Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for Chlamydia

Chlamydia
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - CHLAMYDIA

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis or simply C. trachomatis. This specific type of bacterium has long been linked with trachoma, an eye disease common in developing countries. But it also infects the sex and urinary organs of both men and women, and it has replaced gonorrhea as the most widespread sexually transmitted disease. You can get Chlamydial infection during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected partner. When transmitted, the bacteria can infect the urinary and reproductive organs. In many cases, it causes no symptoms, so people can be infected without even knowing it. If Chlamydial infections go untreated, they can lead to more serious health problems in men and women, such as penile discharge and infertility respectively, as well as infections in newborn babies of infected mothers. So it is important to take the precautions to prevent Chlamydia, and if it is suspected, to seek treatment as soon as possible.

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Chlamydia bacteria live in vaginal fluid and in semen. In many cases, Chlamydia causes only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Therefore, an infection can last for weeks or months before it is discovered. About 70 percent of Chlamydial infections have no symptoms, thereby naming it the "silent" disease. Those who do have symptoms may have an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) from the vagina or penis or experience pain while urinating. Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after you are infected. These early symptoms may be very mild. In females, Chlamydia symptoms can include: vaginal irritation vaginal discharge lower abdominal pain burning feeling with urination Most of the times however, and unfortunately enough, there may be no specific symptoms that would alert a woman to the presence of the infection. Hence, she should always bring to the attention of her doctor any changes in her sex organs, however minor they may be. The bacterial infection may move inside your body if it is not treated. It can lead to such serious health problems as scarring of the fallopian tubes and chronic pelvic pain, both of which can affect fertility. Untreated Chlamydia also can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In some cases, PID has no symptoms, but often causes abdominal or lower back pain, painful urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or fever. In males, Chlamydia symptoms can include: An odorless discharge from the tip of the penis a mild burning feeling during urination In men, Chlamydia usually first attack the urethra, the tube in which urine and semen are transported through the penis. Untreated infections can lead to bacteria infecting the urinary tract and the epididymis, causing epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tubes (the reproductive area) in the back of the testicles. This can result in testicular swelling, pain, and even infertility. PID and epididymitis are both very serious illnesses. C. trachomatis also can cause inflammation of your rectum and lining of your eye (conjunctivitis or "pink eye"). The bacteria also can infect your throat if you have oral sexual contact with an infected partner. Diagnosis Chlamydia is easily confused with gonorrhea because the symptoms of both diseases are similar and the diseases can occur at the same time. The most reliable ways to find out whether the infection is chlamydia are through laboratory tests. A health care provider may collect a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis and send it to a laboratory that will look for the bacteria. Another test looks for the bacteria in a urine sample and does not require a pelvic exam or swabbing of the penis. Results are usually available within 24 hours.

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The term chlamydia typically refers to Chlamydia trachomatis, the STD. But two other types of this bacteria also can lead to illness: Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can be spread through coughing and sneezing, and Chlamydia psittaci, which birds can pass to humans. Who is Most at Risk? STDs are caused by microbial agents and spread primarily (but not exclusively) through sexual contact. Chlamydia can also be passed from a mother to her baby during delivery and through breastfeeding while infected. Others may be passed by sharing infected needles. People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing chlamydia: Having a sexual partner with chlamydia. In many cases, chlamydia may be present without symptoms. Through sexual contact with a number of sexual partners, or with a partner who has many sexual partners. Having sex without the use of condoms or other protective devices. Having one STD increases the likelihood of contracting another. Adolescents are at highest risk for acquiring an STD, including Chlamydia, for the first time. Living under stress from poverty, poor nutrition, or poor or absent health care. Having a weakened immune system. Using intravenous drugs. Using spermicidal foams and jellies, as they do not protect against STDs, including Chlamydia. From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth – babies may then develop pneumonia or serious eye infections such as conjunctivitis If someone is diagnosed with chlamydia, all of that person's sexual partners need to be notified and treated with antibiotics, even if they don't have any symptoms, so that they don't develop any long-term complications or spread the infection to others. Treatment If detected early on, Chlamydia can easily be treated with antibiotics and the symptoms alleviated within 7 to 10 days. If you are infected with C. trachomatis, your health care provider will probably give you a prescription for an antibiotic such as azithromycin (taken for one day) or doxycycline (taken for 7 days); or, you might get a prescription for another antibiotic such as erythromycin or ofloxacin. Health care providers may treat pregnant women with azithromycin, erythromycin, or sometimes with amoxicillin. Penicillin, which health care providers often use to treat some other STIs, will not cure Chlamydia. If you have Chlamydia, you should Take all your medicine, even after symptoms disappear, for the amount of time prescribed Go to your health care provider again if your symptoms do not disappear within 1 to 2 weeks after finishing all your medicine Not have sex until your treatment is completed and successful Tell your sex partners that you have Chlamydia so they can be tested and treated, if necessary These steps will help you avoid being re-infected with the bacteria. Repeated infections may increase the risks for reproductive complications. Because the symptoms of genital Chlamydia are similar to those of gonorrhea, and someone can have both infections, people with Chlamydia are sometimes treated for both diseases. Like other STDs, Chlamydia may seem to get better even when it is still present. The fact that the symptoms disappear after a few days with no treatment does not mean that the infection has gone away. The sexual partners of anyone who has or is suspected of having Chlamydia or any other STD should be examined and treated. Those diagnosed with any STD should inform their partners as soon as possible so that they can be examined and treated, prevent complications, and avoid spreading the infections to others.

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Antibiotic drugs such as azithromycin and doxycycline are commonly used to treat the symptoms of chlamydia for both partners. Completing the course of antibiotics is important for treatment to be effective. Practice safe sex by always using condoms, go for regular gynecological check-ups if you ‘are sexually active, get tested regularly for chlamydia and other STD’s, refrain from sexual activity or be faithful to one partner to prevent your chance of developing this disease. Certain herbal remedies have proven to be highly effective in supporting conventional medical treatments to fight off infection and boost the immune system. Herbal remedies are safe to use, non-addictive and address overall health and wellbeing. Carefully selected herbs such as Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato), Agathosma Betulina (buchu), Mentha Piperita and Solidago Virgaurea (also known as Goldenrod) promote the healthy functioning of the immune system and strengthen the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection. In addition, Viscum Album, Crataegus Oxyacanthoides, Schizandra Sinesis, Astralagus Membranaceus and Olea Europea (extract of olive leaf) act as a natural rejuvenating and supportive tonic. Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) - Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity. Agothosma betulina (Buchu) - This is a urinary antiseptic and possesses diuretic properties. Buchu has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South Africa for many centuries and assists the body to rid itself of toxins by stimulating the secretion of retained water. Crataegus oxycanthoides - This herb is highly respected as a tonic to support healthy circulation. Studies have demonstrated the ability of Crataegus to positively assist with cardiological indications utilizing active flavonoids in the herb producing simultaneous cardiotropic and vasodilatory action, thus dilating blood vessels for improved circulation. Schizandra sinesis - This herb is a powerful native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the body to perform its natural function of regeneration of damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall regulation of physiological processes. Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) - This herb contains a compound called oleuropein acid that is effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens (germs). The positive effects of Olive leaf have recently been demonstrated in a variety of clinical studies For vaginal discharge Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – The name stems from the medieval alchemists’ fascination with the plant. They collected the dew from the slightly concave leaves and called it heavenly water and had a belief that it had magical powers. The tannins present in it make it a great astringent. Put 1-2g of dried herb plant into a liter of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes and strain. Add the infusion to a bath. Bathe twice daily to bring relief to your vaginal discharge.

With as much as having the appropriate medical treatment, an infected person should adopt a balanced and nutritious diet, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, moderate amounts of lean meat, fish, poultry, nuts and pulses, and a little unsaturated fat. Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries). Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein. Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine. Avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea and cola drinks) and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil two to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Omega -3s are richly found in seafood; fish such as salmon (especially Atlantic and red, canned in brine), sardines (canned in water), mackerel (canned in brine), mullet, tuna etc., and pecans and trevally. Walnuts are also an extremely good source of omega-3. Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg one to three times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support. If problems are recurrent, increase your dietary intake of vitamin C which is richly found in citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes), red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and rockmelon. Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.

Prevention A few basic tips to follow are: Because Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, the surest way to prevent it is to abstain from having sex. Sexual contact with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner increases the risk of contracting any STD. Alternatively, you can be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is not infected. When properly and consistently used during vaginal or rectal sexual activity, condoms decrease the risk of STDs. Latex condoms provide greater protection than natural-membrane condoms. The female condom, made of polyurethane, is also considered effective against STDs. Although birth control pills offer no protection against STDs, they may provide some protection against PID by causing the body to create thicker cervical mucus, making it more difficult for bacteria to reach the upper genital tract. Using douche can actually increase a female's risk of contracting STDs because it can change the natural flora of the vagina and may flush bacteria higher into the genital tract. A teen who is being treated for Chlamydia also should be tested for other STDs, and should have time alone with the doctor to openly discuss issues like sexual activity. Not all teens will be comfortable talking with parents about these issues. Nevertheless, it is important to encourage them to talk to a trusted adult who can provide the facts. Health care experts recommend an annual screening test for older women with risk factors for Chlamydia (a new sex partner or many sex partners). In addition, all pregnant women should have a screening test for Chlamydia. If you have genital symptoms like burning while urinating or have a discharge, you should stop having sexual intercourse and see your health care provider immediately. Other steps include: Use clean needles if injecting intravenous drugs. Prevent and control other STDs. Learn the common symptoms of STDs and seek medical help immediately if you develop any symptoms. For oral sex, use a dental dam. Get to know your partner first before having sexual intercourse with him or her and find out whether they have been tested for STD’s before you have sex with them Practice fidelity, faithfulness and commitment by having a sexual relationship with one person only and no one else! Avoid using tampons, or alternate tampons with sanitary towels. After defecation, wipe the anus backwards, not forwards.

Getting Help If your teen is thinking of becoming sexually active or already has started having sex, it is important to talk with him or her about it. Make sure your teen knows how STDs can be spread (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex) and that these infections often don't have symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it. It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but just as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay safe and healthy. Provide the facts, and let your child know where you stand. It is also important that all teens have regular full physical exams — which can include screening for STDs. Your teen may want to see a gynecologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine to talk about sexual health issues. Community health organizations and sexual counseling centers in your local area also may be able to offer some guidance.

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