Nutrition For Thrush And Principles Of Treatment

Thrush is one of the most common gynecological diseases, which is based on an inflammatory nature. Usually gynecologists prescribe various pharmacological preparations as a therapy for this disease: tablets, suppositories and ointments. Recently, however, the issue of nutrition has also begun to rise more and more often: it has been repeatedly noted that certain foods provoke the development of vaginal candidiasis, while others contribute to its more favorable course.

A few words about thrush and its causative agent - candida

There are more than 150 strains of this microorganism, and with some our body has very mutually beneficial partnerships - in fact, in the language of science, this is symbiosis. In particular, these mushrooms play a very important role in the digestive process: they contribute to the proper absorption of nutrients.

Only 15 species of candida are considered pathogenic strains - not so many, based on the wide range of its natural diversity. Of course, there can be no talk of mutual assistance here.

As a rule, the inflammatory disease caused by this fungus - candidiasis - has the following localization:

• Skin (including palms, feet, armpits, perianal folds, groin).

• Nail plates.

• Mouth area - in this case, stomatitis and ulcers on the mucous membrane will be bright accompanying signs.

• The organs of the gastrointestinal tract - their defeat is usually accompanied by fever.

• Genitals - there are white curd discharge, itching and burning of the vagina.

A chronically neglected form, with which only doctors in a hospital work, is generalized candidiasis, characterized by the penetration of fungi into the internal organs of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.

Risk factors are:

• Carbohydrate nutrition, constant cravings for sugar and flour are faithful companions of leptin and insulin resistance. Remember: you love sweets not so much as your pathogenic microflora.

• Reduced immunity.

• Hypothyroidism.

• Prediabetes and diabetes.

• Gastritis is especially atrophic, accompanied by a decrease in the number of functioning cells of the gastric mucosa. The thing is that hydrochloric acid is one of the most powerful factors of internal protection, which is a kind of barrier with strong bactericidal properties.

• Bad hygiene.

• Alcohol abuse.

• High stress levels.

• An imbalance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Incorrect use of catheters.

• Taking oral contraceptives.

Candida is not such a harmless resident of our body: when it goes into an aggressive form, it has a number of adverse effects, including:

• The formation of about 70 types of aflatoxins - deadly compounds that exhibit a carcinogenic effect on liver cells.

• Development of depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Isolation of neurotropic poison.

• Necrotization of mucous membranes and skin.

Diagnosis of thrush

Diagnosis of candidiasis must necessarily include:

1. Determination of levels of antibodies to IgA, IgM, IgG globulins. These immunoglobulins are produced by the body to fight various pathogenic strains of the fungus. Please note that the material for the study is not blood, but saliva.

2. HMS according to Osipov. This method allows you to get a complete picture of the inhabitants of the intestine in a quantitative and qualitative form.

3. Urinalysis for tartaric acid.

4. Sowing feces for flora.

5. Scraping.

Explanation of diagnostics:

• IgA, IgM, IgG - high values ​​indicate infection with a fungus.

• IgA indicates a superficial infection, and IgM (+) indicates a recent overgrowth and the need for a rapid response.

• High IgG indicate the formation of a film.

• Low IgG and high IgM is a new infection that the immune system is holding back for now.

• High and IgG, and IgM - the acute phase of the disease.

• Tartaric acid is a waste product of candida.

If the results are normal, but the indicators tend to be closer to the upper value, preventive measures are required.

This test is popular, but nevertheless unreliable: certain errors are often observed. In addition, it is important to consider that everyone has candida: whether we like it or not, it is the same representative of the microflora as, say, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Only 15 out of 150 species are treated.)

Thrush symptoms

The first wake-up calls of the disease include:

• Fungus on the nail plate.

• Discharge and infections of the genitourinary system.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

• Chronic cystitis.

• Good quality education.

• Diarrhea and constipation.

• Chronic tonsillitis.

• Craving for sweets and especially starchy foods.

• White coating on the tongue.

• Pain in the muscles.

• Eczema.

• Headache.

• Psoriasis, dermatitis.

Unobvious signs of candidiasis include:

• Constant yawning (elevated levels of carbon dioxide).

• Frequent sneezing.

• Prolonged, unrelenting feeling of thirst.

• Increased gas formation and bloating are obvious and faithful companions of the syndrome of excessive bacterial and / or fungal growth.

• Headache.

• Mood changes, depression, confusion, memory and cognitive decline.

• Constipation or diarrhea, as well as their combinations.

• Hormonal disorders, including menstrual irregularities.

• Various skin diseases: rash, acne, allergies, hypersensitivity reactions.

• Puffiness.

• Insomnia.

• Unreasonable laughter in children (may be due to mycotoxins).

• The cell walls of fungi are composed mainly of sugars. They not only eat it, but also build a body out of it. From a medical point of view, Candida overgrowth is a process invariably accompanied by inflammation.

• From the point of view of psychosomatics, this is repressed anger or aggression. Something does not suit a woman in a relationship with a man or with herself.

Features of the treatment of thrush

The intestine serves as a reservoir of fungi and a source of infection. The intake of certain pharmacological drugs and a high-carbohydrate diet contribute to the destruction of beneficial microflora and create excellent conditions for enhanced reproduction of pathogenic ones. The production of antifungal enzymes stops or slows down. Therefore, the treatment of any type of candidiasis should include the normalization, first of all, of nutrition, with the possible subsequent connection of prebiotics.

Enzymes help a lot. So, enzymes destroy the biofilm formed by fungi, which includes mono- and polysaccharide molecules, minerals (such as calcium, iron and magnesium), DNA and fibrin, thereby becoming more sensitive to antifungal drugs. This function is performed by:

• Serrapeptase.

• Nattokinase.

• Lumbrokinase.

• Specific enzymes targeting the biofilm.

• In addition, NAC (precursor of glutathione, one of the key antioxidants) has shown to be effective in destroying biofilms.

Tactics for dealing with thrush

• First of all, do not feed the enemy: he will not say “thank you” to you. Give up high-carb foods, start working on eliminating insulin resistance.

• Normalize pH - acid-base balance, which is one of the most important parameters of internal balance: any fluctuation from the limits of the norm leads to a decrease in the activity of enzymatic systems, and their role in protection, as previously described, is very large.

• To suppress candida - here both pharmacological preparations and biologically active additives will help.

• Restore the microflora - with prebiotics in the early stages, you should be very careful: otherwise, not only friendly bacteria can grow on them. Over time, having established a diet, gradually add dietary fiber and fermented foods to the diet - in other words, create all the conditions for the development of your small intestinal inhabitants.

• Restore the intestinal mucosa: excessive permeability of its mucosa only contributes to the penetration of elements of the bacterial cell wall (in particular, lime polysaccharide complexes) into the bloodstream and the development of inflammatory reactions due to the activation of the immune system.

• Support immunity - the main guardian of the order of internal and external sovereignty.

It is also important to remove toxins through daily stools (with the help of psyllium, glycerin suppositories and magnesium citrate): constipation will increase the pressure inside the intestines and only aggravate the manifestations of both bacterial overgrowth and fungal overgrowth syndromes. The minimum period is 6-8 weeks, in especially neglected cases - up to six months

The treatment protocol scheme consists of:

1. Optimizing water and fiber in the diet.

2. Gradual exclusion from the diet of foods from the prohibited list.

3. Connecting supplements to support detoxification processes in the liver.

4. Introduction of probiotics.

Nutrition for thrush

It is necessary to strictly exclude:

• Sugar.

• Refined products.

• Yeast and products containing them: bakery products, beer.

• Dairy.

Your diet should include:

• Meat, fish, eggs in other words, sources of protein.

• Vegetables and legumes (except starches and beets) - pay special attention to cruciferous ones: broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage. Add onions and garlic - natural antibiotics.

• Fruits (with the exception of bananas and grapes) are especially citrus fruits.

• Greens, onions, garlic, cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, radish.

• Coniferous: cedar, resin, resin.

• Honey.

• Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts (limit cashews).

• Sour berries.

• Stevia and erythritol as a sugar substitute.

• Any fats (olive, coconut oil, ghee ghee).

   

• Fermented vegetables: sauerkraut (strictly without sugar and vinegar) cabbage.

• Unpasteurized unfiltered apple cider vinegar - improves the functioning of the digestive tract, promotes regular stools.

• Chamomile is a natural antiseptic.

• Lavender oil - it reduces the progression and spread of candida.

• Ginger.

• Grapefruits and lemons - contribute to the detoxification processes in the liver.

• Cayenne pepper is a powerful antimicrobial agent.

• Parsley - improves the functioning of the digestive tract, strengthens the immune system, relieves swelling.

• Algae and seaweed, as one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, can support the neutralization of carcinogens in the human body.

• Turmeric - has an antimicrobial effect, does not violate the intestinal microflora. It helps to reduce blood glucose levels, cleanses the liver and blood, and helps strengthen the immune system.

It is important to remember that excessive alkalization can also harm and promote the growth of candida. It is imperative to add acidifying foods to the diet: eggs, various teas, seeds, cooked vegetables, legumes.

Interesting results were shared by the authors of a relatively recent study: at low pH values ​​(that is, with acidosis), this fungus remains in a less pathogenic form and its growth is inhibited; when exposed to a high (alkaline) pH, its hyphal growth is stimulated.

An example of a diet menu for thrush

1. Bright vegetable omelette in ghee as a breakfast.

   Ingredients (for 2 servings):

   • Egg - 2 pcs.

   • Coconut milk - 50 ml.

   • Ghee butter - 20 g.

   • Zucchini - 100-120 g.

   • Leek, garlic, herbs to taste.

   We put a frying pan with oil on low heat. Saute zucchini, leek and garlic. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the milk and beat with a whisk. Black ground pepper can be added if desired. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Fry lightly on all sides and remove to a plate.

    

2. Lentil soup for lunch.

   Ingredients (for 4 servings):

   • Lentils - 160 g.

   • Bulb - 1 pc.

   • Carrots - 3 pcs.

   • Tomatoes - 4 pcs.

   • Spinach - 150 g.

   • Parsley - 2 bunches.

   • Coconut or olive oil - 2 tbsp. spoons.

   • Garlic - 3 cloves.

   • Basil or oregano - 1 teaspoon.

   • Water - 1 l.

   • Salt and chili pepper to taste.

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   In a saucepan with oil, sauté the onions and carrots, then add the garlic and tomatoes, keeping everything on the fire for a few more minutes. Add lentils and water. Lower the temperature and simmer the soup for another half an hour. If desired, you can grind it with a blender.

3. Green salad for dinner.

   Ingredients (for 2 servings):

   • Quinoa (dry weight) - 80 g.

   • Salad - 100 g.

   • String beans - 200 g.

   • Cucumbers - 4 pcs.

   • Soft sheep or goat cheese - 60 g.

   • Avocado - 1 pc.

   • Salt and pepper to taste.

   Boil water, throw in the beans and turn off the stove (in principle, all frozen vegetables can be cooked in this way, so they retain the maximum of useful substances). Boil quinoa or millet. Cut avocado, lettuce and cucumbers, mix with quinoa and beans, add crumbled cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

Components of the treatment of thrush

1. Vitamins and minerals should be canceled until the composition of the intestinal microflora is completely normalized. If you have an iron deficiency, take lactoferrin, which is an immunostimulant that binds iron - thus it goes to our body, and not to pathogenic pathogens.

2. Psychological help

   The study showed that chronic intestinal candidiasis leads to the development of depression in many patients, and therefore, indirectly, may contribute to the occurrence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

   The study found that mood swings, anxiety, and stress are associated with an increased risk of RVVC (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis).

3. Biologically active additives.

   • Dietary supplements must be selected with a specialist. Of the recommended:

   • NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to inhibit the death reaction.

   • Prebiotics.

   • Natural fungicides: ant tree bark, oregano).

   During treatment, the Yashir-Hexheimer reaction can be observed - this is a normal and even healthy process, which indicates that parasites, fungi, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are effectively destroyed. But our detoxification system very often fails to cope with the toxic load, which entails the manifestation of the following symptoms:

   • Nausea.

   • Headache, weakness, dizziness.

   • Enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

   • Bloating, constipation or diarrhea.

   • Pain in joints and muscles.

   • Tachycardia.

   • Chills.

   • Body itching, urticaria.

   • Sweating.

   • Fever.

   • Eruptions on the skin.

4. Anticandida herbs:

   • Echinacea is effective for any type of candidiasis due to its immunostimulating effect.

   • Ivy leaf extract - saponins, inhibit the growth of fungi and have an antibacterial effect, carotene (provitamin A), vitamin E, organic acids, iodine.

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   • Sage extract - antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rotten, as well as diuretic, carminative and astringent action, lowers blood sugar levels, and also stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.

5. Natural antifungals:

   • Aloe vera - gently acts on the body, while possessing powerful immunostimulating properties.

   • Black walnut.

   • Caprylic acid is a strong antifungal drug that kills Candida colonies and also restores stomach acid to normal levels.

   • Coconut oil and pulp - contain lauric acid, which is converted into monolaurin in the body, and caprylic acid, which have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial effects. During treatment, it is ideal to cook with coconut oil and add coconut milk to dishes.

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy and nutrition

Many pregnant women face the appearance of thrush, and this is easily explained. The causes of candidiasis in this condition are the accumulation of glycogen in the vaginal epithelium, hormonal imbalance, the action of progesterone, which suppresses the immune system, and a small number of lactobacilli.

The consequences of candidal infection are quite serious: thrush can cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight of the newborn, chronic fetal hypoxia. In addition, the likelihood of infection of the embryo increases, as a result of which the eyes, mouth, larynx, lungs and skin can be affected. To prevent harm to the unborn child, it is necessary to start treating thrush in the early stages of pregnancy.

When choosing drugs for anticandidal therapy, the emphasis is on their safety for the fetus. Preference is given to dosage forms of intravaginal use - suppositories, ointments and vaginal tablets. This is due to the low absorption of active substances in the vagina.

Since cases of relapse are quite frequent, therapy is repeated for a period of 38–39 weeks or immediately before delivery.

Proper nutrition helps speed up the recovery process, as well as minimize the likelihood of a candida infection returning. For greater effectiveness of the drug effect, easily digestible carbohydrates are excluded from the diet of a pregnant woman.

The duration of such a diet should be at least three months. The optimal period for refusing sugar-containing products is one year, since even in the absence of symptoms, there is a risk of a return of the disease.

In addition to excluding dishes containing pure sugar from the menu, a pregnant patient should:

• Refuse to eat semi-finished products containing dyes, preservatives and flavor enhancers, fast food and yeast-based products (beer, kvass, pastries), as well as sauces and seasonings.

• Supplement the diet with vegetables and unsweetened fruits, whole grain bread to eliminate the deficiency of vegetable fiber. Dietary fiber has a positive effect on the state of microflora.

• Avoid black tea and coffee.

• Include fermented milk products on probiotic starters in the menu.

• After consulting a doctor, take a vitamin and mineral complex designed to increase immunity.

• Avoid hypothermia, overwork and nervous strain, which can cause a weakening of the body's defenses and provoke an exacerbation of thrush.

Despite the above restrictions, pregnant women need to take care of the usefulness and diversity of their diet. The diet should include dishes from meat, fish, cereals and vegetables.

For breakfast, it is recommended to eat cottage cheese, eggs or cereals on the water. It is advisable to start lunch with soup, for the second, cook meat and vegetable casseroles, baked or boiled fish, cabbage rolls and steamed meatballs.

In the evening, it is better to give preference to protein foods. Chicken breast or fish steak, unsweetened cottage cheese casserole, pasta with cheese saturate well, contain the necessary nutrients and vitamins. From drinks, you should choose compotes, fruit drinks, smoothies without added sugar. It is equally important to ensure that you drink enough water.

If you ignore the recommendations of experts on proper nutrition during pregnancy, abuse simple carbohydrates, you may encounter the problem of high blood sugar, which negatively affects the composition of the cells of the vaginal epithelium. Excess glucose affects the acidity of the environment and the number of lactic acid bacteria, creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of microorganisms that are not characteristic of healthy flora.

Compliance with the correct diet without fast carbohydrates, enrichment of the diet with probiotics, fruits and vegetables allows you to restore immunity in the intestines and vagina. To avoid the return of the disease, it is better to follow such a diet throughout pregnancy.

Thrush Prevention Tips

It is quite possible to minimize the likelihood of vaginal candidiasis. In addition to proper nutrition, effective prevention measures include the rejection of synthetic underwear, hygiene and regular visits to the gynecologist. Bad habits should be replaced by an active and healthy lifestyle, safe sex and timely treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system.

In addition, it is worth paying more attention to yourself on critical days, namely:

• get enough sleep;

• do not overwork;

• transfer cases that require significant physical effort;

• limit the impact of stress factors;

• eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies.