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Yeast infections are most commonly caused by an overgrowth of the yeast organism, Candida albicans. Yeast infections can be experienced as a local infection in the vagina, or can become systemic, where the growth of yeast occurs in other organs throughout the body, as well as in the bloodstream. Candida is actually a normal part of the flora found in the intestines and vagina. It becomes a troublesome vaginal infection when it begins to grow profusely, causing a white, cottage-cheese like discharge, along with uncomfortable itching. Yeast infections are two and a half times more prevalent than 20 years ago. Systemic yeast infections can be detected by an anti-candida antibody blood titer test, ordered by a physician. A darkfield blood analysis, where a drop of blood is viewed under a darkfield microscope, can determine if yeast is present in the blood.
Symptoms of systemic yeast infections: fatigue, memory and concentration problems, bloating, digestive complaints, skin rashes and headaches, mostly due to the overuse of antibiotics.
Even if you don't take antibiotics directly, all commercially raised animals receive antibiotics, which are passed to consumers via consumption of meat and dairy. Estrogen-like hormones are also added to animal feed which further aggravates this problem. High blood sugar increases yeast infections. High blood sugar can be caused by eating sugary foods and other carbohydrates (breads, bagels, donuts, pasta), diabetes, pregnancy and excess estrogen. The estrogen connection is particularly interesting. Estrogen dominance is linked to every female issue we are discussing in this book. Not only are yeast infections, especially if chronic, caused by excess estrogen, the overgrowth of yeast, in turn, causes excess estrogen, because the yeast organisms release estrogen-like by products!
Natural Help For Yeast Infections
Hygiene can control yeast infections. Allowing air to circulate in the groin area is a good idea. Loose cotton clothing is preferable to tight man-made fabrics that do not 'breath'. Tampons, and feminine products such as spray deodorants and fragrances may aggravate the condition. The simple act of wiping after urinating from front to back can cut down on the possibility of fecal contamination. Rinsing the vaginal area with water after intercourse can cut down on re-infection via a male sex partner.
Dietary change is needed to control and eliminate yeast infections. This involves the decreased consumption of all sugary and high simple carbohydrate foods, with an increase in healthy vegetables and flax seed oil. All meat and dairy products must be free- range, organic, and anti-biotic free.
Herbs To Eliminate Yeast Infections
A combination of herbs can be taken orally. These include herbs that contain berberine, such as Golden Seal and Barberry Root, Citrus Seed Extract, Coptis, Garlic, Black Walnut, Quassia Fruit, Artemesia, Thyme, Oregano, Tea Tree and Clove. These herbs help to eliminate micro-organisms including yeast and bacteria (Gardnerella, Trichomonas) responsible for bacterial vaginitis. It is a good idea to replenish the system with friendly bacteria by taking a probiotic. Probiotics are bacterial cultures of acidophilus, bifidus and other bacteria that are beneficial to our bodies, and also help to control candida by competing with them for space to grow. Organic, unflavored yogurt can be helpful in providing your body with active beneficial bacterial cultures, but it is more effective to use a commercially prepared product available in the Health Food Store.
Douching with herbal combinations can help to get rid of vaginal yeast, while using commercial preparations with fragrance, dyes and preservatives may make it worse.
Yeast Infection Douche Recipe
In large douche bag with 2 quarts of lukewarm water, mix together:
1/2 teaspoon acidophilus powder( This has more active acidophilus culture than yogurt)
2 teaspoons Dr. Bronner's Liquid Peppermint Soap
1/4 teaspoon Tea Tree Oil
1/2 teaspoon Boric Acid (optional- use only with stubborn cases)
Douche 2X/ day until symptoms are cleared. Then use as a preventive measure following the end of the period and after sex.
Men do not have visible symptoms, but can still carry yeast and bacterial infections. This means that they can keep re-infecting women. If your yeast infection is chronic, even after a change of diet and the use of herbal therapies, have your male sex partner evaluated.
Excerpts from "Cycles of Life" by Dr. Ellen Kahmi, The Natural Nurse
The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.
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