women’s health - natures aid · 4. bacterial vaginosis bacterial vaginosis although less well...

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Women's Health Booklet - jenny.indd 1 14/03/2018 14:51

Supporting intimate health and a healthy pregnancy

Women’s Health

By Jenny Logan DN MED, Nutritional Therapist


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It’s not the years in your life that count....It’s the life in your years.

Intimate health

Common intimate health issues for women

2. Intimate Health

ThrushThrush is perhaps the most well-known intimate health issue.

Many women find their life restricted by the embarrassment and discomfort caused by intimate health issues. This booklet aims to cover some of the most common intimate health concerns, explain what they are and why they happen, and advise how to safely and naturally support your body - to help you find long term relief and live life to the full.

75% of women will suffer with thrush at least once in their lifetime

of women will have 3 or more episodes of thrush40%MORE

THAN

Abraham Lincoln


Thrush .3

The depletion of good bacteria in the vagina, and subsequent Candida overgrowth, can happen for a variety of reasons. These include:

• A diet high in refined sugars

• Antibiotic treatments

• Diabetes

• The contraceptive pill & HRT

• Menstrual periods

• Pregnancy (discussed in more depth later.)

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans within the vagina.

The vagina should be home to a vast array of good bacteria. However, when these beneficial bacteria are disturbed or killed off, Candida - an opportunistic yeast - can start to grow in their place. It is the growth of Candida which leads to the common symptoms of thrush.

of women will suffer with recurrent episodes of thrush*5%MORE

THAN

*defined as more than 4 times a year

Symptoms of thrush include:Irritation, redness and a thick discharge.


4. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial VaginosisAlthough less well known than thrush, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infections in women of childbearing age.

84% of women will have had BV at least once in their lifetime

with 50% of those sufferingwith recurrent problems.

Symptoms of BV:It is important to note that not everyone with BV will have symptoms, but the most common signs of BV are a fishy odour and a watery or grey discharge. Some women may also experience irritation and discomfort as part of the infection.

A healthy vagina should be an acidic environment: This acidity helps to look after the good bacteria whichexist there, and inhibits infections.

A drop in vaginal acidity can lead tothe growth of bacteria such asGarnerella vaginalis - one of the bacteria linked to the development of BV.


Vaginal Dryness .5

1 in 3 women will experience vaginal dryness at some time in their life.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness:Dryness, discomfort and irritation.

The most common causes of decreasing vaginal acidity include:

• Hormonal changes • Antibiotic treatments• Over-washing • The coil• Unprotected sex • Menstrual periods• Pregnancy (discussed in more depth later)

Vaginal DrynessVaginal dryness is a common problem.

Although it can happen at any age, vaginal dryness does tend to become more of a problem during, and after, the menopause. This is because oestrogen - one of the major hormones involved in the menstrual cycle - provides lubrication to the mucous membranes of the vagina. If oestrogen levels drop (a common occurrence during the menopause) then this lubrication can be lost.

There are many topical lubricants available which aim to treat vaginal dryness, but often their effectiveness is limited because they wear and wash off. Supplements, which may provide a longer-term solution, have therefore been the subject of much interest and investigation.


6. Supplements to help relieve vaginal dryness

Supplements to help relieve vaginal dryness

Natural ways to help thrush & BV

Sea Buckthorn OilSea Buckthorn Oil - which is a natural source of Omega-7 - has been found to be effective in treating vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy.(1)

In one study carried out on post-menopausal women, the participants were provided with either Sea Buckthorn Oil or a placebo. The group using Sea Buckthorn Oil showed improvements in the health of their vaginal tissue, and a reduction in dryness and irritation.(1)

Many women are unsure whether they have thrush or BV, as the symptoms are often difficult to distinguish. Waiting for a clear diagnosis can often lead to a delay in treatment, thus prolonging discomfort. This is not an ideal approach.

Furthermore, treating one of these problems in isolation can, in fact, directly result in the other! For example, a woman who is suffering with BV may be given antibiotics, which can in turn lead to an overgrowth of Candida and the development of thrush. This is a cycle which is all too familiar for many women.

Sea Buckthorn Oil, derived from theberries of the Sea Buckthorn plant which

originates from the Himalayas.

Any woman wanting to try Sea Buckthorn Oil to help relievevaginal dryness should aim to achieve a dose of around1000mg per day.


Diet and lifestyle suggestions to help thrush and BV .7

Diet and lifestyle suggestions to help thrush and BV

Therefore a combined approach which looks at the overall health of the vagina and encourages the growth of the good bacteria which should be present - both to correct the pH and inhibit the candida – is preferable.

Reduce dietary intake of refined sugars, fruits and fruit juices. A high sugar diet can negatively affect the good bacteria which should live in the vaginal area, potentially aggravating problems such as thrush and BV.(2)

Consider introducing fermented foods such as yogurt, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles and kimchi into your diet. These foods are all naturally high in beneficial bacteria, and so will support the health of your ‘microbiome’ - the colony of good bacteria which exist inside us.

There are plenty of recipes available to help you make your own fermented foods, which will be higher quality than many ready-made versions.

Be careful not to engage in over-washing. When suffering with an intimate infection, a natural reaction can be to ensure that the affected area is properly clean. In terms of hygiene, once a day is adequate. More than this will disturb the natural balance of flora in the vagina and potentially aggravate the problem.


8. Choosing the right bacteria for thrush and BV

Diet and lifestyle suggestions to help thrush and BV (continued)

Choosing the right good bacteria for thrush and BV

Always take a broad-spectrum good bacteria supplement after antibiotics

Supplementing with beneficial bacteria for around 2 weeks after any antibiotic treatment

should help to restore good bacteria in the gut and the vagina, helping to prevent the development of

thrush and BV. Look for a product which provides at least 15 billion beneficial bacteria per capsule.

There are over 50 trillion good bacteria inside each and every person – including over 1000 different strains. These bacteria form what is often referred to as The Microbiome.

In recent years a phenomenal amount of research has been carried out looking at the impact, and the specific roles, that these bacteria can have on our everyday health and wellbeing. This research has enabled us to identify precisely which bacteria are important in supporting intimate health, which in turn helps to us to target both thrush and BV.

A healthy vagina should contain high levels of Lactobacillus, with some Bifidobacteria.

Based on the bacteria found in the vagina of a healthy premenopausal woman, studies have been carried out using a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis (a total 15 billion bacteria), to assess the impact of these bacteria strains on the treatment of thrush and BV.(3,4)


Nutrients to support intimate health .9

1. These three bacteria - when included in an oral supplement - were able to colonise the vagina and proliferate. They provided a healthy pH, thus preventing and treating BV.

2. This combination also exerted an antimicrobial action, displacing and excluding candida, thereby treating and preventing thrush.

3. The studies proved that a combination of all three bacteria was more effective than using any one of the individual strains in isolation.

The results of these studies were:

95%of the women who used a supplementproviding L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus & B. lactis reported relief from itching, burning, discharge and dryness.(3,4)

Nutrients to support intimate health

ZincZinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, so is an important mineral in female health. Zinc also supports the normal functioning of the immune system. Supporting a healthy immune system is key to helping treat and prevent recurrent infections of any kind.

Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, and is required for the regulation of hormonal activity - again important in the maintenance of female health.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)The vagina is lined with mucous membranes. Vitamin B2 supports the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, therefore will be helpful in any supplement aimed at supporting those with thrush and BV.


10. Supporting a healthy pregnancy

Most women are now aware that certain nutrients, especially folic acid, will help to support a healthy pregnancy.

It is recommended that all women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement if they are planning to become pregnant, because low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Folic acid also contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.

Supporting a healthy pregnancy

The benefits of folic acid in supporting a healthy pregnancy are generally well known. The benefits of other nutrients are less well known – including the role of zinc, and specific strains of beneficial bacteria, in a healthy pregnancy.


The role of zinc in a healthy pregnancy .11

Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, so is naturally supportive for those who are trying to conceive. There is also scientific data supporting the following roles for zinc:

The role of zinc in a healthy pregnancy

For the reasons listed above, it may be beneficial to include zinc when supplementing to support optimal health during pregnancy.

4 Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis

4 Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

4 Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin

4 Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system

4 Zinc has a role in the process of cell division


12. Intimate health issues in pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to alterations within the vaginal flora.

Intimate health issues in pregnancy

These problems can be difficult to treat, as the general recommendation is that over-the-counter internal remedies should not be used during pregnancy.

However, certain good bacteria and nutritional supplements can be used safely during pregnancy to support intimate health.

ZincDue to its action on supporting a healthy immune system, which in turn helps to reduce infections and inflammation, Zinc can be used to support intimate health during pregnancy.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. The vagina is lined with mucous membranes, therefore nutrients which support the health of this area will also help to reduce irritation.

As a result...of pregnant women will sufffer fromthrush in their last trimester.75%UP

TO

Nutrients to support intimate health in pregnancy

of pregnant women are affected by Yeast Vaginitis in their first trimester.56%UP

TO


Choosing the right bacteria for a healthy pregnancy .13

Vitamin B2 is also linked with a reduction in tiredness and fatigue – something which is always beneficial during pregnancy.

In addition to intimate health problems, many women find that they also suffer with digestive and bowel issues during pregnancy. Therefore, a good bacteria supplement which simultaneously supports intimate and digestive health may be beneficial.

When using any supplement during pregnancy, it

is also important to know that what you are taking has been extensively researched for safety and efficacy in pregnant women.

Choosing the right good bacteria for a healthy pregnancy


Choosing the right good bacteria for a healthy pregnancy (continued)

Therefore, when choosing the right good bacteria supplement for a healthy pregnancy, we must identify the strains that fit the following criteria:

• The strains must be safe and effective

• They should support intimate health

• They should support digestive health

• They should support the healthy growth

of a foetus.

There are three strains that fit these criteria: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus fermentum.

Pregnant women colonised with L. plantarum and L. fermentum were found to be less likely to develop bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections.(5)

All three strains have been proven to be safe during pregnancy, andL. fermentum has been shown to enhance the health of expectant mothers and new-borns.(6)

14. Intimate health issues in pregnancy


Key facts .15

Key facts:• L. plantarum, L. fermentum & L. reuteri have been shown to effectively colonise and protect the vagina after oral supplementation, controlling and preventing thrush.(4) • L. reuteri has also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis.(7)

• Use of L. reuteri and L. fermentum significantly alters vaginal flora, preventing infection of the bladder and vagina. This combination may potentially prevent pre-term labour.(8)

• Supplementing with good bacteria during preganancy may prevent vaginal colonisation by group B strep., which is linked to serious illness in newborns.(9)

• L. fermentum have been found to be effective in reducing constipation.(10)

• L. plantarum protects against inflammation, inhibits pathogens in the gut and vagina, and encourages the growth of other friendly bacteria. These bacteria can also improve the function of the stomach and intestine.(11)

RESEARCH REFERENCES:(1) ‘Effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women; Maturitas Volume 79, Issue 3, November 2014, Pages 316-321(2) yeastinfection.org/candida-and-sugar-connection(3) Roelmi HPC – Principum – Intimique Line Research – 2017(4) Orally administered multispecies probiotic formulations to prevent uro-genital infections; Arch Gynecol Obstat Sept 2016.(5) Lactobacillus Plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum with probiotic potentals – Kingsley Anukam & Gregor Reid – Research Journal of Microbiology.(6) Anukam KC et al; J Appl Res. 2005;5:46–52.(7) Reid G et al; Probiotic Lactobacillus dose required to restore and maintain a normal vaginal flora. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2001;32:37–41.(8) Jacobsson B et al, Bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy may predispose for preterm birth and postpartum

endometritis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2002;81(11):1006–1010(9) Reid G, et al; Nutraceut Food. 2002;7:168–173(10) Preventive Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum Zhao on Activated Carbon-Induced Constipation in

Mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(2):131-7. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.61.131.(11) LP – a super performing probiotic strain – NutraCos Nov/Dec 2012


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