Dear Susun,
...I have what seems to be a recurrent yeast infection that arrives at the beginning and end of my menstrual cycles. I have been treating it with daily herbal supplement called yeast defense;
I quit drinking wine, I still drink coffee; I only eat natural sugars (in fruit); I don't eat any grains (paleo diet only), I eat yogurt regularly; I eat garlic when I feel the beginnings of yeast infection, I also insert garlic clove during that time which usually 'cures' the itch and leads me to believe the yeast is gone.
I eat leafy greens daily topped with apple cider vinegar. I never wear underwear but I do workout and sweat a lot but try to shower immediately after. When I wash, I only use clean water down there. Some days I wash it 3 to 4 times depending on my activities.
I also wash down there after every time I have sex. I don't take antibiotics. I used to take the prescribed diflucan when this would occur but now I don't. I do take a prescription called dexodrine for ADHD on a daily basis...a very low dosage, about 10 mg a day. No other meds besides that one.
Can you tell me what more I can do to avoid yeast infections? And also, can you tell me how to tell the difference between bacterial and viral infections down there and how to treat them properly?
Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Susun....
Hello,
Well, you certainly are taking many great steps to help with your situation. However, since you are still getting this infection with every cycle, something is still out of balance. Have you tried to quit the coffee? I know, I know.... sometimes not easy but it would be worthwhile to try. Other things to watch out for would be washing detergents you use, also avoiding whirlpools, jacuzzis.
I am not familiar with yeast defense, but Susun feels most supplements are ineffective at best. Usually there are so little active ingredients that they are useless or it is an extraction of only one part of a whole, which can cause further damage instead of helping. How long have you been on it? What happens when you are not taking it?
The other thought is, since you are not finding relief, you could have bacterial vaginitis. As you can gather, this is caused by bacteria, not yeast overgrowth and the supplements you are taking will not help. Some things to look for: What kind of discharge do you have? Color, consistency, etc. What is the odor like? Ususally with a bacterial infection you have a strong odor.
Bacterial infections are treated by MD's with antibiotics. Of course, then using antibiotics throws your system out of balance and causes yeast infections! So you often can get rid of one type only to have another start.
Instead of antiobiotics the Wise Woman Way would use herbs such as echinacea - dosage would be one drop of tincture for every 2 lbs of body weight or you can do an infusion of dried root (preferably E. augustifolia) by steeping one ounce of root in a pint of water for eight hours. Drinking 2 cups of the infusion daily is the dose for a person weighing 125-150 lbs). I would take the full dose for a minimum of seven days. If not resolved yet, you can continue for another week and then Susun recommends taking a break of 2 weeks off and repeating the dosage. Usnea is another herb used to combat infections and is good for vaginitis.
You can speak with Susun during her Free hotline on blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. Call in with your questions 1-646-929-2463. Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed. You might also go to the Wise Woman Forum to ask your question in case a member can offer you help: www.susunweed.com/wisewomanforum.htm. Just let us know if you need any further assistance.
Blessings,
Kim
Wise Woman Team
You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. On blogtalkradio, Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 pm EST. Call in with your questions 1-646-929-2463. Visit the link for more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.
My lifesaver from chronic yeast infections, LADY SOMA CANDIDA Pills. A couple of months ago I began to take them based on a recommendation from my gynecologist and have not seen a yeast infection since.
I have been going to doctors for 15 yrs about my chronic infection and nothing ever solved this problem for me. I tried diets, dye-free panties and toilet paper, yogurt, garlic, boric acid, prescription creams... nothing helped. I recently read a new study about how this Lady Soma Candida pills creates an environment in your intestines that is anti-yeast. Your intestines is actually where the yeast spores form and then cross from the rectum over into the vagina when conditions and hormones are right.
Try it, I hope it helps you. It has been a miracle for me and the only thing that ever helped.
Posted by: BritneyS | January 25, 2012 at 07:49 PM