Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD
What are the symptoms of vaginitis, or inflammation of the mucous membranes lining your vagina?
*burning
*itching
*abnormal vaginal discharge
What factors are most often associated with vaginitis?
*bacterial or fungal infection (often sexually transmitted)
*vitamin B deficiency
*intestinal worms
*irritation from douching
*the use of deodorant sprays
*poor hygiene
*use of tight, non-porous clothing
*being pregnant
*being diabetic
*using antibiotics
*using steroids or oral contraceptives
*using sweet-smelling douches
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Atrophic vaginitis is a condition associated with postmenopause, especially if you've your ovaries surgically removed. This disorder can result in adhesions and a high risk for infection. Symptoms include burning, itching, painful intercourse, and a thin watery discharge that can be tinged with blood.
What self-care measures can help
*To replace friendly bacteria that fight infection Purchase acidophilus from a health food store and take as directed on the label 3X a day with meals.
*Take biotin, a B-vitamin that inhibits yeast. Follow directions on the bottle.
*Eat more oily fish (salmo, mackerel, tuna, sardines) and purchase flaxseeds (health food store item that you can grind in a blender and put in salads, soups, stews or juices) to provide the essential fatty acids you need to aid healing.
*Take garlic capsules 3 times a day with meals to fight fungus.
*Vitamin B complex (health food store, 50-100 mg 3 times daily with meal) and/or eat the following foods to increase your B-vitamins: whole grain cereals and breads, wheat germ, broccoli, eggs (with yolks), asparagus, avocados, Brussels sprouts, currants, dandelion greens, kelp (health food store), watercress, mushrooms, peanuts, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, plums, prunes, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, cantaloupe, corn, tempeh and soybeans.
*Zinc to help heal: found in beans (black, adzuki, kidney, etc.), sunflower seeds, lima beans, pecans, sardines, soybeans, whole grain cereals and breads.
*Use tea tree oil or cream topically.
*Drink steam-distilled water only.
*Check out calendula and vitamin A or goldenseal suppositories (health food store) to soothe and heal irritated tissues
*Eat a fruit-free, sugar-free and yeast-free (avoid all cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, dried fruits, fermended foods, all grains containing gluten [wheat, oats, rye and barley], ham, honey, nut butters, pickles, raw mushrooms, soy sauce, sprouts, sugar in any form, vinegar and all yeast products, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tomatoes, pineapple and limes) until inflammation subsides, then add them back slowly.
*Wear white cotton underwear, avoid remaining in a wet bathing suit or other wet clothes.
*Avoid vaginal sprays and products except for douches mentioned above.
This article is for information purposes only. For treatment, consult your health care provider.
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