• A.D.D. A.D.H.D.
• Antibiotics
• Babies and Summer Heat
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Conceiving
• Conception Care
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Endometriosis
• Exercise
• Fasting Diet
• Female Infertility
• Herbal Medicines versus Fertility Drugs
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Hysterectomy
• I Am Consciousness
• Menopause
• Male Infertility
• PCOS
• The DNA Difference
• The Dreaded Itch
• The Effects of Drugs on Conception
• The Overweight
• Thrush
• Breastfeeding for the Best Start
• Water Retention
• Tonsils and Grommets
• Fibroids: What You Can Do ABout Them.



Search Site

 

Thrush

This is one - if not the - most distressing common complaints that almost all females will suffer at some time in their lives.

Due to the extremely hot summers we have been experiencing, more cases than usual are occurring. Often this itch or soreness is mistaken for an infection and antibiotics are given, which exacerbates the problem by throwing out the acid/alkaline balance of the whole system, which in turn causes an allergic reaction to otherwise commonly-used substances.

Candidiasis is the term used when there is an extreme overgrowth of thrush; in fact, the cause is the C. albicans. As already stated, this is relatively common, but especially so in diabetes and pregnancy, where it presents with a white or yellow discharge. Sometimes there is also inflammation of the vaginal wall and vulva, and this can also cause a burning sensation to men and women after sex. Thrush is by no means restricted only to the genital area; in fact, it can be systemic, involving the mouth, throat, respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, and also the skin.

Ways to prevent and control the problem include:

• Thorough rinsing of all detergent from washing. Some women use too much detergent, which leads to a chemical reaction to sensitive skin.
• Using a pH balanced soap like 'Dove' can help maintain a balanced pH (acid/alkaline) in the skin and vaginal flora.
• Avoid overindulgence of sugars, alcohol, chocolate and other acid-forming foods. My books Safe Nourishment and Natural Conception list most of the common acid/alkaline type foods to help you to maintain the balance.
• Avoid tampons and pads that irritate - use natural ones without perfume like Stayfree 'Prima', which are made from sphagnum moss, or you may be able to find washable organic cotton pads from some health foods stores. (These can be hard to find - we found a lady in Canada that was making them - so just keep your eyes open.)
• Reduce vitamin C and orange juice intake as these can throw out the acid balance also.
• A deficiency of iron, B12 or folic acid can also be a contributory cause.
• Homeopathic remedies that can help include: Kali Carbonate, Lycopodium, Sepia, Borax and Sulphur.

To help relieve the problem:

• A mouthwash of 1/2 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate in 250ml of warm water can be gargled and won't hurt if swallowed. (This solution can also be used to bathe mum's nipples if baby develops thrush in the mouth.)
• Washing the area in just plain salted water is also very effective, or even better, if you are near the ocean, swim in clean sea water for a natural douche.
• To treat the whole system lemon barley water is extremely effective. The recipe is as follows:
  • 650gm pearl barley, 600ml water, the rind and juice of half a lemon, with a small amount of sugar to taste.
  • Gently boil the barley in the water with the lemon for approximately 2 hours (top up with more water if it boils away).
  • Strain off and add lemon juice .