How Much Water Should You Drink to Treat a Yeast Infection?

What is a Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast species in the vagina. It is estimated nearly 75% of women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Itching, burning, redness around the vagina
• Soreness and stinging during urination or sex
• Thick, odorless, white "cottage cheese-like" vaginal discharge
• Rash or redness of the vulva

Yeast infections occur when there is an imbalance between Candida and bacteria that normally regulate its growth. Common triggers include antibiotics, hormonal changes, high estrogen levels, impaired immunity, and acidic vaginal pH.

Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is the main species of yeast responsible for vaginal yeast infections. Candida is commonly found in small amounts on skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, gut, and vagina.

When conditions are favorable, Candida populations can rapidly grow causing symptoms of infection. Thankfully, various remedies and lifestyle habits can help treat these uncomfortable infections.

Can Drinking More Water Help Treat Yeast Infections?

Drinking adequate water is part of a healthy lifestyle. Consuming sufficient water ensures proper hydration which is vital for all bodily functions. But can increasing water intake also help get rid of or prevent yeast infections?

Let's examine what the research says regarding drinking more water to flush out yeast infections.

Helps Flush Out Candida

There is some evidence that staying hydrated helps flush Candida yeast from the body. Drinking plenty of water may assist the urinary system with excreting excess yeast.

One study found that increasing fluid intake to reach 2 liters of urinary output daily helped reduced candiduria, or Candida in the urine. Candiduria is common in ICU patients and those with urinary tract infections.

While limited, this indicates adequate water intake may aid the kidneys and urinary tract with excreting surplus Candida that has spread systemically in some situations.

Promotes Vaginal Hydration

Staying hydrated helps keep all mucous membranes, including the vagina, properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues is associated with increased risk of yeast infections.

Ensuring proper hydration provides moisture to vaginal tissues which may limit Candida overgrowth. Water also transports key nutrients required for building healthy vaginal cell walls.

Regulates Hormones

Hormonal changes are a common trigger for vaginal yeast infections. Fluctuations in estrogen can lower immunity and vaginal pH creating an environment for Candida to thrive.

Research shows dehydration can disrupt release of key hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin and the HPA axis hormones. Proper hydration is vital for maintaining hormonal balance.

By preventing dehydration and hormone dysfunction, adequate water intake may help stabilize hormones and limit yeast overgrowth.

Promotes Bowel Regularity

Constipation causes waste to linger longer in the colon promoting undesirable bacterial overgrowth. This can increase vaginal colonization by Candida species like C. albicans.

Drinking enough water keeps stools soft and supports regular bowel movements. This ensuresCandida isn't displaced from an overly full colon into the vaginal tract.

Bolsters Immune Function

Even mild dehydration impairs immune system function. White blood cells and lymphocytes don't function optimally unless the body is well-hydrated.

Staying hydrated provides moisture to mucous membranes and aids immune cells with combating Candida. Proper hydration also promotes lymph flow which transports immune cells.

How Much Water Should You Drink to Treat a Yeast Infection?

There are no specific guidelines on how much water to drink solely for treating yeast infections. However, consuming adequate total daily fluid is key.

The Institute of Medicine recommends women drink at least 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of total fluids daily. This general hydration advice also applies when aiming to resolve a yeast infection.

Typical recommendations for treating yeast infections include:

• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily
• Focus on consuming more water rather than diuretic fluids like coffee
• Drink an extra 1-2 glasses of water if experiencing constipation
• Increase water intake if exercising heavily or sweating profusely

Monitor your urine color as an indicator of hydration status. Pale yellow to clear urine means you are well-hydrated.

Can You Drink Too Much Water?

Is there such a thing as drinking too much water when trying to resolve a yeast infection? While rare, consuming excessive amounts can potentially cause water intoxication.

Drinking over one gallon (3.8 liters) per day for multiple days can overload the kidneys' ability to excrete fluid leading to a dangerous drop in sodium levels.

Sticking to the IOM daily fluid guidelines plus an extra 8-16oz with increased activity or constipation sufficiently promotes hydration without overdoing it.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Yeast Infection Treatment

In addition to drinking adequate water, several evidence-based lifestyle approaches may help treat and prevent recurrent yeast infections.

1. Eat a Yeast-Fighting Diet

Diet modifications can create an internal environment that discourages Candida overgrowth. Some tips include:

• Choose non-starchy vegetables, proteins, nuts and seeds
• Eat yogurt with live probiotic cultures daily
• Limit sugar, refined carbs, alcohol and moldy foods
• Increase garlic, onions, coconut oil and spices like oregano, cinnamon and curcumin

2. Take Targeted Supplements

Certain supplements may help inhibit Candida both internally and applied vaginally:

• Probiotics to restore healthy vaginal flora
• Caprylic acid to boost systemic Candida killing
• Oregano oil has antifungal properties
• Pau D'Arco and goldenseal root have immune-boosting effects

3. Practice Proper Hygiene

Preventing the spread of yeast externally can limit recurrences. Tips include:

• Wear cotton underwear and avoid overly tight clothing
• Don't use scented feminine products
• Always wipe from front to back after using bathroom
• Avoid long baths and hot tubs; take quick showers instead

4. Treat Partner if Needed

If a male partner is not treated, yeast can be transferred back during intercourse resulting in chronic infections.

Male partners should avoid intercourse until the infection clears. They can then apply an antifungal cream as a preventive measure.

5. Practice Stress Management

High stress weakens immunity increasing risk for yeast overgrowth. Try daily stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, massage or spending time outdoors.

6. Give Up Smoking

Smoking promotes Candida growth by worsening immune function. Quitting improves immunity and may help prevent recurrent infections.

7. Sleep 7-9 Hours Nightly

Not getting enough sleep negatively affects immunity and hormone balance. Strive for 7-9 hours per night to support yeast balance.

8. Avoid Douches and Deodorants

Vaginal douches and deodorant sprays disturb healthy vaginal pH and flora leading to more yeast infections. Avoid these products.

When to See a Doctor

In uncomplicated cases, over-the-counter antifungal treatments are effective at resolving most yeast infections.

See a doctor if:

• Symptoms don't resolve after 1-2 weeks of OTC treatments
• You experience 4 or more infections yearly
• Symptoms are severe or recurrent
• You are pregnant
• You have other medical conditions or take antibiotics

A doctor can provide prescription oral antifungals when OTC treatments fail. They may also prescribe long-term medications to prevent recurrent infections in susceptible women.

Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections

Research shows several at-home and natural treatments provide relief for mild to moderate yeast infections. Some of the top remedies include:

Yogurt

The probiotics in unsweetened yogurt help restore normal vaginal pH and microbial balance. Apply directly or consume 6 ounces daily.

Boric Acid

Boric acid vaginal suppositories have an alkalizing effect to lower vaginal pH. Typical dosage is one suppository inserted nightly for 7-14 days.

Tea Tree Oil

Diluted tea tree oil has antifungal properties that may reduce Candida overgrowth, especially when applied topically. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil before applying to sensitive tissues.

Coconut Oil

Contains lauric and caprylic acid shown to inhibit Candida growth. Can be applied topically or taken by mouth up to 3 tablespoons daily.

Garlic

Raw garlic has antifungal sulfur compounds like allicin. Oral dosing or direct vaginal insertion of a garlic clove may provide relief.

When using natural remedies, be sure to monitor symptoms closely. Discontinue therapy if irritation occurs.

When Will a Yeast Infection Go Away?

With proper treatment, symptoms of a yeast infection should begin improving within a few days. However, the infection may take 1-2 weeks to completely resolve.

Over-the-counter topical creams take 1-7 days to relieve symptoms and clear the infection. Oral fluconazole is faster acting, with relief in just 1-3 days.

Natural remedies may take up to 2 weeks to fully resolve symptoms. Always finish the full course of therapy to prevent recurrence.

Practice healthy lifestyle habits and proper hygiene to prevent repeat infections. Some women need preventive antifungal treatment for 6-12 months to stop chronic recurrences.

How to Prevent Future Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are very common, and up to 5% of women experience chronic recurrences. Here are some tips to help prevent future infections:

• Maintain optimal hydration and drink plenty of water
• Avoid excessive antibiotic use that disturbs vaginal flora
• Stick to a low sugar diet with no alcohol
• Wear cotton underwear and loose, breathable clothing
• Change out of wet swimsuits right after swimming
• Keep blood sugar stable if diabetic
• Consider probiotic and garlic supplementation

See a doctor if you experience more than 3-4 infections per year for evaluation and preventive options.

The Bottom Line

There is some indication that maintaining proper daily hydration by drinking adequate water may assist the body’s innate mechanisms for flushing out excess yeast.

Consuming sufficient total fluids ensures moisture to mucous membranes, hormone regulation, bowel regularity and optimal immune system function. All of these factors influence Candida overgrowth.

Drink at least 2-3 liters of total fluids daily as part of a healthy lifestyle. Increase intake with exercise, heat or constipation.

Along with drinking enough water, comprehensive yeast treatment should include antifungal therapy, probiotics, and lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.