REDUCING URINARY, YEAST OR BACTERIAL VAGINITIS INFECTIONS

What are they?

Most basic urinary, yeast and vaginal infections are cases of bacterial or candida overgrowth and can be attributed to a disruption in pH balance. It is normal to have an amount of yeast or certain bacterias in the vagina and urinary tract. The problem is when the bad bacteria or yeast outgrow the good bacteria. This happens when pH is disrupted. Balance in pH can be disrupted by pregnancy hormones, pressure on the bladder, stress, poor diet, soaps, bath oils, male ejaculate and douching. If pH is higher than your normal, then you may be susceptible to or have a bacterial infection. If the pH is lower than your normal, then one may have or be susceptible to a yeast infection. Unfortunately, the use of medical treatments can cause the body to swing back and forth from bacterial vaginosis to yeast infections. 

What is the problem?

Urinary tract and bacterial infections can lead to preterm labor and other serious medical complications. Yeast infections and to a lesser degree, bacterial vaginosis, can lead to tearing of the vagina during birth because the health and integrity of the tissues diminish during infections. 

What is the goal?

If you develop a urinary, bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infection, we will offer you natural remedies and a referral to a medical professional. Alternative treatments work MUCH better if started before infections advanced. 

PREVENTION STRATEGY

  • Sprinkle probiotic powder on a panty liner 1-3 times per week
  • Don't use tampons (while not pregnant, if you were wondering)
  • Don't wear string underwear 
  • Don't wear underwear to bed
  • Don't wear synthetic underwear 
  • Don't shave or totally remove pubic hair- Especially after 30 weeks of pregnancy
  • Wear skirts a few times a week without underwear (let your vagina air out occasionally) 
  • Orgasm at least 3x per week
  • Have your partner wash their genitals prior to intercourse and keep any toys clean and dry
  • Don't let anything go from your anus to your vagina, cover anything going into your anus with a condom, and always wipe front to back
  • Urinate after sex and make sure to fully empty bladder every time you urinate
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink 1/2 your weight every day in fluid ounces.
  • Every day, have a serving of yogurt, kefir, pickles, kim chi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso or soy
  • Every day, eat sea vegetables or take a blue green algae supplement (Nori, kelp, spirulina)
  • Every day, eat fruit or vegetable high in vit. C and a serving of greens 
  • Avoid white flour and white sugar 
  • Work up to taking 2 ounces of “mothered” apple cider vinegar daily. Dilute as needed.
  • Take a magnesium supplement daily
  • Take a zinc supplement daily (on a full stomach) 
  • Take 5,000 IU Vitamin D3 supplement daily (spray, no artificial colors or ingredients)
  • Take 500 mg of natural Vitamin C daily 
  • Take a probiotic daily
  • Avoid toxic shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, deodorants and other body products
  • Avoid toxic household cleaners
  • Avoid artificial fragrances in perfume, air fresheners, candles, dryer sheets, laundry soap
  • Every day, get at least 15 minutes of outdoor time
  • Weekly, get at least 150 minutes of exercise
  • Take a salt bath (1 1/2 c Epsom salt, 1 cup sea salt, 1/4 c baking soda) 3-7 times a week