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  |  Women's Health  |  Gynaecological Health  |  A candid look at candida
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Some surprising facts from the Colonel

A candid look at candida

by Dr Sarah Brewer
continued from page 2
Other popular and effective options include grapefruit seed extract and olive leaf extracts. Siberian ginseng (eleutherococcus senticosus) is useful for boosting immunity when you are under excess stress.

Although there is no scientific evidence to support dietary changes, some women have found it helpful to follow a yeast-free diet. Others avoid alcohol, mushrooms, sugary foods, tea, coffee and chocolate. Eat a wholesome diet of salad, fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrain cereals instead.

Prevention
  • Avoid getting hot and sweaty - use panty-liners and change them as necessary throughout the day, and avoid wearing tight underwear, especially nylon tights or tight trousers such as jeans. Stockings and cotton underwear are the best choices.
  • Boil cotton underwear or hot-iron underwear gussets. This is because modern low-temperature washing machine cycles do not kill candida spores and you may re-infect yourself from your underclothes.
  • Avoid using bath additives, vaginal deodorants or douches, which can upset the naturally acidic vaginal environment that helps to keep yeast and other infections at bay. The only ones to use are those specially formulated to soothe and treat soreness, such as the Lactacyd range.
  • Eat an iron-rich diet and take a multivitamin and mineral supplement containing iron - a vitamin C source such as orange juice will also increase iron absorption in the gut.
  • Consider asking your partner to use an anti-fungal cream as men can harbour yeast spores and pass infection back to you without developing symptoms themselves.
  • Ask your doctor if you need a blood test to check for low iron levels or an underactive thyroid gland.

    Dr Sarah Brewer is the author of Candida Albicans (Thorsons) which is available through libraries.

  • If you think you have thrush you can talk to others on the Your Health message board.

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    Created: 19/02/2004  Updated: 10/10/2007

    This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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