Vaginal thrush, which can also be called vaginal candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the vagina that is very common and is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. This species of fungus is naturally found in the vagina and is usually quite harmless. However, if bacterial levels change, Candida albicans can result in vaginal thrush.
Candida albicans is a casual organism and is generally easy to treat, although it may recur. It may occur in people who are ‘run down’ and tends to appear in persons with a depressed immune system, who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs (transplant patients for example). It may also develop in patients suffering from Aids.
Approximately 75% of women will have vaginal thrush during their lives, and 50 percent of these will get thrush more than once. Vaginal thrush mainly affects women in their twenties and thirties, and women who are pregnant.
Women most at risk from vaginal thrush are those who have been on a course of antibiotics for other illnesses, which kill bacteria and create an imbalance of microorganisms in the vagina, and other parts of the body.
Vaginal thrush symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, irritation and a whitish ‘cottage cheese’ type discharge. There may also be some vaginal tenderness, especially during sexual intercourse.
Why some women are more likely to have vaginal thrush than others is debatable, but diabetes that is poorly controlled or a seriously damaged immune system is just two of the ideas that have been suggested.
Cures for vaginal thrush are numerous. In mild cases your doctor may recommend a short course of antifungal medicine, lasting just a few days, but more severe cases will require this treatment for longer. Antifungal medicine for thrush can be taken in two forms: orally as tablets or capsules, or inserted into the vagina using intravaginal pessaries. Creams may be offered to treat any soreness.
Others seek to reduce or eliminate Candida Albicans by changing their diet. This involves cleansing the body, and alcohol, chocolate and cheese are top of the list of foodstuffs to be avoided.
Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, celery, onions, raw garlic, spinach, tomatoes and others can help starve Candida of the sugar it feeds on, but try to avoid starchy ones like carrots, potatoes, yams, beets, peas, parsnips and beans that are not green.
Plain yoghurts are good, as they contain ‘friendly bacteria’ which can help restore a normal balance in your system. It is an imbalance in your system (where friendly bacteria become outnumbered) that allows Candida to get a foothold and cause problems like vaginal thrush.
Proteins found in fresh beef, chicken, fish and eggs are also recommended, but try to avoid processed meat that contains sugar and other chemicals. You can also include non-glutinous grains, herbs and spices, nuts and seeds, but always remember to drink plenty of water as this helps to detoxify your body. If you are eating a salad, try to use raw salad vegetables like celery, or something similar.
Doctors may offer differing views on the benefit of a special diet to help thrush, but there is certainly no harm in trying.
