| Alternative treatments for candida
Alternative treatments for irritating infections, from complementary therapist Pat Thomas If your vulva becomes red and irritated and you have a white, cottage cheese-like discharge, it is a sign of vaginal candida. For most women a candida infection automatically means a course of antifungal pessaries or creams. These items treat the symptoms but can become ineffective with prolonged use. A better way to tackle candida is to treat its cause. Any chronic infection suggests a poorly functioning immune system. Many things can affect your immunity including overuse of medications, particularly antibioitcs and previous use of the birth control pill. It can also be affected by stress or a diet, including foods that you are allergic to or which are high in toxins. A depressed immune system leads to beneficial bacteria being destroyed. These bacteria normally keep opportunistic yeasts like candida in check. During pregnancy, changes in your body can also lead to problems with candida. Fungal infections (candida, thrush or yeast infections) can become chronic during pregnancy, aggravated by hormonal changes that alter the acid/alkali balance of your vagina. Left unchecked, candida can lead to other problems. Streptococcus type B, a chronic bacterial infection, is often found in women who have problems with candida. An intestine infested with candida may be more vulnerable to colonisation by this aggressive bacteria which increases risk of miscarriage and pre-term birth. The good news is, by changing your diet and lifestyle you can restore balance in you body. Dietary changes If taking antibiotics is unavoidable, make sure you also take pro-biotics in the form of acidophilous and bifidobacteria to help counter their harmful effect on the body’s “friendly” bacteria. This will reduce the chances of opportunistic fungi taking hold again. Simple alternatives Early signs of vaginal candida can be treated with plain, live yoghurt. Before going to bed, insert a few teaspoons into the vagina. Repeat this each evening until the symptoms improve. Caught early enough, the friendly bacteria in the yoghurt will multiply and devour the candida. From the herbal cupboard, calendula cream or tincture will help ease external irritation. For internal use, you can try immune system restoratives such as echinacea, cleavers and camomile, all of which are safe to use in pregnancy. The easiest way to take these is as a tincture, two or three times daily, in a little water. In addition, you might try to persuade your partner to be tested for candida. You can become re-infected through sexual contact. Finally, if you have a chronic candida problem, consider consulting a qualified nutritionist, herbalist or homeopath who may be able to work with you to support and strengthen your immune system during pregnancy and beyond. References |