Women and Recurring Yeast Infections: The Unwanted Feminine Mystique

What causes vaginal yeast infections?

• Douching often ruins our body’s acid/alkaline base (“pH+ balance”). Our good vaginal bacteria, which are part of the immune defense mechanism, can be disturbed when pH balance is off.
• Fragrances targeting the vaginal area can irritate tissues and cause yeasty buildup. This includes perfumed feminine sprays, talcum powders, bubble baths and beads, and scented toilet paper and sanitary pads.
• Tight pants and non-porous silk or nylon underwear breed the warm, moist environment that yeast loves. We should always wear comfortable 100% cotton underwear (or at least cotton crotches without over-layers of silks or nylons), slacks and jeans with a little extra room.
• Athletic water sports involvement increases chances of vaginal yeast infections due to constant wetness.

• Antibiotic treatment kills off of the “good” bacteria needed in our bodies, diminishes white blood cells needed to fight infection, and then the candida grows freely.
• Steroidal medications for respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis breed candida as well. Respiratory yeast can travel into the digestive system, then cause vaginal yeast infections.
• Candida-related vaginal yeast infections can come from immune deficiencies caused by diseases like HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Lymes, Lupus, or chemotherapy treatments, also due to lack of good bacteria and white cells. Women who are seriously ill, maybe in wheelchairs, may get warm and sweaty in the vaginal area. If unable to wash often this breeds yeast bacteria. Taking various prescription medications for other infections builds unwanted chemicals, yeast and toxins.

• Severe itching and/or burning
• Thick milky or curd-like and odorous discharge
• Swelling of vulva

• Take Växa’s Re-Flora+ daily to ensure good bacteria in your intestines and vaginal area.
• Eat sugar-free yogurt with “active cultures” (more good bacteria!).
• Follow the 100% cotton underwear and pants rule.
• Give up dairy, sugar, yeast and wheat. All of these foods encourage yeast buildup. Health food outlets and some supermarkets carry excellent substitutes.
• Keep your pH balance with Växa’s Buffer-pH+ to keep yeast and bacteria at bay.
• Take Växa Candid-Free yeast eliminator – to prevent occurrence and recurrence of yeast overgrowth. Most doctors are now prescribing pill-form prescription anti-fungals. These could harm the liver. Candid-Free is a good replacement.

• Do everything under Prevention, or start if you haven’t been.
• A yogurt and water douche may be used to resolve both itching and infection. Morning and night - use ¼ teaspoon yogurt mixed in 6 oz. of water, lie down on a towel and place the solution well into the vagina with a douche applicator. Remain reclined for several minutes, then move to the toilet to relieve excess.
• Take yeast-cleansing, anti-fungal herbs and natural medicinals: garlic, pau d’arco, caprylic acid, licorice root, tea tree oil – sold in combined preparations at health outlets. Tea tree oil vaginal suppositories will also blast vaginal yeast.

NOTES:

• A sexual partner can transfer Candida albicans back to you. They should take the anti-fungals too.
• Vaginal yeast infections may be mimicked by sexually transmitted diseases like “Chlamydia” which breeds the bacteria trichomoniasis. Additional treatment should be sought.