Vaginal Yeast Infection or Candidiasis is caused by an imbalance of the yeast cells in the vaginal area, due to ph levels and acid balance. The body naturally contains a certain amount of bacteria, and yeast feed on the bacteria, and when an imbalance occurs, the yeast concentration causes symptoms or an infection to develop. Itching, redness, soreness, or a "cottage cheese like" discharge normally characterizes the infection. It is estimated that 75% of women have had an infection at least once in their life, and many have had numerous recurrences.

It is hard to confirm the presence of a yeast infection because the symptoms can resemble sexually transmitted diseases. This is why you may need to go to the doctor to confirm that it is in fact a yeast infection, and not something else. While there are over the counter remedies available, these can actually cause an imbalance to occur. Increasing the chances of contracting one if one was not present.

Because a yeast infection is caused by an unhealthy yeast growth, diet can play a role in keeping it in check. Just like in making bread, yeast feed on sugar and in many cases, the patient may have a diet rich in sweets or have a craving for sweets. The body also naturally converts carbohydrates into sugar for fuel and a diet rich in sugar or carbohydrates encourages yeast growth. The best diet to discourage yeast infection is a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, whole grain, non-fat dairy products and possibly yogurt or acidophilus milk.

In addition to diet there are steps that one can take to alter their hygiene that may help prevent to onset of a yeast infection. You want to avoid pantyhose and tight fitting pants whenever possible. In fact if you are able to avoid underwear this may best, but if that is not possible try to wear underwear or pantyhose that has a cotton crotch. Cooler loose fitting clothing like dresses or skirts are also beneficial. You should also wipe from front to back and avoid certain soaps and feminine sprays. Taking a bath opposed to a shower may help keep yeast at appropriate levels. You should also avoid perfumed douches and feminine napkins using a tampon instead.

Yeast infections can occur anywhere in the body so you may observe digestive and intestinal yeast infections. Once again, this explains why diet may help keep yeast at appropriate levels by keeping the body's ph and acid levels in check. A moist warm area is where yeast grows best, this explains why is often occurs in the vagina or cervix area.

Those who have had a yeast infection are more prone to repeat occurrences in the future. High stress and an immune deficiency may also lead to an infection occurring again as can the difficulty in maintaining balance. This explains why many women may have their first infection while also having a cold or the flu.

The best cure is prevention of a vaginal yeast infection. By choosing a balanced diet, keeping your immune system strong with multi vitamins and natural herb supplements, and stress at a minimum, with proper hygiene habits, you may be able to prevent getting an infection or a reoccurrence.