How to Control Yeast in the Bladder

Yeast is a type of fungus known as Candida. The body naturally produces yeast to aid in digestion. However, too much yeast can cause fatigue, weight gain and can lead to a yeast infection (a burning infection of the vagina that results in a cottage cheese-like discharge). An untreated yeast infection can travel up the urethra and cause a bladder infection. It is important to control the yeast in your bladder because, if left untreated, it can lead to a severe kidney infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise caution when using antibiotics. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bladder infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill both bad bacteria and good bacteria. Good bacteria is the body's defense against excess yeast. If you use antibiotics to treat a bladder infection that was caused by an untreated yeast infection, the yeast infection may become worse. If you use antibiotics to treat a bladder infection without a yeast infection, it may cause a yeast infection. If you must use antibiotics, take an antifungal medication to counteract the yeast.

• 2

  Insert a tampon soaked with plain, unsweetened yogurt into the vagina to treat a yeast infection and keep yeast from entering the urinary tract. Yogurt contains probiotics that supply good bacteria to fight off yeast. It is important that you use sugar-free yogurt because yeast feeds and grows on sugar. You may also take a probiotic supplement to introduce more good bacteria into your body.

• 3

  Eliminate sugar from your diet. Because yeast feeds on sugar, it is important to remove sugar from your diet if you are having problems with yeast. After you have the yeast under control you can resume eating low amounts of sugar in moderation.

• 4

  Drink lots of water--aim to consume more than eight cups of water daily. The excess water will help flush the infection from your bladder. Cranberry juice can also help clean the bladder, but be sure it is unsweetened. Cranberries fight the E.coli bacteria commonly present in bladder infections.