I notice you said you have issues with yeast. I am the President of that club! I have just learned about ion foot baths, and they are supposed to help as well! However, I have done a lot of research over the years and I will gladly share it! There is hope!

1 - Natural cotton panties only. No thongs! (They are a super highway for bottom bacteria to travel upon, so save them just for your Hunny!)

2- Yeast feeds on sugar, that is why you put a little in bread recipes; hence, reducing sugar/carbs means the yeast has less food supply. You will also notice that you CRAVE sugar like crazy, which is the yeast in your body talkin'!

3- Kefir by Lifeway (I buy it in the organic section at Kroger and have found it at Publix and Target as well) is AWESOME stuff! It has 10 good bacterias in it, probiotics. It is a yogurt smoothie type drink, it tastes good, and I drink a big gulp of it every morning for maintenance. If you have an infection drink it 3 to 4 times a day. It comes in quart bottles, and I like the cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavors the best.

4- Stonyfield yogurt has 6 good bacteria is also organic, use the same as Kefir. Sugar filled yogurts (sorry, yoplait!) are useless because the sugar content counter balances the probiotics.

5- Don't use anitbacterial or perfumed soaps and products in your vaginal area. Herbaria makes a great natural soap you can order on-line if you are interested, I love their products.

6- Drink lots of water. Limit caffeine and sugar filled drinks.

7- If you are prescribed an antibiotic eat the yogurt or Kefir 2 to 4 hours AFTER the meds or several hours before. The antibiotic will kill the probiotics if you don't space them out. www.stonyfield.com has more info on that.

8- Maintenance is easier than curing...eat your Kefir or Stonyfield EVERY day!

9- Acidophilous and Bifidius tablets are available at herb shops and even wal marts. The herb shop will have a better quality and usually carries a liquid. (They taste really bad a lot of the time, but when you are desperate.....)

10- There are other good prevention pills, just ask at your local herb shop!

11- NO ALCOHOL, ESPECIALLY BEER! That will feed your yeast!

12- Constipation some how causes yeast infections more often. Stay regular with flax seed oil capsules, ground flax in your foods, wheat germ, oatmeal, lots of water (add a tsp. of aloe juice to every glass for even more help!) and keep yourself regular.

13- This is a bit personal, but it is VERY helpful for the outside itching and burning of the labia. Steep green tea bags and apply them directly to the irritation on the labia. I know it sounds crazy, but it is very soothing, trust me, I wouldn't share it if it hadn't helped me. I applied them during a bath which made it easy. Additional benefit...green tea helps your skin to firm, so don't rinse it off in a shower after you "steep" yourself in the tub. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Use 3 to 5 bags. I am not a doctor or anything, but it sure helped, I assume its the antioxidants. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

14- Your partner can have yeast, too! It is not as noticable on men, and if it is noticable its usually called jock itch. Even if you get yourself balanced, he can give it right back! Make sure you treat your man. I've used the monistat/lamsil creams on him before. But of course, ask your doctor.

Also, most of the same goes for urinary tract infections....the panties and such. UTI's love sugar and caffeine! They also hate cranberry juice, but it needs to be unsweetened because the sugar is your WORST enemy with a UTI especially. Tons of water for UTI and of course, go to the doctor!

I hope someone benefits from all of my years of trial and error and self-educating! If anyone else knows of some other "tricks of the trade" please let me know! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />