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Health: natural remedies for cystitis and thrush

The UK’s leading women’s health nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville explains how to overcome common feminine gripes the natural way

The UK’s leading women’s health nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville explains how to overcome common feminine gripes the natural way
Itching, burning, soreness – when there is discomfort down below, it can be difficult to be your usual chirpy self. Days of discomfort can bring misery, not to mention play havoc with your sex life. But with the right attention you can keep your ‘lady garden’ in tip-top health. Don’t let problems downstairs get you down with this guide to overcoming three of the most common vaginal problems…

Thrush

What is it?

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast (fungus) called candida albicans, which occurs naturally in the gut, in the skin and in the vagina. Under normal circumstances, it is kept under control by other forms of ‘friendly’ bacteria in the body, but occasionally it overgrows, which is when problems start.

How to tell if it’s thrush

With vaginal thrush you usually get a thick, white, sticky discharge with soreness and irritation. The discharge can often look like cottage cheese and can have an unpleasant smell. If you are suffering from thrush, you may experience pain during sex and when passing urine. The outside of the vagina may also feel sore and swollen.

How to beat it:

The aim of natural treatment is to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to function optimally, thereby boosting your immune system. As well as eating healthily, you can help to eliminate the thrush by focusing on a few specific dietary changes. You will definitely need to avoid sugar, and any foods containing sugar, as they will promote the growth of yeast. You also need to cut out foods that contain yeast, and any products that are fermented, such as bread and wine.

When researchers gave women one lactobacillus acidophilus-containing yoghurt a day over six months, there was a threefold decrease in bouts of thrush. Yoghurt has been shown to be helpful in preventing attacks of yeast, but a probiotic supplement goes one step further to actually treat a yeast infection. The difference is that lactobacillus levels in yoghurt are high enough to work on a preventative basis, but they will not be concentrated enough to deal with an infection.

If you are currently suffering from thrush, add in prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are the naturally-occurring watersoluble fibre in fruits and vegetables. These act as a food source for the growth of friendly bacteria (you can get supplements that contain both prebiotic (FOS) and probiotics).

Try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your bath when you have thrush. If you are prone to the condition, it can be used on a preventative basis.

Supplements to try

Beta-carotene: Because women with thrush tend to have lower levels of this type of vitamin A in the cells of their vagina walls.

Zinc: A deficiency in this mineral has been connected with women who have recurrent thrush.

Garlic: It’s well-known for its effect on the immune system and has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Cystitis

What is it?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, and it can be the result of infection, irritation, or bruising, or even a combination of these three factors. Bacterial cystitis accounts for around 50 per cent of all cases, and occurs when the e-coli bacteria enters the urethra in some way. Once in, it sticks to the walls of the bladder and can occasionally travel to the kidneys. Non-bacterial cystitis is caused by bruising or irritation, usually from sex.

How to tell if it’s cystitis

Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to pee every few minutes, normally with little water to pass, as well as a burning pain during urination.

How to beat it:

Causes of non-bacterial cystitis include chemical irritants like soaps and bubble baths. Even swimming pool chlorine can irritate the delicate lining of the urethra. Vibrations, such as riding a motorcycle, can also cause bruising, which leads to symptoms of cystitis. Drinking too little can make your urine over-concentrated, causing irritation of the urethra and the bladder, which is never properly emptied.

Try marking barlety water, which makes a great anti-inflammatory agent for the urinary system. Boil 40g of whole barley in 1.2 litres of water, boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Add a slice of lemon or the juice of one lemon and simmer for a further 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then sip the water throughout the day.

As long as it is unsweetened, unpasteurised and wholly natural, cranberry juice will help overcome cystitis because cranberries are high in substances called proanthocyanidins. These prevent the e coli bacteria from attaching themselves to the mucus lining of the bladder and urethra. If they can’t attach, they can’t multiply and this means they simply get washed away in your urine. You can use cranberry juice as a preventative, if you are prone to bouts of cystitis.

And finally, get some garlic. Immune-boosting garlic helps eliminate the e coli bacteria, along with others indicated in cystitis. Raw garlic is much more effective than cooked, so chop it finely and sprinkle it over salads or in dressings; or eat whole cloves if you can bear it. Alternatively, take it as a supplement.

Supplements to try

Bromelain: This is a digestive enzyme that is found naturally in pineapple and papaya. It has antiinflammatory properties that help soothe cystitis.

Vitamin C: Studies show that immune-boosting vitamin C can prevent e coli from multiplying and taking hold. Take the supplement as magnesium or calcium ascorbate, which is less acidic than ascorbic acid.

Beta carotene: The precursor to vitamin A, beta carotene is a potent antioxidant that can help your cells fight infection.

Zinc: This is another important antioxidant that can help prevent an infection.

Nice and natural

Natural tampons can help to promote good feminine health. Natracare tampons and sanitary towels are free from chlorine-bleached materials, synthetics, latex, dyes, fragrances and super absorbents made from petrochemicals. Go to natracare.com or call 0117 982 3492.

Vaginal infections

What is it?

The most common infection is of the yeast variety – thrush. Other than this, it’s likely to be one of two types. The first, and most common, is bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is caused by an overgrowth of ‘unhealthy’ bacteria within the vagina. Experts believe that the acidic environment of the vagina is upset in some way, making it more alkaline and enabling unhealthy bacteria to thrive.

Unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, douching and using vaginal deodorants are all ways in which you can upset the acid–alkaline balance in your vagina.

The second type is a condition called trichomonas vaginalis. This is a sexually transmitted condition in which an infected partner passes a tiny parasite (called a protozoan) into the vagina during lovemaking.

How to tell if it’s an infection

It is much easier for a doctor diagnose BV than trichomonas vaginalis because BV has distinct symptoms, including soreness, itching and redness around the vagina and a greyish or yellow discharge that may also have a unpleasant, fishy smell. You may also experience pain around the vagina during intercourse and a slight burning when you pass urine. Trichomonas vaginalis, on the other hand, can show no symptoms at all, or you may have symptoms of soreness around the vagina and a fishy, discoloured discharge, which is often frothy.

Any of these symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to your doctor (as long as this is not at the same time as your period), especially if you are trying for a baby, because BV can cause miscarriage.

How to beat it:

Try to eat more plain, live yogurt, which contains beneficial bacteria. You could even apply some to the vagina or insert some on a tampon; alternatively there are vaginal probiotic pessaries. The other thing you must do is avoid alcohol for the duration of your infection. Anything like alcohol that contains sugar will encourage unhealthy bacteria to grow. In addition, alcohol lowers immunity and puts pressure on the liver to cleanse the system. Pack your diet full of vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene, which your body uses as vitamin A to help boost your immunity. Yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables are all rich sources.

Supplements to try

Vitamin E: This immune-boosting vitamin helps your body fight infection. If you have inflammation or soreness around your vagina, you can open a vitamin E capsule and gently rub the oil into the relevant area.

B vitamins: If your cells are infected, you need to ensure that the healthy cells can replicate properly during the healing process.

Zinc: This powerful immune booster can encourage faster healing and prevent an infection recurring.

Probiotic: Help your vagina to recolonise healthily by taking a daily supplement of these good bacteria.

New Cranberry Intensive from BioCare can help to tackle a bout of cystitis and helps support the health of the urinary tract.. Costs £14.95 for six 10g sachets from biocare.co.uk.

MORE INFO

Dr Marilyn Glenville PHD is the author of 10 inter nationally bestselling books many of which have become the standard reference books for practitioners. To find out more go to marilynglenville.com

Article by

Dr Marilyn Glenville

Nutritionist

is a nutritionist specialising in women’s health. Visit marilynglenville.com

Discover more

Article by

Dr Marilyn Glenville

Nutritionist

is a nutritionist specialising in women’s health. Visit marilynglenville.com

Discover more