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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: VAGINITIS
Description: Vaginitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the vaginal lining.
Symptoms: Symptoms include a burning and/or itching sensation and abnormal vaginal discharge. Atrophic vaginitis is a condition found primarily in post-menopausal women and those whose ovaries have been surgically removed. Common symptoms include itching or burning, painful intercourse, and a thin, watery discharge, occasionally tinged with blood.
Causes: Vaginitis may be caused by the use of antibiotics, birth-control pills or steroids, diabetes, pregnancy, stress, tight clothing, pantyhose, warm weather and a decrease in overall immune function. Some types of vaginitis are sexually transmitted. Vaginitis can also be a symptom of a more serious infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Treatments: If you suffer from recurring yeast infections, consult your physician to check for an underlying health problem. Physicians often prescribe the drug ketoconazole (Nizoral) for vaginitis, with no apparent adverse side effects. Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex, and others), available without a prescription, is also used. Atrophic vaginitis is often treated with prescription estrogen ointments. The use of these products increases the body’s need for vitamin B6. Natural progesterone cream applied to the vagina is beneficial for atrophic vaginitis.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Acidophilus |
As directed on label 3 times daily, with meals |
To replenish normal "friendly" bacteria |
|
Biotin |
300 mcg. 3 times daily |
Inhibits yeast |
|
Essential fatty acids |
As directed on label |
Aids healing |
|
Garlic |
1 capsule 3 times daily, with meals |
Has antifungal properties |
|
Vitamin B complex |
50-100 mg. 3 times daily, with meals |
Often deficient in people with vaginitis. Use a high-potency formula. |
Herbs:
 | Cat’s claw enhances the immune response and has
antibacterial and antifungal properties. Take 500 mg. of standardized extract
three times a day until the infection clears. Note: Do not use cat’s
claw if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are an organ-transplant
recipient. Use it with caution if you are taking an anticoagulant (blood
thinner).
| An herbal douche is one of the most helpful treatments
for a yeast infection. Try one of the following mixtures:
| Mix 40 drops each of liquid extract of echinacea,
goldenseal and calendula and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in 16 ounces of
water. Any of these herbs can be used separately, but they work best as a
combination.
| Add 20 drops of an echinacea and goldenseal
combination extract, 6 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 tablespoon of liquid
calendula extract to 16 ounces of water.
| Add 1 capful of grapefruit-seed extract and 6 drops of
tea tree oil to 16 ounces of water. Douche with this mixture twice a day for
five days, then once a day for five days.
| Add 4 tablespoons of white or apple-cider vinegar to 8
ounces of water. This can be used as either a standard or a retention douche. | |
Recommendations:
| Eat a nutrient-dense diet of lean proteins, fresh
vegetables, whole grains and fiber. Oat bran is a good source of fiber.
| Eliminate all refined foods, alcohol, sugars, dairy
products, and simple carbohydrates from your diet. Yeast and bacteria thrive
on sugar.
| If you experience recurrent yeast infections, use an
elimination or rotation diet to identify foods you may be allergic or
sensitive to.
| Keep clean and dry. Wear white cotton underwear, which
absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate. Avoid tight clothing and
synthetic fabrics. Change into dry clothing as soon as possible after
swimming.
| To relieve itching, open a vitamin E capsule and apply
the oil to the inflamed area, or use vitamin E cream. | |
Considerations:
| Depending on the type of vaginitis you have, it may be necessary for your sexual partner or partners to be examined and treated as well. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
888-15 |
Acidophilus with Pectin hardshells |
As directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
|
898-15 |
Biotin 300 mcg. tabs. |
2 tablets daily |
$2.95/100 |
|
F9359 NP |
EFA (Essential fatty acid) |
As directed on label |
$10.95/60 |
|
978-15 |
Garlic 400 mg. odor free tabs. |
As directed on label |
$5.50/100 |
|
891-15 |
B complex 50 mg. tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$6.95/100 |
|
939-15 |
Uno de Gato 500 mg. (Cat’s Claw) Capsules |
1 capsule daily |
$9.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Smart Medicine for Healthier Living
By Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreen, M.D., James B. LaValle, R.Ph.
