When irritation exists in the female genitals, vulva and vagina, it
is referred to as vaginitis. Basically, there are two types of
vaginitis, one transmitted through sexual contact and the other
resulting from nonsexual irritation or trauma. Usually, these
problems are caused by bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses, all of
which are normally found in the vagina.
Now, this props up the question as to
why doesn’t every women face
these problems all the year long? This is so because secretions in
the vagina help in establishing an environment that checks the
growth of the micro-organisms there and keeps them in balance. When
this equilibrium between the organisms gets upset, due to various
reasons mentioned below, the growth of these organisms increases
unchecked and an infection sets in. Any kind of irritation or break
in the skin of the vagina at the opening may allow infection to
occur. One of the most common examples of vaginal infections is the
yeast infection caused by the yeasts of the Candida group, also
known as thrush or monilia.
Actually, the yeast candida albicans is a fungus that grows
naturally and harmlessly not only in women’s vagina but also in the
intestines and mouth in both men and women. That is why the yeast
infections can occur on the skin (underarms, between toes, below
breasts), under nails or mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina,
bronchi, and lungs. Vaginal thrush is still the most common of all
these infections, hence the name thrush is generally associated with
it. In effect, as another theory goes, this fungus which is present
in high quantities in the intestines passes into the vagina via the
blood, lymph glands or skin when there is an imbalance in the
intestinal ecology. As the conditions in the vagina are generally
favorable for multiplication of these fungi due to the moisture,
acid pH, warmth and high level of glycogen, it doesn’t take much
time for the infection to set in. Usually, Candida abicans is kept
in check in your gut by the body’s ‘friendly’ bacteria and
primarily, it are the broad-spectrum antibiotics which you may be
taking for prolonged periods that destroy these bacteria and let the
Candida cells multiply, and then this benign yeast changes to an
invasive fungus.
Oral thrush in adults as well as young babies, and
increased
problems of nappy rash due to this fungus are some other diseases
related to Candida group yeasts. All babies are born without
protection and receive their first dose of the ‘friendly’ bacteria
from their mother’s milk and birth canal. This helps their gut to
establish immunity to all sorts of infection including Candida
infections. Synthetic and cow’s milk contains not more than 20% of
the friendly bacteria found in the mother’s milk. Remember though,
the mother also passes these fungi along with the bacteria over to
her baby.
A white odorless discharge resembling curdled milk or
cottage cheese
·
Itching in the external and internal genitalia
·
Burning of the vulva and vagina
·
A cracking and splitting sensation
·
Redness and swelling of the vulva
·
Acute problems in having sex due to dryness and pain
·
Burning sensation while urinating
·
In severe infections, inflammation of the tissue and
subsequent redness and swelling occurs
·
Bleeding from these inflammations might also occur
Oral
Thrush
·
Creamy white patches in the mouth or on the throat
·
Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth
Yeast Infection of The Skin
·
Skin rashes, patches, and blisters found most commonly
in the groin, between fingers and toes, and under the
breasts.
When your symptoms (vaginal infection symptoms) become a
bit severe, i.e. in the event of excessive burning,
discharge, pain or dryness of the vulva and vagina, you
should immediately consult a gynecologist. Your doctor
will then take a culture or examine vaginal discharge
under a microscope because not all discharges are caused
by yeast. Similar symptoms could be due to a forgotten
tampon, gardnerella vaginalis, some bacterial infection,
trichomonas, a parasitic infection,
Chlamydia, syphilis,
gonorrhea or life threatening pelvic inflammatory
disease.
A vaginal wet smear and other tests such as a CT scan or
stool test may be conducted to find out if the infection
has spread. Remember, every woman’s vagina usually
produces mucus and other materials (called discharge)
which have particular odor, consistency and color. Any
change in its characteristics should prompt you to visit
your doctor. Also, take care not to douche before your
visit to the doctor as this may wash away important
diagnostic clues.
Some women face infections during their menstrual cycle
It
can be contracted through sexual contact, usually by women and
occasionally by men. A break in the skin while inserting or
removing a tampon may also lead to the infection. Douching or
excessive washing with various solutions and antiseptics can
promote thrush. Wearing tight fitting clothes can help the cause
of these yeasts by providing a conducive environment for them to
grow as these clothes, usually made of synthetic materials, trap
the moisture and provide warmth too.
There
are effective natural cures for yeast infections available that can
help to soothe the discomfort and frustration of a yeast infection
and other symtoms of thrush,
resolving the infection without the use of prescriptions and OTC
drugs. They contain ingredients such as Cymbopogon citratus
(Lemon grass), Calendula officinalis, and Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau
d'arco bark). All have antibacterial and antifungal properties that
effectively remove toxins and help to support the overall natural
maintenance systems in the body.
Natural
treatment for vaginal thrush has proven to be effective as well for
relieving the pain and discomfort of candidiasis and for controlling
candida overgrowth. There are many herbs with anti-fungal properties
which may be used topically or internally to deal with the problem.
Apart from treating the fungal overgrowth itself, herbal remedies
can also help to improve immune system strength, thereby helping to
protect the body against future attacks. Herbal and homeopathic
treatments are not only safe and effective to use, but also
non-addictive without any side effects.
For
Candida
·
Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) is known to
stimulate cell regeneration and to soothe and treat
intestinal infections, as well as pathogenic intestinal
flora such as Candida albicans. It has known
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can help
to repair intestinal walls that have been damaged by
Candida overgrowth ('leaky gut' syndrome).
·
Calendula officinalis has strong anti-fungal and
anti-inflammatory properties and is also an effective
liver tonic and improvings overall systemic functioning
and aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
·
Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d'arco bark) contains
the active constituents Lapachol and beta-lapachone,
which are also known as naphthaquinones. Laboratory
tests have demonstrated that both Lapachol and beta-lapachone
have anti-fungal properties as potent as ketoconazole, a
common antifungal drug, used in the treatment of Candidiasis and yeast infections. Pau D'arco is not
soluble in water and is best taken in tincture form
where the active ingredients have been extracted
medicinally in pharmaceutical ethanol. To prevent side
effects, it is also important that the whole bark is
used in the extraction process. This process has been
followed at Native Remedies to bring you the strongest
and most effective formula possible.
For
Immune Boosting
·
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.
·
Solidago virgaurea - This herb helps the body in
its ability to routinely regulate mucus and has been
used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a
tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective
ability of the body to fight infection.
·
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
Itching
·
Hamamelis virginianum (Witchhazel) - This is an
excellent astringent herb with anti-inflammatory
properties. It can be used to treat itching, insect
bites and stings, sunburn, minor burns, grazes, rashes
and most skin irritations. Witchhazel also has
antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties that help to
treat and prevent infections.
·
Melaleuca laterifolia - This is also known as Tea
Tree Oil and is used externally for inflammation and to
treat various skin conditions. This oil has excellent
anti-bacterial and healing properties and is one of the
strongest anti-fungal remedies available. Tea Tree Oil
will soothe and reduce inflammation of the skin as well
as effectively treat any fungal infections.
·
Lavendula officinalis (Lavender) - The essential oil of
lavender’s purple flowers appearing on the spikes is
rich in a lot of constituents having medicinal
properties, mainly linalool, terpinene-4-ol and linalyl
acetate. Lavender is a wonderful antiseptic and
antibacterial and is widely used externally in the form
of ointments and creams to relieve and soothe insect
bites, burns and other minor skin infections.
Yeast thrive on sugar and it is an established fact that
high sugar intake contributes to yeast infections
(diabetics are prone to Candida infection precisely due
to this reason). Excessive lactose in dairy products and
artificial sweeteners are equally bad.
·
Women who suffer from recurrent thrush should avoid all
foods that contain any form of yeast, mold or fungi as
it is understood that if a person is already sensitive
to one type of yeast, others will follow suit. The usual
suspects are bread, grapes, wine, beer, yeast extracts,
mushrooms, moldy cheese, peanuts, doughnuts, vinegar,
pickles, fermented foods and fruit juices. In general,
avoid sugary, fat rich and refined food.
·
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a ‘friendly’ bacterium that
is an integral part of the intestine and normal vaginal
flora. Lactobacilli help to maintain the vaginal
ecosystem by preventing the overgrowth of unfriendly
bacteria and yeasts like Candida. Lactobacilli produce
lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can be taken orally in the
form of acidophilus yogurt, or in capsules or powder.
Although there is conflicting evidence as to whether
eating yogurt with live probiotic ("friendly" bacteria)
cultures every day can help prevent yeast infections,
but it certainly does no harm.
·
A strong immune system can ward off such infections
early. In effect, these infections may not occur only in
the first place if your body’s defense system is strong
enough. This strength can be achieved by eating a well
balanced, nutritious diet full of anti-oxidants like
vitamin C, zinc, essential fatty acids and B vitamins.
Eat nuts for essential fatty acids and zinc, whole
grains for B vitamins, Shellfish (especially oysters)
and cooked greens for zinc, and broccoli and potatoes
for vitamin C. Remember, fruit serving is to be
restricted in thrush.
"Yeast Infection No More "
by
Linda Allen - Certified Nutrition Specialist
The Only
Holistic System In Existence That Will Teach YOU How To
Permanently Cure Your Yeast Infection, Rebalance
Your Body and Achieve LASTING Candida Infection Freedom!
For years some doctors have advised women to insert live
yogurt into the vagina to introduce Lactobacillus
acidophilus bacterium and also produce a more acidic
environment to help fight infection. Sometimes,
freeze-dried Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium
containing pessary is inserted into the vagina for even
more pronounced results. Continue this for an extra day
after you gat cured.
·
Do not use antibiotics or corticosteroids for treating
thrush unless it becomes essential.
·
For prevention, wash your panties with extra care
as the yeast spores are left in the panties if you are
infected and normal laundering won’t kill the fungus.
Scrub the crotch of the panties with unscented detergent
before washing. You may also put your panties in boiling
water for sometime or soak them in bleach for 24 hours
before wearing them. Hot ironing your panties is also a
good idea as candida may die due to heat.
·
In chronic problems, use a neutral pH soap for personal
hygiene.
·
As correct pH level is required in the vagina to check
fungus growth, using vinegar solution for douching or
warm hip-bath is recommended as vinegar had
approximately the same pH level as that of vagina (pH
level of 4.5). For douching, mix 4 teaspoon of vinegar
in ½ a liter of water. The hip-bath or sitz bath
requires ½ cup each of vinegar and common salt in around
2-2 ½ liters of lukewarm water filled in a shallow tub.
Sit with your knees open in this water. This will do the
job of douching in a much more cleaner fashion.
·
Wear loose fitting clothes, made from cotton
fiber if possible, to allow good air circulation. Fibers
like polyester, plastic and leather trap the moisture
inside and also render poor circulation. This makes the
environment near your genitals prone to infections.
Remember, try to sleep naked if possible, or at
least remove your undergarments (panties), to allow your
vaginal area to become cool and dry. This shall provide
you with immense relief equal to all the medicines
combined.
·
Avoid sex when you have thrush as further damage or
break-ins in the vaginal area will increase the infected
part. Also, it is a good practice in general to urinate
before and after sex to flush out any germs present in
the urethra.
·
A few other things you should avoid are using synthetic
lubricants (use natural lubricants instead like mineral
oil, egg whites and yogurt), douches, contraceptive
jellies, yeast killing tablets, deodorants, sprays,
starch containing dusting powders, perfumes on tampons, spermicides, colored toilet paper and synthetic
fiber-made tampons. Also, it is advisable to use pads in
the night instead of tampons as fully absorbed tampons
stop natural drainage and promote infections.
Natural vaginal yeast infection remedy
for relief of itching and burning of the
labia and vulva.
"Yeast
Infection No More "
by
Linda
Allen - Certified Nutrition Specialist
The Only Holistic
System In Existence That Will Teach YOU How To Permanently
Cure Your Yeast Infection, Rebalance Your Body and Achieve
LASTING Candida Infection Freedom!
