I used to think that thrush was something dirty. It was a sign that I hadn’t cleaned enough down there… I was often embarrassed by it and it used to occur quite regularly. It generally involved an embarrassing trip to the pharmacy and asking for some strange balls that I had to stick up there and let everything dry out. I would also get a cream, which alleviated that raw inflamed feeling quite well. I honestly thought, thrush was simply something that happened from too much sex or not enough good hygiene.
Since changing my diet and my lifestyle, I just don’t get thrush anymore. I used to get it every couple of months or so. I decided to explore further…
Thrush is a yeast infection. It develops because we have an imbalance in our bodies. It can occur in our vagina and it occurs in the mouth too. It is caused by an overgrowth of a particular yeast called candida.
The reason this imbalance occurs for a number of reasons:
- We have taken antibiotics, which have killed off the good bacteria in the gut.
- We have eaten too much sugar, wheat and grains, which feed the bad bacteria.
- We have taken the contraceptive pill, which feeds the candida.
Thrush is a sign of candida imbalance. However, candida causes far bigger problems than simply thrush. It grows out of control within our gut and becomes like an alien living in there. It permeates the gut wall, which can cause leaky gut syndrome. What this means is that we are not getting the nutrients our bodies need! The candida also feeds on all the foods before we get a chance to gain their benefits. This inevitably means that we are missing some important minerals and vitamins—this lowers the immune system and ultimately we can’t get better.
So, unfortunately, that little embarrassing thrush is actually a bigger problem than we thought…
What can we do about it?
For immediate relief and solution, douche the area in water with a splash of apple cider vinegar in it. Ideally, just take a bath with some apple cider vinegar in it—this will give the area an alkalizing effect and reduce the yeast overgrowth.
The second part is to focus on your diet and to overcome the candida overgrowth.
Do you currently suffer from thrush? What is your experience with it? Does it seem to be one of those conditions that is closely linked to endometriosis?
This Post Has 4 Comments
Hi Allanah,
I shall look into it for us. Sounds like the two are still indirectly connected – after all any bacteria start in the gut 🙂
Hey Mel,
Women with endo can also suffer from chronic vaginitis, which is often confused with thrush. There is also a theory I’ve heard that the bacteria that causes UTI’s and chronic cystitis can thrive in the vagina, causing problems when immunity is low or when triggered. Would you do a blog on this?
Much love, namaste
Thank you Luisa, that is wonderful to hear! We are in this together and we will find a way!
Thank you Melissa for take your time to help us. I’m reading your blog since January and you really give me hope and comfort, because not everybody understand this condition. I’m using the progesterone cream and its very good product. I’m trying to be discipline and follow your advice but I love chocolate. The cure for the condition is in the nature and your holistic way is helping me a lot. Keep on going!!!!