Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment - Step 4 - Lasting Health - Candida Overgrowth & Gut Health Solutions

Preventing Future Vaginal Yeast Infection

Step 4 is the final stage of the Yeast Infection Treatment Program. This stage is pivotal because it shifts the focus from managing symptoms to preventing recurrence and maintaining a healthy vaginal and gut microbiome. For those experiencing chronic vaginal yeast infections, this step provides the guidance needed to break free from the cycle of temporary fixes like antifungal creams or drugs, which often exacerbate the problem by creating fungal-resistance and disrupting the delicate microbial balance.

By addressing root causes such as poor diet, a stressful lifestyle, average to poor personal hygiene, and overuse of antibiotics, and replacing harmful habits with nurturing and healthy practices, we create the foundation for long-term health and vitality. We’ve left this stage until the last, because it’s important to first learn to identify your own triggers or causes and establish a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Let’s Build And Maintain Our Vaginal and Gut Health

3d illustration of microscopic pathogens, highlighting their diverse structures.

Our body’s microbiome—a community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—plays a critical role in overall health. The vaginal microbiome, mainly composed of Lactobacillus species, maintains a low pH environment to inhibit harmful organisms (Chen et al., 2021).

Similarly, our gut microbiome influences digestion, immunity, and even vaginal health. Imbalances in either of these ecosystems can be detrimental to each other and lead to conditions such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Long-term success lies in sustaining our gut and microbial balance and interplay by adopting dietary, lifestyle, and hygiene strategies that nurture and protect these interconnected systems.

The Inter-Connectedness of Gut and Vaginal Health

Person in a yellow sweater and jeans with a graphical insert showing bacteria, implying a focus on gut health or microbiology.

The gut microbiome is often likened to one our most important vital organs due to its extensive role in systemic health. Housing trillions of microorganisms, it profoundly impacts immune function, metabolism, and inflammation. Its influence extends to the female reproductive tract, which is itself a complex ecosystem.

Emerging research highlights the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome, Far from being isolated systems, these microbiomes interact and influence each other in profound ways, emphasising their role in maintaining optimal female health (Wang et al., 2021), (Elkafas et al., 2022).

Bacteria and fungi from the gut can migrate to the vaginal area, potentially disrupting its microbial environment. This disruption can lead to imbalances associated with bacterial vaginosis (B.V.), vaginal yeast infections, and even more complex conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, and uterine fibroids.

Studies like those by Wang et al., (2021) and Elkafas et al., (2022) reveal that microbial translocation from the gut to the vaginal area may not only heighten inflammation but also increase the risk of conditions mentioned above, including cervical and endometrial cancer.

The finding of another study is that patients with Candida infection have significantly higher risks of overall cancer as well head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, and even thyroid cancer. (Chung et al., 2017).

The gut’s microbiota plays a pivotal role in modulating immunity and preventing gynaecological disorders, making it an important cornerstone of women’s health.

Research has identified shared bacterial species between the gut rectal-area and vagina, as evidenced in studies involving pregnant women, where 44% of bacterial species were found in both regions (El Aila et al., 2009).

These findings underscore just how closely the gut and vaginal microbiota are well-connected, and that it is important to consider the health of our gut microbiome (our diet) when it comes to vaginal and reproductive health.

Updated Yeast Infection Treatment Program

In 2013, I introduced a three-stage approach to addressing chronic vaginal yeast infections in my book Candida Crusher. Since then, years of clinical practice and, more recently, two additional years of research into the human microbiome have revealed the need for a more comprehensive protocol.

By the time I retired from clinical practice in 2019, my expanded understanding of Candida overgrowth and persistent vaginal yeast infection allowed me to refine and enhance my treatment protocol even further.

Drawing from research and clinical experience in Candida and yeast infections, I’ve developed a four-stage yeast infection treatment program. This updated protocol integrates the latest research on gut and vaginal microbiome health, offering a holistic and effective solution for restoring balance and achieving long-term relief.

It might seem unusual to focus on improving gut microbiome health when treating yeast infections, but emerging research over the past several years highlights the critical connection between the gut and vaginal microbiomes. Addressing both together is not only logical but essential for long-term health and balance.

Here’s a few studies validating why this integrated approach benefits overall well-being:

Microbial Translocation: Gut bacteria and fungi can migrate to the vaginal area, disrupting its microbiome and potentially causing gynaecological conditions (Gholiof et al., 2022).
Immunity Connection: The gut microbiota significantly influences immunity, helping to prevent infections and regulate inflammation in the female reproductive tract (Qi et al., 2021).
Shared Microbial Species: Up to 44% of bacterial species are shared between the rectum and vagina, revealing the close relationship between these microbiomes (El Aila et al., 2009).
Impact on Female Health: Imbalances in the gut microbiome have been linked to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, PCOS, endometriosis, and even cancers (Elkafas et al., 2022).
Therapeutic Potential: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could be explored as treatment options for both gut and women’s reproductive tract conditions (Quaranta et al., 2019)
Reproductive Outcomes: A healthy gut microbiome may improve fertility, conception, and birth outcomes by influencing the vaginal ecosystem (Zanella et al., 2024).

Why Four Stages

Advancements in microbiome research have uncovered the intricate connection, referred to as cross-talk between the gut and vaginal ecosystems (Amabebe et al., 2020).

Inspired by key research insights and findings, I moved beyond the traditional “weed, seed, and feed” treatment framework (kill and build protocols) commonly used to include a crucial fourth stage focused on maintaining combined optimal gut and vaginal health. This final stage is designed to ensure lasting relief from symptoms and also for the prevention of recurring infections, making it an essential part of a long-term and sustainable solution.

Consistency Is The Key: Commit to 3 Months Treatment

Because we are dealing with a very complex ecosystem biologically, the relationship and cross-talk between vaginal and gut microbiota can take time to correct and re-establish. Studies have shown that re-setting our gut microbiome can take a long time (UCLA., Ko and Glazier 2022).

If you’re dealing with chronic or recurring vaginal yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis., I strongly recommend committing to this protocol for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer is even better, for 6 months. Chronic imbalances in the vaginal microbiome take time to correct, and this timeframe allows for a full restoration of healthy flora and reduced relapse risk (Joseph et al., 2021).

By working on your gut microbiome simultaneously by consuming prebiotic foods as well as fermented foods in your diet, and taking probiotics twice daily you’ll be in a much better position to speed up both vaginal and gut healing simultaneously.

By following these steps—coupled with the Candida diet and targeted supplementation —you can achieve outstanding results. This program has been life-changing for countless women, even those with long-standing and severe cases.

Why Our Program Works

The four-stage program targets the root causes of yeast infections, addressing factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, and microbial imbalances. By systematically cleansing, restoring, and then maintaining and building a balanced microbiome, this program sets the complete foundation for long-term health and resilience.

If you’re ready to commit to building great gut health, vaginal health, or health and wellbeing, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your body responds when given the right tools and support. Let’s now look at the four stages that make up this program:

The 4-Steps to Vaginal Cleansing and Balancing

The 4-step yeast infection treatment protocol integrates the latest scientific insights and decades of clinical experience, offering a practical and highly effective alternative to standard pharmaceutical treatments. Not only have the methods we recommend been scientifically-validated to perform as well, if not better, than drug-based interventions, and clinically-validated over more than 30 years, they also provide long-term relief by addressing the root cause of vaginal yeast infections.

Step 1. – Identify The Cause
Identify the cause, stop repeated drug prescriptions.
Step 2. – Deep Cleansing
Deal with and clean-up bacterial and yeast infections.
Step 3. – Balancing Microbiome
Rebuild health gut and vaginal bacteria, restore Ph levels. Using probiotics, prebiotics, specialised supplements, diet and lifestyle changes to rebuild microbial balance.
Step 4. – Lasting Health
Prevent future fungal /bacterial overgrowth by building a resilient microbiome through diet, and ongoing care.

Each stage is vital, but Stage 4 is where the real transformation happens. This is where you shift from managing infections to building a healthy foundation for lasting gut and vaginal health.

Please share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear how this program is helping you on your journey to great health.

Step 4 – Lasting Health

A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera, holding a bunch of leafy greens. She is standing against a light-colored background.

Preventing Future Overgrowth and Maintaining Optimal Vaginal and Gut Health

Preventing yeast infections is essential for women’s health, as these infections can cause discomfort and lead to more serious health issues if recurrent. A balanced vaginal microbiome, dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus species, serves as a natural defence against pathogens (Holdcroft et al., 2023).

One author reviewed 37 studies and found that hormonal contraception and good personal hygiene support a healthy vaginal microbiome. On the other hand, factors like sexual activity, smoking, alcohol-use, as well as stress can all disrupt the vaginal microbiome, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, STIs, and pelvic inflammatory diseases (Morsli et al., 2024).

Disruptions in this balance can result in conditions like bacterial vaginosis and increase susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for preventing such complications.

Equally important is the health of the gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in overall immunity and has a direct impact on vaginal health. An imbalance in gut flora can lead to systemic inflammation and may influence the vaginal microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, supporting gut health is vital for maintaining vaginal health (Prados 2023).

Let’s now look at several of the best ways to support both our gut and vaginal microbiota to optimise not only our recovery from yeast infections, but long-term prevention leading o optimal gut and vaginal health.

1. Anti-Candida Diet

Transitioning to a sugar-free, whole-foods diet is one of the best strategies to alleviate and eradicate yeast infections, including Candida and bacterial dysbiosis symptoms.

Adopting an anti-Candida diet can help prevent gut and vaginal yeast overgrowth. This diet involves reducing the intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, which can promote the growth of Candida albicans.

Instead, focus on consuming non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fermented foods that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Read: Candida Diet

Candida Diet Food List

Candida Diet Food List To Eat
There are lots of delicious ingredients to eat on the Candida diet. Lots of non-starchy vegetables, some probiotic foods, proteins like eggs or white meat, and non-glutenous grains. Check out some of the recipes on this website and in our books too.
Candida Diet Food List Maybe Foods
These are foods that might be OK for some people, but not for others. You can also consult this list when you are thinking about reintroducing some foods to your diet, like fruits or starchy vegetables.
Candida Diet Food List To Avoid
The most important food to avoid is man-made sugar and processed food. Up to 75 percent of processed food contains high fructose corn syrup. Other foods to avoid wherever possible are alcohol and soda drinks.
How To Reintroduce Foods
How quickly should you reintroduce foods? And which foods should you reintroduce first? This page contains some tips on how to add back some of the foods that you eliminated from your diet, without ruining your Candida treatment plan.

Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Candida and bacterial dysbiosis both thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Avoid junk food and sugary foods, ice cream, soda drinks, high-fructose fruit, candy, white bread, pasta, donuts, and pastries.
Choose Fresh Foods Over Avoid Ultra Processed Foods
Fresh high fibre foods stabilise blood sugar levels. Choose all kinds of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Studies have shown that switching from a diet full of processed foods to fresher options can improve gut microbiome health within days.
Include Antifungal and Antimicrobial Foods:
By including antimicrobial food options in our diet, we are directly combatting Candida or bacterial overgrowth. Try incorporating garlic, coconut oil, olive oil, as wellas herbs and spices into your diet for their antifungal properties.
Focus on Vegetables and Vegetable Proteins:
Vegetables can provide us with all our essential nutrients, including protein. Include both starchy and non-starchy vegetables, and leafy greens, and especially the nutrient-dense vegetables.
Include Probiotic Foods:
There are several foods that can help us rebuild healthy gut flora to outcompete Candida or bacterial overgrowth. Try eating fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt and kefir.
Choose High Quality Protein:
To ensure proper nutrition and support of our immune system, metabolism and good health, choose plant-based protein options like tofu, beans and legumes, or free-range eggs, lean meats, and fish.
Include Healthy Fats and Oils:
They provide essential fatty acids that support overall health and energy in many ways. We recommend the use of coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil, hemp oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, and lard.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of fresh water and other healthy drinks ensures we flush out toxins and support our metabolic processes. One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of good health is hydration. Always drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and avoid soda drinks, fruit juice and alcohol.
Monitor Food Sensitivities:
By being aware of any food allergies or intolerances we can reduce inflammation and in some cases even prevent different signs and symptoms of Candida. It is therefore important to pay attention to how our body reacts to certain foods and avoid those that cause adverse effects.
Withdrawal And Gradual Reintroduction of Foods
A good way to establish our own personal food allergies or sensitivities is to remove certain foods and then challenge. If we can identify food and drink triggers, we will find it easier to recover from Candida overgrowth, SIBO, IBS or IBD. After a period of time on a low reactive diet strict avoidance, slowly reintroduce foods one at a time to monitor any reactions.

2. Incorporate Probiotic Supplements Into Your Diet

A person wearing a light gray top holds a pill near their mouth with one hand.

Probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, play a vital role in maintaining microbial balance in both the gut and vaginal environments alleviating gynaecological diseases, and enhancing the local immunity of the vagina (Mei et al., 2022).

There is an association between a highly diverse vaginal microbiota and female reproductive tract health. Research indicates that probiotics can reduce yeast infections by stabilising vaginal pH and enhancing immune function (Cribby et al., 2009).

Read: Probiotics

Incorporating them into our daily routine, through fermented foods or high-quality probiotic supplements, can strengthen our defences against fungal and bacterial overgrowth and recurrence. Regular consumption of probiotics has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of yeast infections and other vaginal disorders.

Benefits of Probiotics:

Stabilise Vaginal pH: Maintaining an acidic environment deters pathogenic organisms.
Enhance Immune Function: A robust immune system can better prevent infections.
Reduce Infection Recurrence: Regular intake of probiotics has been linked to lower rates of recurrent infections.

3. Incorporate Prebiotic Foods Into Your Diet

A collage showing an assortment of fresh vegetables, a bowl of yogurt with fruit, a person fermenting cabbage in a jar, and a close-up of microscopic bacteria.

How To Build Good Gut And Vaginal Microbiome

We all know that a healthy diet constitutes, it means avoiding junk foods and ultra-processed foods in favour of fresh whole foods, preferably foods that have been minimally-processed. Prebiotic foods and probiotic foods both play important roles in nurturing a healthy gut microbiome.

A primary concept for prebiotic effectiveness is their ability to resist digestion by human enzymes, enabling them to reach the large intestine where fermentation takes place.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that encourage the growth and activity of our beneficial gut bacteria in, while probiotics are live micro-organisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed regularly in good amounts.

Both these foods can be easily incorporated into our diets, leading to both and improvement in gut and vaginal microbiome health (Markoviac et al., 2017).

Read: Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic Benefits

The following benefits have all been researched and can be found supported by the following studies:

Encourage Beneficial Bacteria:
Prebiotics fuel Lactobacillus and other healthy bacteria in both microbiomes. Large and healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria crowd-our and discourage dysbiotic (disease-causing) bacteria and fungi like Candida albicans (Markowiak et al., 2017).
Support Microbial Diversity:
A diverse gut microbiome is more resilient to disruptions and infections (Lozupone et al., 2013).
Enhance Gut Barrier Function:
Prebiotics stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which strengthen the gut lining, reducing leaky gut and promoting overall gut health (Shehata et al., 2022).
Boost Immune System:
By nurturing beneficial bacteria, prebiotics enhance immune regulation, reducing inflammation and improving the body’s defence against pathogens (Zhou et al., 2024).
Improve Digestion:
Prebiotics support optimal fermentation in the gut, reducing gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts by promoting balanced microbial activity (Davani-Davari et al., 2019).
Promote Mental Well-Being:
A healthy gut microbiome supported by prebiotics is linked to better mood regulation and reduced anxiety through the gut-brain axis (Appleton 2018).
Aid Nutrient Absorption:
Prebiotics assist beneficial bacteria in breaking down food more efficiently, improving the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium (Whisner et al., 2017).
Reduce Pathogen Colonisation:
By fostering beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help suppress harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Clostridium difficile, reducing the risk of infections (Al-Habsi et al., 2024).
Enhance Metabolic Health:
Prebiotics contribute to better blood sugar control and improved lipid profiles, supporting healthy metabolism and weight management (Megur et al., 2022).
Mitigate Antibiotic Damage:
Consuming prebiotics can help rebuild the gut microbiome after antibiotic use, promoting faster recovery and microbial balance (Hemarajata et al., 2013).

While probiotics directly introduce beneficial bacteria into our gut microbiome, prebiotics serve as nourishment for these beneficial organisms, promoting their growth and enhancing their beneficial effects even further.

It’s the probiotics that help introduce beneficial bacteria, prebiotic foods act as food for those bacteria, helping them thrive. Consuming foods rich in prebiotics, such as garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, and chicory root, supports both gut and vaginal microbiota by fostering the growth of beneficial strains (Johnson et al., 2017).

Click on the + sign to read more bout prebiotic foods.

Prebiotic Foods List

Allium vegetables – Garlic, leeks, onions, chives, shallots, red onions, spring onions.
Drinks – kombucha, chamomile tea, black tea, green tea.
Fruit – Bananas, persimmon, pomegranate.
Grains and cereals – Sourdough bread, oats, amaranth.
Legumes: adzuki beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, navy beans, soybeans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, Lima beans, green peas, lentils (all).
Many vegetables – cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, Bok choy, Asparagus, butternut squash, globe artichoke, beetroot, green beans.
Nuts and seeds – Sesame seed, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds, chestnuts, hazel nuts, pecan nuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashews.
Root vegetables: Jerusalem artichokes, burdock roots, chicory, yacon roots, dandelion roots.

Read: Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic Food Hints and Tips

To summarise, you don’t have to completely avoid oligosaccharides (see Prebiotic Foods) if you have Candida, IBS, or IBD and are wanting to reduce your symptoms. These foods may prove to be quite useful. You’ll find it easy to incorporate prebiotic-rich foods into many meals to encourage the growth and proliferation of good gut bacteria with a little more effort and preparation. Just remember to take it easy at first at least.

These foods serve as prebiotics and promote the development of our beneficial micro-organisms. Additionally, they contain a lot of minerals and fibre, so include some in your Candida diet. Here are a few pointers:

For Sensitive Gut: avoid foods containing the highest amounts of GOS and FOS (see examples above).
Small Amounts Of Nuts: , (they are highly concentrated foods) for example, eat no more than 8 or 9 almonds or 3 Brazil nuts with any snack or meal. Chew them really well until they are like a paste in your mouth.
Add Seeds To Meals: Add pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds to meals. Add ground seeds to your porridge, smoothies, and baked foods. Not too much, common sense.
Canned Chickpeas: For convenience, use canned chickpeas or lentils. My preference is to use dried chickpeas and soak overnight before cooking.
Gluten-Free: If you want to go gluten-free, it’s an option, not mandatory. Some people may wish to opt for gluten-free grains like quinoa, sorghum, millet, amaranth, brown rice, and corn.
Lemons and Limes: If you are nervous about fruits, read the fruit section on this website. Start small, berries, avocado, different citrus fruits like lemon and lime and always allowed.
Hummus and Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, celery, and cucumber, all make a good snack when consumed with hummus.

4. Good Personal Hygiene

How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections

Preventing vaginal yeast infections starts with understanding what triggers them, identifying the factors that allow them to develop, and addressing the root causes. The tips and advice provided here are designed to help you reduce the risk of recurrent vaginal thrush.

This guide focuses on helping you identify underlying causes and offers practical strategies to manage and prevent infections. If you experience recurring vaginal thrush and are unsure of the cause, consulting with your doctor is recommended to rule out any underlying health issues.

Many prevention tips—such as avoiding tight clothing, hot tubs, or activities that trap moisture—are based on the principle that yeast thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments. Yeast infections are also fuelled by sugary foods and recurring antibiotic prescriptions, so adjustments are critical.

Read: How To Prevent Yeast Infections

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Yeast Infections

Boost Airflow
Encouraging airflow around the vaginal and perineal area is a simple yet effective way to prevent yeast infections. Wear loose-fitting clothing and choose breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce moisture buildup. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and dampness.
Avoid Moist and Warm Environments
Yeast flourishes in moist or wet, warm, and dark conditions. Minimise activities like soaking in hot tubs or wearing sweaty workout clothes for prolonged periods. Change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible.
Make Smart Dietary Changes
Candida is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections, thrives on sugar and refined carbohydrate foods. To reduce your risk:
Avoid alcohol. Limit or avoid sugary snacks, desserts, and processed carbohydrates.
Incorporate more fibre-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals to promote a balanced microbiome. Incorporate prebiotic-rich foods and fermented foods.

Hygiene Tips for Yeast Infection Prevention

Proper hygiene is essential in preventing yeast infections. Taking small steps to maintain cleanliness and protect the natural balance of the vaginal area can go a long way.

Choose Breathable Fabrics
Opt for cotton underwear to allow better air circulation.
Avoid tight clothing, including leggings and skinny jeans, that trap moisture.
Avoid Scented Products
Refrain from using scented soaps, douches, or sprays near the vaginal area, as these can disrupt the natural pH and microbiome balance.
Maintain Gentle Cleansing Practices
Use mild, unscented soaps to clean the external genital area.
Avoid douching, as it can disturb the healthy bacteria that protect against yeast infections.

Simple Steps to Stay Ahead of Yeast Infections

By making a few adjustments to your lifestyle and hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing vaginal yeast infections.

Prevention is always better than cure, and these proactive steps will help create an environment where yeast infections are far less likely to thrive.

Key Articles About Women’s Yeast Infections

5. Follow Vulvar Skin Guidelines

Proper care of the vulvar skin involves gentle cleansing and avoiding over-cleaning to prevent irritation. It’s also advisable to avoid harsh laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, and scented personal care products, as these can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance, potentially leading to infections

Love Your Vulva

The vulval skin is delicate and requires gentle care to avoid irritation and discomfort. Washing the area once a day with lukewarm water and a soap substitute, like aqueous cream, helps maintain moisture and protect the skin. Avoid harsh soaps, antiseptics, and scrubbing with sponges or flannels, as they can worsen symptoms. After washing, pat the area dry with a soft towel or use a hairdryer on a cool setting.

Showers are generally better than baths, but if you do bathe, adding an emollient to the water can soothe and hydrate the skin.

Wearing loose, breathable clothing, such as cotton or silk underwear, can reduce friction and allow the skin to breathe. Avoid tight garments like leggings or jeans, as well as fabric conditioners and biological detergents, which can leave irritating residues.

Products such as soaps, douches, and fragranced creams should also be avoided, as they may disrupt the skin’s natural balance.

Regular use of an emollient or moisturiser, even when symptoms aren’t present, helps prevent flare-ups and supports healthy vulval skin. Here are some of the best tips:

Hygiene and Washing

Gentle cleaning: Wash the vulval area once a day with lukewarm water and a soap substitute, such as aqueous cream, which soothes and protects the skin. Avoid soap, as it can dry out and irritate sensitive areas.
Soothing measures: Aqueous cream can also be stored in the fridge for a cooling effect. Dab it on the skin to relieve itching or irritation.
Bathing tips: Showers are preferable to baths, but if you take a bath, add an emollient to the water. Avoid antiseptics, sponges, or flannels, as they can further irritate the skin. Pat the area dry with a soft towel or use a hairdryer on a cool setting, keeping it at a safe distance from the skin.
Other hygiene precautions: Avoid daily use of panty liners, sanitary pads, or coloured toilet paper, as they can trigger irritation.

Clothing

Underwear: Opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk, preferably white or light-colored to avoid reactions to textile dyes.
Daily wear: Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as tights, leggings, tight jeans, or cycling shorts. At home, consider loose clothing without underwear and sleep without underwear to let the skin breathe.
Laundry care: Wash undergarments with non-biological detergents and avoid fabric conditioners that can irritate the skin.

Avoiding Irritants

Products to skip: Steer clear of soaps, shower gels, scrubs, bubble baths, deodorants, baby wipes, and douches, as they often contain irritating chemicals.
Over-the-counter creams: Avoid using baby creams, herbal creams (e.g., tea tree oil or aloe vera), or some thrush treatments, as they may worsen symptoms or trigger allergies.
Scratching: If itching is severe, trim your nails to avoid scratching the area and worsening irritation. Avoid wearing nail polish, which may leave chemicals on the skin.

Emollients for Ongoing Care

Use moisturisers and emollients regularly, even when symptoms are not present, to maintain skin hydration and prevent flare-ups.
Test different emollients to find one that works best for you, as not all will suit every individual. These are available over the counter or on prescription.

By following these steps, you can minimise irritation, soothe symptoms, and maintain healthy vulval skin.

6. Manage Stress and Lifestyle

Person with red curly hair and glasses rests head on hand, looking tired at a desk with a meal and a glass of water. Other people are blurred in the background.

The Link Between Stress and Yeast Infections

While stress itself doesn’t directly cause yeast infections, it can play a significant role in increasing your susceptibility to developing an infection – in fact, just about any infection, because stress lowers our immune resistance.

Understanding the connection between stress and vaginal health can help you take steps to reduce your risk of infections.

Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which raises cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can weaken the immune system, disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, and even elevate blood sugar levels—all of which create an environment where Candida can thrive (Amabebe et al., 2018).

Research has shown that women experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression are more likely to suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infections. For example, a recent highlighted that stress significantly impacts immune health, reducing the body’s ability to keep a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida albicans in check (Moshfeghi et al., 2020).

Additionally, stress-induced increases in blood sugar levels provide an abundant energy source for Candida growth, further compounding the risk of a fungal infection (Jawhara 2023).

Read: Stress

How Stress Can Impact Vaginal Health

Stress doesn’t just affect your immune system; it also alters your vaginal microbiota. Chronic stress can:

Disrupt Beneficial Bacteria: Stress reduces Lactobacillus species, the beneficial bacteria that help maintain vaginal pH and prevent Candida overgrowth (Zangl et al., 2019).
Raise the Risk of Other Infections: Research links stress to bacterial vaginosis (BV), particularly in women with moderate to high stress levels (Turpin et al., 2021).
Affect Reproductive Health: Stress during pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth and an increased risk of BV, showcasing the broader impact of stress on vaginal and reproductive health (Culhane et al., 2001).

Practical Tips to Manage Stress

Taking proactive steps to manage stress can help restore vaginal microbial balance, improve immune function, and lower your risk of fungal yeast infections and bacterial (BV) infections. While stress reduction may not be an immediate cure, it’s an essential long-term strategy for maintaining overall health. Here are a few tips on how to mitigate the effects of stress in your life:

Practice Mindfulness
Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercise can significantly lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise helps reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and boost immune function, creating a stronger defense against infections.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Healthy sleep builds a powerful immune response. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to allow your body to recover, recharge, and maintain a healthy immune system.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Consider the Candida diet. Eat a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce Candida overgrowth.
Set Boundaries and Practice Self-Care
Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as journaling, spending time in nature, or enjoying hobbies that bring you joy.

Key Takeaways

Chronic low-grade stress can indirectly contribute to yeast infections by suppressing your immune system function and disrupting your vaginal microbiome.
Elevated cortisol and stress-induced blood sugar spikes create an environment favourable for Candida overgrowth.
Reducing stress levels through mindfulness, exercise, and proper sleep can strengthen your immune system and reduce the frequency of infections.

By managing stress effectively and taking care of our overall health, we can improve your resilience to yeast infections while enhancing your overall well-being.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The Role of Anti-Inflammatory Foods in Gut Health

Anti-inflammatory foods are essential for supporting gut health, particularly for those managing conditions like IBS, SIBO, or IBD. By reducing inflammation, these foods can improve gut function and enhance overall well-being, especially for individuals with chronic health issues. Acute or chronic inflammation can affect both the gut and vaginal microbiome.

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many conditions, including Candida overgrowth, heart disease, certain cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to dysbiosis, which increases the risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (Dabee et al., 2021).

Inflammation can worsen Candida symptoms like bloating, gas, itching, and bowel irregularities, making an anti-inflammatory diet a practical and effective choice (Jawhara 2023).

The Dual Nature of Inflammation

Not all inflammation is harmful—it plays a vital role in healing. Inflammation increases immune activity and blood flow to help the body recover from infections or injuries. Without it, healing would be nearly impossible (Chen et al., 2017).

However, when vaginal inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can contribute to serious health issues. Persistent inflammation, often linked to poor diet, stress, toxins, and lifestyle factors, can damage the gut and vaginal tissue and lead to long-term health problems (Dabee et al., 2021).

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is a proactive step toward reducing chronic inflammation and supporting both gut and vaginal health and overall wellness.

Be Mindful If You Eat Too Many Of These Foods

Inflammation is a complex and essential biological process that involves a range of cells and signalling proteins, designed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.

However, inflammation is also at the core of many chronic diseases, and it’s increasingly common among adults, particularly in the United States, where many suffer from systemic inflammation. Sometimes, the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation when it’s not needed, as seen in autoimmune disorders, where the body attacks its own healthy tissues as though they were harmful.

For those looking to reduce or eliminate inflammation, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is an excellent starting point. The food we consume has the power to either enhance our health or undermine it, and by choosing foods that combat inflammation, we can support overall wellness and make other treatments more effective.

Grains

Corn (cornmeal, polenta, corn starch, masa, sweet corn, popcorn)
Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
White Rice
White Potatoes

Dairy

Dairy (cow, goat, and sheep’s milk, cheese, butter, cream, sour cream, ice cream)

Sugars and Sweeteners

Agave Syrup
Artificial Sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharine, acesulfame K, neotame)
High Fructose Corn Syrup and Corn Syrup
Sugar

Oils and Fats

Margarine
Refined Vegetable Oils (soy, canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, etc.)
Trans Fats and Hydrogenated Oils

Meat and Animal Products

Processed Meats (bacon, breakfast sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken nuggets)
Pork
Red Meat

Soy and Legumes

Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Soy that is not fermented (TVP, soy protein, soy crisps, “mock duck”, etc.)

Processed and Packaged Foods

All Processed Foods
Artificial Colors & Flavorings
Common “Table Salt”
Fried Foods
GMO’s (genetically modified foods)
MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Beverages

Alcohol
Sodas (regular and diet)
Energy Drinks
Sugary Drinks (sweetened teas, lemonades, fruit punches)
Sweetened Coffee Beverages (including flavored lattes and frappuccinos)

Ultra-Processed Foods Are Inflammatory

One of the most important considerations of maintaining a healthy diet is to try your best to avoid inflammatory foods, these are often the ultra-processed foods. Stay away from UPFs, and in particular, avoid sweet sugary drinks, and eat nutrient dense and anti-inflammatory foods. (Ma et al., 2022)

Including anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, turmeric, green tea, and leafy greens can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy microbial environment. Click on the + sign and read about the 21 most anti-inflammatory foods. There’s an entire blog post that explains each one if you are interested.

Top 21 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

You may be interested in reading this post: Top 21 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Incorporating the top 21 anti-inflammatory foods into your diet is a very good choice for supporting overall health and well-being. These foods are some of the best when it comes to being rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that help reduce inflammation at the cellular level.

A diet that emphasises fresh vegetables, fruits, and fatty fish like salmon, as well as nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can significantly lower inflammation in the body. These foods work synergistically to neutralise harmful free radicals, support a healthy immune response, and maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

By consistently choosing anti-inflammatory foods, you can promote long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

Here are the top 21 anti-inflammatory foods, you’ll find detailed information on this page:

Animal Protein
Avocados
Berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
Bone Broth
Chocolate (dark, at least 70% cacao)
Citrus Fruits (such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits)
Cruciferous Vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
Fermented Foods (such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir)
Fruit
Garlic
Green Tea
Healthy Fats (such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds)
Herbs and Spices (such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon)
Legumes and Beans
Mushrooms (such as shiitake, maitake, and reishi)
Seafood (such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel)
Sea Vegetables (such as nori, kelp, and dulse)
Vegetables
Water (if you drink it daily)
Whole Grains (such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice)
Whole Soy Foods (such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame)

Read: Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Here are additional points and strategies to support gut and vaginal microbiome health simultaneously:

8. Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics

A male doctor in a white coat holding a dna model, smiling at the camera in an office setting.

While antibiotics can be life-saving, they also disrupt the natural balance of gut and vaginal microbiota by killing off beneficial bacteria. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and completing prescribed courses only when essential can help maintain microbial health. Consider probiotics after antibiotic treatments to restore balance.

Antibiotics and Yeast Infections

Antibiotics, commonly used to treat infections like UTIs or strep throat, can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in your body, often leading to yeast overgrowth and vaginal yeast infections.

These medications can wipe out Lactobacillus bacteria, which are essential for maintaining an acidic vaginal environment and suppressing yeast growth. Without these protective bacteria, the vaginal pH may become more alkaline, allowing yeast to thrive.

Read: What Causes A Vaginal Yeast Infection to Stay?

To reduce the risk, consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement with Lactobacillus strains or adding yogurt with live cultures to your diet. If you suspect antibiotics are causing a yeast infection, consult your doctor to explore alternative treatments.

9. Stay Hydrated

Person enjoying a healthy drink by sipping a glass of water.

Hydration supports both gut and vaginal health by helping maintain mucosal barriers and encouraging the removal of waste products that can disrupt microbial balance. Proper hydration also promotes bowel regularity, which prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut that can influence the vaginal microbiome.

Beyond Water: Hydration with Health Benefits

Pure, clean water is the gold standard for staying hydrated, but sometimes we crave a little extra flavour. Luckily, there are plenty of beverages that not only quench your thirst but also provide added health perks. Here are 9 top beverage choices to keep you hydrated and healthy.

We all know hydration is key—every cell in your body depends on water to function. Proper hydration helps prevent infections, boosts metabolism, enhances mood, and even improves sleep quality (Pross et al., 2014).

How Much Water Do You Really Need?

The “eight glasses a day” rule is a good starting point, but hydration needs vary based on factors like age, activity level, weight, climate, and health conditions.

Active Lifestyles: If you exercise regularly, you’ll need more water to replenish lost fluids.
Health Considerations: People with certain conditions may need to monitor their water intake to avoid dehydration.

Hydration Beyond Water

While water should be your go-to, you can mix things up with nutritious, gut-friendly drinks that offer extra benefits. Whether it’s supporting digestion, boosting immunity, or providing essential nutrients, these beverages are excellent additions to your daily hydration routine. Read our Healthy Drinks page and you’ll soon see there are plenty of choices besides alcohol, coffee, tea, or soda drinks.

Read: Healthy Drinks

Vaginal-Friendly Practices During Menstruation

During menstruation, especially the first few days, the vaginal pH becomes less acidic, creating an increasingly favourable environment for pathogens like Candida albicans and E.coli (Gajer et al., 2012).

Changing menstrual products regularly, opting for unscented options, and maintaining hygiene can minimise microbial imbalances during this time.

This is also a good time to step-up Candida treatments and be aware of any sugar or sweet cravings that may inadvertently occur.

Use Gut- and Vaginal-Friendly Supplements

Certain supplements can directly benefit both microbiomes:

Zinc: Supports immune function and helps reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D: Promotes immune regulation and microbial diversity.
Cranberry Extract: May prevent pathogenic bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the vaginal or urinary tract lining.
Probiotics: A high-quality probiotic containing mixed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species can help to encourage health gut and vaginal microbiome.
Enzymes: Digestive and systemic enzymes can help reduce inflammattory responses and improve digestive function and nutrient uptake.
Antifungals: A high-quality antimicrobial supplement can help bring balance and harmony to both the gut and vaginal microbiome.

Best Treatment For For Chronic Gut and Vaginal Health Problems

There are many ways to quickly relieve symptoms and the discomfort of a vaginal yeast infection, but achieving a more complete long-term freedom requires a more comprehensive strategy. If you suffer from bloating, gas, sweet cravings, or a host of other gut or systemic symptoms of Candida, you may be interested in our comprehensive Candida Cleanse Program.

By following the Candida Cleanse Advanced program outlined in this website alongside the targeted local treatments, you can successfully address the root causes of any gut and yeast infection rather than just treat the symptoms. This program is also suitable for those with food allergies, SIBO, IBS, and IBD.

Summary: Achieving Balanced Gut and Vaginal Health

Preventing yeast infections and fostering a healthy microbiome involves a comprehensive, proactive approach if you are looking for lasting health.

From dietary changes and proper hygiene to lifestyle adjustments, each small step contributes to long-term health and vitality. By reducing sugar intake, prioritising gut-friendly foods, managing stress, and practicing good hygiene techniques, you can support a balanced gut and vaginal microbiome that strengthens your body’s natural defences against infections.

Caring for your gut and vaginal health holistically not only helps prevent recurring infections but also enhances overall well-being. With the right knowledge and strategies, you can empower yourself to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Key Takeaways for Gut and Vaginal Health

Diet and Nutrition

Adopt an Anti-Candida Diet: Limit sugars and processed foods, focus on whole, nutrient-rich options, and incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir.
Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics: Use high-quality supplements containing Lactobacillus strains and eat prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus to feed beneficial bacteria.

Hygiene Practices

Prioritise Hygiene: Wear breathable cotton fabrics, avoid tight clothing, and refrain from using scented products that can disrupt the vaginal pH.
Maintain Gentle Cleansing Practices: Use mild, unscented soaps and avoid douching to preserve the natural microbiome balance.

Stress Management and Lifestyle

Reduce Stress: Engage in stress-reducing practices such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise to maintain a strong immune system.
Ensure Quality Sleep: Prioritize restful sleep to support immune and microbial health.

Smart Antibiotic Use

Be Antibiotic-Smart: Avoid overuse of antibiotics, which can disrupt both gut and vaginal microbiomes. If antibiotics are necessary, replenish beneficial bacteria with probiotics.

Anti-Inflammatory Approach

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, stay hydrated, and avoid pro-inflammatory habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Professional Guidance

Always Seek Professional Help for Recurring Issues: Consult a healthcare provider to address persistent infections or gut imbalances.

A Holistic Path to Health

By combining these above strategies—adopting a nutrient-rich diet, practicing proper hygiene, managing stress, and being mindful of antibiotics—you can create a strong and balanced microbiome in both the gut and vaginal environments. These efforts will not only reduce the risk of yeast infections but also contribute to your overall vitality, leaving you healthier and more resilient in the long term.

Taking care of your microbiome is an investment in your health and well-being. Small, consistent changes today can lead to a lifetime of benefits. Start with these practical steps, and empower yourself to take charge of your health. Let us know your comments below!

Candida Cleanse Beginner

Just starting out? Looking for a Candida Yeast Infection Cleanse?

Start Now!

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.