If you thought that yeast infections would go away when you stopped wearing tight pants after you survived the Seventies, you were wrong. As though hot flashes and night sweats aren't enough to contend with when you hit your forties and above some women also have to deal with the 'flaming vagina' that comes with a yeast infection. This common annoyance to a woman’s health around menopause can be helped with dietary changes and nutritional supplements.

Why Do Yeast infections Occur?

There are several factors that can contribute to yeast infections in later years, including hormone changes. But a common culprit is the digestive tract if there's an imbalance of the Candida albicans fungus.

This fungus is always present in the digestive tract. It can also take up residence in other areas the mouth, throat, or reproductive organs and develop into a condition commonly known as Candida.

In the digestive tract, the Candida fungus defends against harmful bacteria. Ideally, there is a healthy ratio between Candida and other helpful bacteria like lactobacillus and acidophilus. When these are in balance, the digestive system is healthy, and you're 'yeast infection'-free. When they go out of balance, a increase of Candida throws off the body's the pH (balance between acid and alkaline in the body). Ensuring that these bacteria stay balanced can stop recurring yeast infections.

There are two approaches you should take for maintaining women's health in regards to your 'friendly' bacteria:

• Avoid excessive amounts of sugar, wheat, stimulants (such as coffee) or artificial food coloring. These can all contribute to Candida proliferation. To reduce sugar consumption and still satisfy those 'sugar cravings', try using stevia. This is a natural sweetener that does not adversely affect 'good' bacteria. It's actually sweeter than sugar, so use it gingerly until you discover the amounts that suit your taste.

• Take 'probiotic' supplements to restore and maintain the balance. The bacteria in probiotics (typically either acidophilus or lactobacillus) naturally kill off excessive Candida fungus.

Taking probiotic supplements on a regular basis and substituting stevia for sugar in your diet can help you to treat the cause of yeast infections, which tend to increase during menopause. Try these natural solutions for women’s health as prevention for yeast infections.