During the mid and late 1990s, I became increasingly interested in natural medicine. I read a number of books about nonprescription remedies people could use for common complaints.
During the past two decades, I have attended many regional and national health food conventions and been a guest speaker at many of them. On several occasions at these conventions, I've visited with Dr. Michael Murray, N.D., one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He's a graduate, faculty member and member of the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle.
 |
| Natural Cure For Yeast Infection |
In addition to maintaining a private medical practice, Dr. Murray has written numerous books and has an interest in candida yeast infections. In the foreword to his book, Chronic Candidiasis - The Yeast Syndrome, he says:
One of the great myths about natural medicines is that it is not scientific. The fact of the matter is that for most common illnesses, there is greater support in the medical literature for a natural approach than there is for drugs and surgery ... Unfortunately for many people, they are never aware of the natural approach that can put them on the road to lifetime health.
Dr. Murray suggests that successful treatment for yeast infections involves re-establishing the normal bacteria found in the vagina by douching with acidophilus twice a day plus taking an oral probiotic supplement to re-establish balance as quickly as possible.
To make an acidophilus douche, add two teaspoons of acidophilus powder to 1 quart of warm water. Douche once or twice a day. Do not use an acidophilus douche for more than five days because long-term use can cause irritation of the vaginal walls.
Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D., a highly respected proponent of natural health and professor of gynecology at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, reminds us to look at vaginitis holistically and systemically.
"The health of the entire body affects the vagina and the body's health depends on many things," she says. In addition to a low-sugar diet, Dr. Hudson recommends vitamin E, vitamin A and beta carotene and a number of botanical medicines, including garlic, golden seal, Oregon grape root and tea (or ti) tree oil, prepared in combination in a douche or a suppository.
"Accurate diagnosis is the most important key to efficient appropriate treatment, whether the therapies are natural or pharmaceutical. If you know what kind of infection you currently have and choose self-treatment, it is essential to recognize when and if self-treatment isn't working and to seek professional care at that time," writes Hudson.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT FUTURE OUTBREAKS OF CANDIDA YEAST INFECTIONS
- Eliminate simple sugars from your diet. I can't emphasize this enough. Animal studies have shown that rats fed sugar water had 200 times the intestinal growth of candida as those who got plain water.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Eat some plain, unsweetened organic yogurt to help re-establish friendly bacterial colonies in the intestines, thereby balancing the yeast in the gut. We recommend Stonyfield Farm yogurt.
- Wear panties with a cotton crotch.
- For some women, a 600 mg. boric acid suppository at bedtime can help change the acidity of the vagina, making it a less hospitable home for candida and bacteria.
If you're bothered by recurrent vaginal problems, in spite of examinations and treatment by competent physicians and/or other health professionals, "take charge" and learn everything you can about the many things that are important - even essential - if you want to regain your health.
Read, read and read some more. Read articles in magazines like Delicious!, Let's Live, Better Nutrition, Natural Health, Prevention, Consumers' Research and Bottom Line Health.
Read other books you'll find in your health food store, in the women's section of general bookstores and in your public library; and search the Internet. Become an authority and tell your physician or other health professional about what you've learned.
 |
| Natural Cure For Yeast Infection |
As you and I know, every person differs from every other person, and as you already know, there's no "magic cure" or "quick fix" for recurrent vaginitis - or any other health problem.
But the more you know, and the more you do, the greater your chances will be of not only conquering your vaginitis, but also overcoming symptoms discussed elsewhere in this blog. To find out more, you can check out Natural Cure For Yeast Infection.