PI Perspective 29: Candidiasis Prevention Tips

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in April 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Candidiasis Prevention Tips

Project Inform Perspectives 29 - April, 2000

Maintain good oral health: brush teeth daily, gargle with antiseptic mouthwash (like Listerine) and floss.
Decrease or avoid sugars (corn and maple syrup, glucose, fructose and sucrose). Sugars are food for candida and help it to grow.
Decrease or avoid alcohol. Alcohol converts to sugar and promotes the growth of candida.
Ingest large amounts of garlic (fresh is considered best—mince and put into empty gelatin capsules, up to six cloves a day). Garlic is believed to have some natural anti-fungal properties and may help to prevent candidiasis.
Drink milk or eat yogurt that contains acidophilus bacteria. Acidophilus is "friendly" bacteria which helps keep our body in balance and able to fight of "unfriendly" bacteria and fungus, like candida.
Apply yogurt containing "friendly" bacteria directly into the vagina (such as Lactobacillus bifidus or Lactobacillus acidophilus).
Wear loose fitting clothes to help prevent vaginal candidiasis, since these allow areas of the body ventilate better and dry out.

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