Female Health
· CANDIDIASIS – the curse of thrush affects many women and the over prescription of antibiotics and other medication (steroids, immunosuppressants, oral contraception weakens the body`s ability to maintain balance. Changing dietary patterns and increased intake of refined carbohydrates provides another opportunity for imbalance. Imbalance in our body caused by candida albicans overgrowth can be manifested in various organs, tissues, systems and functions. It may affect the gastrointestinal tract, with symptoms of indigestion, food cravings or food intolerances. Once the Candida is identified, dietary measures can be crucial in the control of it and are best done by a health professional as there will be many dietary restrictions, such as avoidance of food containing table sugar and refined forms of sucrose, dairy products(as they contain lactose a sugar in dairy),glucose and fructose (including fruit), avoidance of high-carbohydrate grains, alcohol and yeast containing food, such as cheese and mushrooms. These restrictions are always temporary until the candida is under control.
Supermarket remedies to inhibit Candida:
Avocado (antifungal fatty acids), Basil, Beef, Chicken and Chicken soup, cumin, garlic, ginger root, horseradish, radishes, onion, oregano, coconut oil (contains caprylic acid), olive oil. Add probiotic supplements to restore the natural healthy balance or bacteria in the intestinal tract and for the vaginal microbiome. Oregon Grape is a natural antibiotic and has also antifungal properties. Oregon grape contains compound BERBERINE, often used as a supplement for many health issues including insulin sensitivity.
· PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) A common sex hormone disorder characterised by disrupted ovarian function with multiple ovarian cysts and elevated levels of testosterone and androgens. Symptoms include infertility (ovulatory issues), irregular periods, weight gain, hirsutism (excessive hair grow mainly on chest, back, abdomen and thighs, male pattern baldness, acne, skin tags and predisposition to diabetes (weight gain around stomach area). Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, excess androgens, dominant (or decreased) oestrogen, blood glucose imbalance and high insulin, adrenal dysfunction and inflammation. More than 50% of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40.
Dietary recommendations:
High protein, low GI diet for insulin sensitivity,
Anti – inflammatory food (fish oil – and dietary sources of omega 3 – fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, flaxseed, hemp, chia seed, also oil version always cold press)
Diet high in antioxidants – vitamin C, A, E, selenium and zinc.
Diet high in folates – broccoli, spinach, asparagus, egg yolk (natural folates in food can be lost during food processing such as cooking and boiling. Steam your vegetables to prevent the losses of nutrients.
Green tea – high in antioxidants, helps to balance blood glucose, decrease androgens, reduce inflammation and support gut microbiome
Lifestyle recommendations:
Exercise – helps to reduce/maintain weight, may reduce blood testosterone. Vigorous exercise (jogging, biking, swimming) has the highest impact on body mass index (BMI). Recommended at least 120min/weekly. Resistant training may help to improve insulin sensitivity. Do not over exercise (can cause hormonal imbalance. Mind-body exercise – tai chi, Pilates, yoga. Acupuncture – can increase blood flow to ovaries, can help the body to increase insulin sensitivity and improve the endocrine and metabolic function. Sleep management – women with PCOS often have trouble falling asleep, restless sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness also Obstructive sleep apnoea.
· ENDOMETRIOSIS - is oestrogen dependent and a painful inflammatory condition, in which endometrial cells escape the uterus and grow abnormally in the pelvic cavity and other areas of the body. Endometrial tissue grows into the wall of the uterus. Symptoms are abdominal and menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during and after sex, infertility, fatigue, pain when passing the stool. Key underlying factors include oestrogen dysregulation (often women have high oestrogen), poor liver function, fatty acid status and dysbiosis. Common deficiencies in woman with endometriosis include vitamin D, iron and B12.
Dietary recommendations:
A balanced, anti – inflammatory diet rich in fibre, omega 3 fatty acids (oily fish, nuts and seeds) and antioxidants. Foods to include are low GI fruit, vegetables (iron rich vegetables – dark leafy greens), whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats – avocado, olive oil. Limiting red meat, processed foods, refined sugar and alcohol and caffeine. Consuming minimum of two litres of water daily is recommended (avoid after 6pm or 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to reduce likeness of needing to pass urine throughout the night) Low FODMAP diet can help to manage symptoms of (bloating and pain) of endometriosis. This diet should always be time limited and under supervision of health professional.
Lifestyle recommendations:
Exercise – helps to balance hormones, improving mental health and reducing stress hormones. Pelvic floor exercises are always a good idea for anyone with endometriosis. Rest – rest and sleep are important. Lack of sleep causes inflammation in the body. Stress management – find the best stress management techniques (guide meditation and breathing exercise) to avoid high adrenaline and cortisol levels, which are linked to inflammation.
· UTIs – a very common (especially in females) infection of upper and lower urinary tract (kidneys, bladder and urethra), which is very often recurrent. Large numbers of bacteria live in the area around the vagina and rectum and on a skin. Bacteria may get into the urine from the urethra and travel into the bladder. They may even travel up to the kidney. Bacteria especially E. coli is the most common cause of UTI`s (more than 90% of causes). Every time the antibiotics are used to treat a UTI, the infection adapts and can become harder to fight (antibiotic resistance). But the infection becomes immune to the antibiotics, not you. Antibiotics may not always be the best solution. As a result, a healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you get frequent urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice that you can buy at the grocery store doesn’t prevent a UTI ( takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink, however, cranberry extract supplements may help prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tracts.
What is the difference between a urinary tract infection and cystitis?
UTI is an infection in your urinary system, which may include your kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Cystitis is a type of UTI. It’s an infection in your bladder, and it’s the most common type of UTI. Not all UTIs become bladder infections. It’s important to treat a UTI quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your urinary tract. The infection can spread not only to your bladder but also to your kidneys.
The most common symptoms – abdomen and lower back pain, cloudy/foul smelling urine, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, pain during peeing, blood in the pee, fever.
