infection. Take the following steps to avoid creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow:
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Dry yourself very well after a bath or shower.
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Do not wear a wet bathing suit for a long time. Put a dry one as soon as you get out of the water.
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Change as soon as you finish your workout, because sweat doesn't dry out in no time.
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If you wear sanitary pads or panty liners, change them often to keep the area dry and clean.
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Step 2. Clean yourself from the front working towards the back
After completing the physiological needs, it is important to clean yourself in the right way so as not to spread the bacteria everywhere and prevent candida infection. Clean yourself starting from the front and not the other way around.
Step 3. Avoid douching and intimate sprays
They contain chemicals that disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora, increasing the risk of candida infections.
- You should also avoid talcum powder, scented pads and sanitary napkins, even scented toilet paper.
- Using harsh, scented soaps can also cause candida.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Changing Your Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Strengthen your immune system
The most common cause of candida is a weak immune system that allows unwanted bacteria to develop. Helps the body fight infections while staying healthy.
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Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, and healthy fats to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to prevent infections.
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Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and herbal teas, eating fruits and vegetables, such as red peppers, cucumbers and watermelon.
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Work out four or five times a week, combining cardio with weights, so you'll keep fit while also increasing muscle strength.
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Step 2. Reduce Stress
Anxiety and stress can have negative effects on the body. Candida often develops during a difficult period. Here's how to counter the onset of the infection:
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Take care of yourself in times of great stress. Find time to eat healthy meals, to work out, and to stay hydrated. Health is much more important than deadlines.
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Get enough sleep. Don't stay up all night to work or study; your body will suffer if you are not careful. Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Prevent a Yeast Infection Step 7Bullet2 - You can't alleviate all stressful situations, however you can manage your time to make life less overwhelming, thereby also reducing the chance of developing candida. Try to organize your day in a less hectic way, delegate some commitments to family members and learn to say no if you are already very busy.
Step 3. Eat yogurt and other dairy products
When the body doesn't have enough "good" bacteria to fight off the "bad" ones, a candida infection can develop. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium capable of restoring the balance of bacterial flora.
Step 4. Avoid antibiotics if possible
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause infections, but they also reduce the number of "good" bacteria you need to prevent candida. Do not take antibiotics unless necessary. During a course of antibiotics, eat a lot of yogurt and limit stress so as not to compromise the immune system.
