Candidiasis, Candida or yeast infection, all names for the same problem. A lot of people have to face them at some point in their lives, not just women, men too. They happen because the Candida fungus living in them has had the chance to overgrow.

The genital area and in particular the vagina, is a perfect breeding ground for the fungus and that is why vaginal yeast infections are the most frequent type to occur. This means that though not limited to women, it is more usual for it to happen to a woman. There are several causes or triggers that lead to the overgrowth, a few mentioned here are clothing, medication, pregnancy, improper drying after bathing, incorrect wiping after a bowel movement, not changing out of wet clothing, diabetes and diet. If you have a yeast infection you should treat it as quickly as you can, as ignoring it will not help, things can get worse. In extremely rare situations if the fungus was to enter the blood and attack internal organs it can even prove fatal.

Here are just three things you can easily do yourself that will help prevent yeast infections.

Wear loose clothing The ideal breeding grounds for a yeast infection to thrive in are places that are damp and warm and dark. Therefore wearing tight clothing like tight pants will keep your vaginal area at the perfect conditions for the yeast to live in. Avoid pantyhose, and tight jeans that make you sweaty. Also look at the material your underwear is made from. Synthetic materials do not allow the air to circulate so wear cotton so the skin can breathe. Fashion is certainly not worth recurring yeast infections!

Keep yourself dry: An easy and simple way to help prevent a yeast infection is to keep yourself dry. If the weather is hot and your underwear gets damp change it throughout the day. Do not sunbathe in a wet swimming costume, and after a workout get straight out of those sweaty exercise clothes. After your bath or shower dry the vagina thoroughly and after using the toilet make sure to wipe correctly.

Watch what you eat: Avoid certain foods like yeast such as in beer and bread. Particularly cut out sugar as it feeds the fungus. Eat more healthily i.e a diet low in processed and junk foods and high in vegetables. To help out your immune system give it plenty of Vitamin C whether in what you eat or as a supplement. Cranberry juice is a great drink to add to your diet and drink plenty of water each day.