Do you suffer from them?
Belinda Kirkpatrick
BHSc(Nat), AdvDipNat, AssocDegClinSci, MATMS
Many women will suffer from an episode of ‘thrush’ at least once during their lifetime. Other women are plagued by recurrent episodes that are very hard to treat, even with conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by a number of different organisms, the most common being Candida Albicans. Many women with recurring yeast problems refer to themselves as having Candida, however this may not be technically correct as it could be any of a number of strains of yeast causing the problems. Over 200 different species of yeast have been associated with human infections.
Why Am I Susceptible to Yeast infections?
Yeast is everywhere and is considered an opportunistic pathogen, which means that when it gets an opportunity to overtake your immune system and cause an infection – it will!
There are several factors that can predispose you to problems with yeast:
1. Antibiotic use - even single use in the past can be problematic. Antibiotics can set up a chronic imbalance of the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which results in a weakened immune system and increased vulnerability to yeast infections.
2. High sugar/starch/alcohol diet - all of these foods are very yeast friendly and disturb the beneficial bacterial balance in the digestive tract.
3. High stress – prolonged or extreme stress depresses your immune system and makes it less able to fight infections.
4. Nutritional deficiencies – will result in poor immune function and an unhealthy digestive system.
5. Hormonal imbalances - provide the opportunity for yeast to overgrow. Women taking oral contraceptives have increased risk of yeast infections. Many women (particularly those with high oestrogen levels) also find that they are more susceptible when they are pre-menstrual.
Naturopathic Approach to Chronic Yeast Infections
1. Using dietary modification, herbal medicines and supplements to remove excess yeast and unwanted bacteria from the digestive tract and vagina.
2. Restore the good bacteria with specific high quality probiotic supplements.
3. Repair the damage caused by yeast to the linings of the intestines and vagina.
4. Lower or eliminate sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol.
5. Reduce stress levels via herbs, exercise, massage therapy etc.
6. Normalise healthy hormone balance via diet and liver detoxification.
Dietary modification may include elimination of:
Dairy products (except natural, live-culture yoghurt)
All sugars (including most fruits, alcohol and refined carbohydrates)
Yeast- containing foods (such as bread, beer or wine)
Fermented foods (such as soy sauce, vinegar, pickled foods, beer and wine)
Mushrooms (which are a fungus)
It is suggested that individuals suffering from yeast infections eat raw or lightly cooked garlic, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Your naturopath will give you a comprehensive list of foods to include and foods to avoid in your diet.
Ways to minimise discomfort during a yeast infection:
1. Wear loose fitting, natural-fibre clothing such as pure cotton.
2. Avoid wearing stockings or panty hose. If you must wear panty hose, cut out the crotch (!)
3. Avoid using too much washing powder, or use a natural product. Detergent residue in your underwear can irritate the vaginal area.
4. Wash with a non-perfumed and non-irritating soap and avoid washcloths, as they can cause re-infection.
5. Avoid scented or bleached toilet paper.
6. Wear sanitary pads instead of tampons during your period when possible.
7. To reduce itching and irritation, peel a clove of garlic and place in the centre of a piece of gauze. Twist the gauze around the clove to make it look like the shape of a tampon and insert into the vagina, leaving the ‘tail’ of the gauze outside the vagina. Leave for 1-2 hours and replace if needed.
Where to from here?
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