Yeast Infections. You gotta read this!

I feel like it’s time for a candor talk about yeast infections. I have many clients coming to me with symptoms indicating a much bigger problem. But when it comes to yeast infections, I MOSTLY have clients just doing a few things without knowing, that is making their lives miserable in the form of an itchy, scratchy, sore and sometimes smelly – yeast infection.

First of all – the basics: A vaginal yeast infection is an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina, and more specifically it’s an over growth of Candida Albicans. Now one can have an overgrowth of this in other places in their body also – most commonly their intestines. In babies – an overgrowth of Candida is indicated with a white tongue and referred to as Thrush. But I don’t want to get hung up on a bunch of info here. This blog is specifically about many unknown causes of yeast infections and also other cases of bacterial vaginosis (bacterial imbalances). Any of these things can upset the natural ‘eco system’ that is going on down there. And when the bad bacteria repopulates faster than the good bacteria – that’s when the problem happens.

1. Antibiotics. Antibiotics kill all the bacteria. The good and the bad. Unfortunately for many, the bad grows back quicker than the good. If you are going to take a round of antibiotics, make sure you supplement with probiotics as soon as you finish the round.

2. Wipe from front to back. Always. As in front bum to back bum. Vagina to Anus. If you do it the opposite – you are spreading all sorts of bacteria to places it was never meant to be. Always wipe front to back.

3. Condoms. Sometimes the coating and/or spermicide on the condom can shake things up down there. Not all condoms are made out of the same material, and not all are coated with the same chemicals. Try other brands or other forms of contraception.

4. Falling asleep after unprotected sex. There’s no nice way to say this – so I’ll just say it. If semen sits in the vagina for a prolonged amount of time, as in you just roll over and go to sleep, that can do it. Your best bet is to at least have a pee before you count sheep. Likewise – if anyone is gonna diddle around in there – make them wash their hands!! Not only dirt and bacteria can wreak havoc on your vagina health, but likewise so can hands with scented and chemically treated hand lotion!

5. Scented products. Scented bubble bath, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and any other smelly beauty products that may end up in your ‘Who-Ha’ can definitely be the culprit. Use products naturally scented with essential oils or go unscented all together.

6. Scented laundry products. Detergent, stain removers and fabric softeners or dryer sheets can all be the cause if you are super sensitive. Again – use natural alternatives.

7. New unwashed undergarments. Just because it’s new – does NOT mean it’s clean. It is normal practice of most all clothing to be treated with insecticides and other chemicals to ensure bugs stay away and it has an appealing scent to the purchaser. Always wash your undies before wearing them!

8. Letting it get damp down there. Yeast loves damp. Therefore – wet clothes like a wet swim suit or sweaty gym panties that don’t get changed are NOT ok. Keep it dry and happy down there.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog where I discuss natural alternatives to treating a yeast infection.

Hmm. Food for thought!

…Stay Healthy Friends! :0)

T xo

Tricia Nickl Holistic Nutrition & Iridology