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.
Many vaginal
yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth and spread of
intestinal yeast bacteria (candida albicans) and
therefore sometimes called vaginal candidiasis:
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.
The
most common vaginal yeast symptoms:
Severe
itching and/or burning
Thick
milky or curd-like and odorous discharge
Swelling
of vulva
Preventing
Vaginal Yeast Infections:
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.
Resolving
Vaginal Yeast Infections:
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.
See our
article Women and
Urinary Tract Infections – there are additional
preventions and solutions mentioned which can be for vaginal
yeast infections. UTI’s and Vaginal Yeast Infections
often go hand-in-hand.
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.