Medical Health Information

Very common yeast infection affects 75% of American women of childbearing age, 40-50% of these women will have recurrent episodes, while 5-8% have chronic infections.

In this article we will talk mainly yeast infections. The symptoms are:

• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Odorless vaginal discharge with a texture reminiscent of cottage cheese
• Urination may be painful
• The skin of the vulva may be red and irritated
• Sometimes, there may be pain or a burning sensation during intercourse
• Symptoms often worsen a week before menstruation.

Consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis, especially if it is a first vaginitis, if you are pregnant, if you have a fever or abdominal pain. See also a doctor if you have tried a counter treatment and that the treatment did not work.

Often the presence of yeast infection occurs when a disturbance of the balance of the vaginal environment. The vaginal mucosa is normally protected by the presence of a seed: bacillus Doederlein. A good balance of flora that prevents the multiplication of yeast and prevents infections. The vaginal environment has an acidic pH (3.8 to 4.4), but several factors may débalancer the pH buffer pad, nylon, some soaps are too alkaline, a sugar imbalance, oral contraceptives or IUDs, chlorinated water bath, semen etc..

Thus, antibiotic treatment for bronchitis or any other infection destroys the bacilli Doederlein and can promote vaginal infection especially fungal. That is why many women experience a yeast infection after taking antibiotics.

Risk factors that increase yeast overgrowth

• Repeated use of antibiotics and / or steroids
• Chronic stress
• A diet rich in simple sugars
• Alcohol
• The use of oral contraceptives
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• A weakened immune system

Prevention is better than cure: 5 tips to avoid vaginitis

• If you must take antibiotics, especially at the beginning of taking antibiotics, taking a probiotic to 3 hour intervals at a rate of 45 to 120 billion for 2-7 days. Then reduce to a dose of 15 to 20 billion per day for at least 3 months.
• Eat on a regular basis in your diet foods rich in prebiotics, food for good bacteria. Choose kefir contains more bacteria than yogurt, discover the lacto-fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, choose the miso and tempeh as a source of soybeans. Regularly eat vegetables such as artichoke and leek rich in prebiotics.
• Strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system is more efficient to combat this type of infection. Have a good stress management, sleep quality and quantity sufficient exercise and have a good mental and emotional balance are all key factors for immune system invincible. If you often have various infections, consult a naturopath approved to strengthen your immune system.
• Limit your acidity by consuming at least 3 cups of vegetables per day. But limit your fruit consumption to 2 per day. Always promote vegetables because they contain less sugar than fruit, but as minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
• One tool that naturopaths use to make your consultation pH curve. You can measure your pH with a paper Hydrion you find in health food stores. Ideally, your pH should be around 7.5 to 20h and 16h to 6.5 or higher. For more details, please consult a certified naturopath.
• To reduce your sugar cravings in the afternoon or evening, make sure you have a complete protein with every meal, especially breakfast which is often lacking. Take snacks in the afternoon before being hungry. A portion of 12 almonds accompanied by a fruit or yogurt is a good choice.