I get regular bouts of vaginal thrush. Have you any suggestions for getting rid of this?
Conventional Remedy: Thrush or candida is a fungal infection which can affect the mouth, skin, bowel or the vagina. The symptoms of vaginal thrush include intense itching and a white discharge.
This occurs when good bacteria called lactobacilli, which create a slightly acidic environment in the vagina, are reduced in number.
Antibiotics can cause this to happen, as can extremes of oestrogen. So, if you are on the pill or are pregnant, this could be a reason for the infection. Equally, when oestrogen levels are low, such as before puberty and after the menopause, candida infection increases. You mention that the thrush is a recurrent problem and I would therefore strongly advise you to attend your GP to have a test for diabetes. Fungal infections are particularly common in diabetics, so it is important to have this checked out.
Another possible reason for the recurrent infection is that you are being infected by your partner. Men can carry thrush without having symptoms, and it is possible that after clearing up each episode you are being reinfected through intercourse. In this event, both you and your partner should be treated simultaneously with anti-fungal agents.
Live yoghurt, which contains lactobacolli, will help prevent infection when applied locally. Avoid bubble baths and disinfectants which can also lead to an episode of infection.
This condition is easily treated with local creams, pessaries or oral anti-fungal preparations. However, if it is a recurrent problem, then a visit to your doctor is advisable.
Alternative Remedy: First of all, one needs to be persistent to cure vaginal thrush. Generally speaking, it is an immune-system deficiency problem. It requires a diet which will support and restore the immune system. Therefore, one must eliminate junk food, sugar, white flour and all alcohol except organic wine from the diet. This must be undertaken under the supervision of a GP or nutritional therapist.
Eating biolive yogurt daily is enormously helpful. For those who can't take dairy, the food supplement biodophilus (yogurt in capsule form) is appropriate. Also, another food supplement, made from algae, called spirulina is helpful. One must increase the amount of green vegetables in the diet and if possible, have a glass of carrot juice every day. Often it is necessary to relieve stress: taking flower remedies, having counselling or doing a stress management course are suggested ways to do so. Also, one can't emphasis enough the importance of fresh air, sunshine, walking by the sea or in the mountains, and drinking pure water.
Nutritional therapist Patricia Quinn can be contacted at tel: 01-4513619.
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