Yeast Infections and Your Diet: What's the Connection? Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Yeast Infection Yeast Infections and Your Diet What' s the Connection Yeast infection causes may be somewhat related to your diet. But can following a special diet cure or prevent an infection? By Chris Iliades, MDMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPHReviewed: April 5, 2011Medically ReviewedHaving a yeast infection is a common female problem — maybe in part because yeast infection causes are so wide-ranging. They include stress, illness, menstrual periods, pregnancy, and even being on medications for other conditions. Normally the fungus that causes yeast infection, Candida albicans lives in balance with the other microorganisms in your body. "Anything that upsets this normal balance can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and can cause a yeast infection," says Wiyatta Freeman, MD, a gynecologist at Baylor Medical Center in Irving, Texas. A common example is taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection. The antibiotics kill off many normal bacteria, and that allows yeast to multiply and lead to a yeast infection. Yeast grows best in a warm, moist environment, so providing those conditions can lead to an infection. For example, wearing tight-fitting jeans or spending time in a wet bathing suit can increase your risk of a yeast infection — and is a more likely cause than what you eat. But diet may play a role in some yeast infections. "Eating foods that are very high in sugar has been associated with yeast infections. This type of diet may be especially risky for someone with diabetes," says Dr. Freeman. Recurrent yeast infections may also be due to a poor diet if you are not getting enough iron and you develop an iron-deficiency type of anemia. A poor diet can also increase your risk of obesity, and therefore, yeast infections. "People who are overweight may have more areas of warmth and moisture in skin folds that contribute to yeast infection," says Freeman. How Diet May Help There are many good over-the-counter and prescription antifungal medications that effectively treat and cure most yeast infections. As an additional measure, watching what you eat may help. "Diet recommendations for someone with frequent yeast infections include lowering sugar, increasing yogurt in the diet, and taking probiotics,” says Freeman. “Generally speaking, we just recommend a well-balanced, healthy diet." Alternative treatments for yeast infection, including dietary changes, are frequently tried, but most of these methods remain controversial:Yogurt for yeast infections. Yogurt is a popular natural treatment for yeast infections because yogurt is fermented with helpful bacteria. The idea is that by increasing the number of these bacteria in your system, you restore a healthy balance between bacteria and yeast. Some people have even tried putting yogurt directly into the vagina to fight a yeast infection, but there is not enough evidence to support using yogurt as a treatment.Probiotics diet and supplements. Studies show that some bacteria, such as Lactobacillus GG can shorten the course of some types of diarrhea. These good bacteria may also be helpful against yeast infections by restoring the balance between yeast and bacteria, especially in people taking antibiotics or birth control pills. Probiotics have been added to some fortified foods and are sold as dietary supplements, but they are not tested or regulated the same way that drugs are. Although these supplements are generally considered safe, you should check with your doctor if you are using them to treat an infection.Candida diet. This type of diet is based on the belief that the uncontrolled overgrowth of candida in a yeast infection affects the whole body and can be reversed by cleansing the body of candida with fasting and enemas. These diets promote foods like vegetable juices and algae, while restricting foods like cheese, alcohol, chocolate, and fresh fruits. "I have not seen any evidence that these candida diets are useful against common yeast infections," cautions Freeman. Your diet may contribute to yeast infection if you are diabetic or eat foods that are very high in sugar, and a healthy diet may help reduce your risk of yeast infection. If you are at risk for a yeast infection, particularly if you are taking antibiotics or birth control pills, a probiotic diet or probiotic supplements may be recommended. However, there is not enough medical evidence to support the candida diet as a cure or for protecting against yeast infection. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, such as itching, redness, burning, or discharge, your best bet is to see your doctor. The good news about yeast infections is that they usually respond quickly to over-the-counter or prescription medications. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections Medications can be very effective, but some people still prefer natural options. 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