Saturday, August 12, 2006

The No More Thrush Plan

Over 70 per cent of women suffer from thrush at some point in their life and, for some, it can be a recurrent problem. There are anti-fungal remedies available, such as Canesten and Nystatin, but here's our self help plan:

Take live Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, which supplement the "friendly" bacteria in the vagina; or eat live ("Bio") yoghurt three times daily during an attack.

Eat plenty of fresh garlic, a natural antiseptic, or take garlic supplements.

Try inserting plain live yoghurt into your vagina with your fingers.

Avoid antibiotics, unless it's absolutely necessary.

No more long, hot baths; take showers and short warm baths and avoid bath oils.

Avoid close-fitting trousers and go knickerless when possible. Wear stockings instead of tights.

Avoid swimming in chlorinated water. Seek out ozone treated pools and shower thoroughly after swimming.

Don't use tampons.

Use non-biological washing powder.

Beware - the Pill and pregnancy can be triggers.

Certain foods, such as sugar and yeast - in bread, Marmite, alcohol, mushrooms and most cheeses - can encourage thrush, so cut down on your intake.

Vitamins B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid and selenium supplements may bolster your immune system, and only buy vitamins that are yeast-free.

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