When a fungus like
Candida albicans overgrows and infects the vagina, the result is a type of vaginitis commonly called a yeast infection. Because
candida is part of the body's normal
flora, almost every woman has a yeast infection at some time in her
life. The most common yeast infection symptoms include local irritation,
a large amount of white, cheesy discharge, and intense itching
and burning. The skin around the vagina may be sore and appear red.
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy, when the acidity and sugar content of vaginal secretions
are altered. Oral contraceptives, which have a similar effect on the body, also can lead to the development
of yeast infections. IUDs or Intrauterine devices can create a more favorable environment
for fungal growth by decreasing normal vaginal secretions. Because fungi such as
" C. albi" cans thrive in the presence of sugar, women with
diabetes are more vulnerable to getting yeast
infections then other women.. The over use of
antibiotics often leads to yeast infections because antibiotics not only kill infectious bacteria, but
they also destroy the "good" bacteria in
the body that normally keep the growth of organisms such as candida
under control. Yeast infections may also be sexually transmitted. This may be why some women suffer from
chronic and/or recurrent yeast infections. Some women are especially vulnerable to yeast infections following their menstrual periods, due
to changes in the vaginal environment from menstrual flow and cyclical hormonal changes. Other factors
that can contribute to vaginal yeast infections include
allergies,
nutritional deficiencies, improper hygiene,
and the consumption of refined carbohydrates. A proper diet and
nutritional supplementation can help in healing or even prevention of
yeast infections and related health problems.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
|
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
should
contain B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin
C, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin D, acidophilus, magnesium, and calcium to aid in treatment and prevention of yeast infections and
other related female problems. The nutrients in a daily
supplement are required for general good health and well
being. |
|
Omega
fatty acids |
9 |
They help
with inflammation, aid in
healing, ease pain, and speed recovery time. The essential
fatty acids are found in fish oil, flax seed, and borage seed.
They are needed for proper nervous system functioning and also
benefit the skin. |
|
Acidophilus |
10 |
friendly bacteria
needed for good bowel and colon health. Maybe combined with
Lactobacillus rhanosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and
Lactobacillus plantarum in a combination such as Botana
Cleanse (see link below) |
|
Garlic |
9 |
this herb has
anti-fungal properties useful for vaginal fungus and similar infections |
|
vitamin
C |
10 |
strengthens
the body's immune system |
|
vitamin
A |
9 |
strong free radical
killer that aids in vaginal healing |
|
Carotenoids |
9 |
work with vitamins A
and E for healing of vagina infections |
|
vitamin
E |
9 |
works with other herbs
and vitamins A & C to promote healing in the body |
|
Dandelion |
9 |
herb that helps
prevent growth of fungus Candida which causes yeast
infections. |
|
B
vitamin complex |
9 |
the
B vitamin family are very important for the proper function of
both the brain and nervous system.
Supplements with natural vitamin B can help
with yeast infection,
depression,
and overall good health. |
|
Pyridoxine |
8 |
helps
with antibody product and immune function |
| Calendula |
8 |
herb
used to fight yeast infection |
| Golden
Seal |
8 |
herb
helpful to the immune system |
|
Zinc |
8 |
for the immune system and
is also required for the proper utilization of vitamin A in
the human body. |
|
Magnesium |
7 |
this
mineral has a calming effect on the body. It often is combined
with calcium and B vitamins to relieve
stress. |
|
Calcium |
7 |
this
mineral works
with magnesium |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
