What is a Yeast Infection?
Candida albicans is a yeast species that represents the most abundant fungal organism in the human microbiome. Candida albicans grows in white colonies (albicans is in fact Latin for “whitish”) that emit a yeasty odor. This yeast lives on the skin surface, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract of human beings.
There are various issues that can arise when Candida albicans overgrows, and many are not applicable to the average person with a normally functioning immune system. (1) However, women or people assigned female at birth are prone to vaginal yeast infections. While the statistics vary by region, an estimated 29-49% of women will experience vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime. (2)
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include vulvar itching, redness, copious thick discharge, and odor. (3) The standard of care includes antifungals in the form of oral medication or suppositories. (4)
Here are some natural approaches and supplements to consider when dealing with vaginal yeast infections:
Low-Sugar Diet
One dietary consideration to be aware of if you deal with vaginal yeast infections is moderating sugar intake. Not consuming excessive sugar is important for a myriad of health reasons, and reducing your chances of yeast infections is one.
Yeast feeds on glucose as a preferred fuel source.(5) If you have well-controlled blood sugar, you are less likely to deal with symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. (6) Poor glucose regulation can result in excess glucose in the urine, potentially leading to vaginal microbiome imbalance and an environment supportive of yeast overgrowth.
Additionally, poor blood sugar control may lower immune function. The symbiotic relationship between Candida albicans and the human body is moderated by the immune system and without healthy immune function, this yeast can behave more like a pathogen. (7)
The American Heart Association recommends a sugar intake of less than 39 grams per day for men and 25 grams or less for women. (8) Modulating your daily sugar intake can be a good start for ensuring you are on track when it comes to blood sugar regulation. Note that a low-sugar diet alone is unlikely to heal an active yeast infection. However, a low sugar diet can help prevent the immune and metabolic milieu that may cause Candida albicans overgrowth. Check out our handout on glycemic index to better understand the role of specific foods on glycemic control. Additionally, a continuous glucose monitor may be helpful in understanding the role of certain foods on your metabolism.
Breathable, Natural Fiber Undergarments
If you deal with recurrent yeast infections, you may want to have a closer look at your clothing. Microorganisms such as Candida albicans can be impacted by temperature, humidity, and moisture levels. Clothing fibers can be more or less breathable depending on what we choose. Tight-fitting clothing around the pelvis or heat-retaining fibers that do not circulate air well can increase risk of yeast infections. (9) In fact, this was recognized back in the 1980s with a study showing that women who wore panty hose had three times the risk of yeast vaginitis. (10) ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommends opting for breathable cotton underwear over other types of fabrics. (11)
Boric Acid
Composed of oxygen, hydrogen, and boron atoms, boric acid was first used as an antiseptic in the 1870s. (13) Boric acid has fungistatic properties, meaning it halts the life cycle of yeast. (14) Incredibly, boric acid appears to interfere with the expression of a particular protein that drug-resistant Candida albicans produce called CDr1p (short for candida drug-resistant protein 1). (15)
Boric acid combats biofilms, a major factor behind recurrent vaginal yeast infections. (16) Biofilms are a sticky matrix that the organism hides in to evade the immune system and lower the efficacy of drug treatments. (17) Weakening biofilms increases the chances that treatments and the body’s own immune system can control the infection.
Boric acid is typically administered in suppository form, since systemic exposure to boric acid is toxic. (18)
Probiotic Supplements
Supplementing with keystone commensal bacterial species that crowd out and prevent the overgrowth of Candida albicans can be helpful for vulvovaginal candidiasis. (19) Multiple studies show that oral probiotic supplementation with strains of Lactobacillus can reduce overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal canal. (20)
Lactobacillus produces a variety of organic acids that weaken opportunistic yeast like Candida albicans, and therefore if healthy populations of this bacteria exist then this yeast should remain in healthy levels in the vaginal canal. (21)
The female urogenital microbiome is an intricate ecosystem with intrinsic checks and balances playing out between various bacteria and yeast. Vaginal yeast infections are common and can come with bothersome symptoms. Naturally, such a sensitive anatomical region can become both physically and emotionally frustrating to deal with when out of balance. Working with your naturopathic physician can provide relief using holistic solutions backed by science.
AANMC follows gender and sex terminology as described by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
