Ways to avoid yeast?

[elvendork]

I have read that yeast is caused by the pH in the vagina being off
What do you think causes this?

[gpie]

I'm in an endless battle against candida since I spent a year in northern Zambia eating a high carb diet and having malaria 7 times, which destroyed my immune system.

Some things I've learned:
-boost your immune system.
-reduce sugars/refined carbs, they do indeed feed yeast. If you can eliminate it long enough it rely weakens the yeast
-avoid cheeses
-eat lots of garlic
-eat lots of yogurt, and/or take probiotics
-don't use soap down there
-never stay in EU clothes or swimsuits
-avoid foods with high acidity
-drink water with fresh squeezed lemon juice in it. Not from a bottle!

Those are what I can think off of the top of my head.

[Alkali13]

I've heard not using soaps and such in the area as well as not using douches and such.  I didn't know about the coconut oil though, so that's awesome to know!

[Isis1515]

Yep... I started using coconut oil only in the shower. You can make simple scrubs with coconut oil so you can still get an exfoliant. Coconut oil is also supposed to suppress yeast growth. Anyway, since limiting my soap use, I stopped having acne issues, and finally got  my eczema problem under control (my daughter's as well). They are also linking eczema and many other things to candida issues. I've actually just started (very very gradually) drinking kefir. It's one of the best ways to get probiotics in your system.... Though I'm using the store bought kefir and not making my own, which is supposed to be better. So many people have yeast issues and don't really realize it.

[elvendork]

I seeing that using soaps, shaving creams and body wash in the vaginal area effects pH too.

[Isis1515]

It is ph, that's why Apple cider vinegar is effective against it, but it is also too many sugars. Sugar feeds candida so whether it's a complex carb, a simple sugar, or fruit, you are feeding the yeast in your body. To keep it under control you need to limit sugar intake and make sure you are feeding the good flora in your body (probiotic).