Bacterial vaginosis, also known as bacterial vaginitis, is a bacterial infection associated with feminine itching, burning and discharge. It can also indicate a more serious condition, such as candida, or yeast infection. If you develop vaginosis, you should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, consider a few holistic treatment options. Remember that holistic therapies should be used in conjunction with, and not in place of, conventional medical care.
Modified Diet
At the onset of symptoms, eliminate items from your diet that can weaken the immune system and slow the healing process. Avoid sugary foods, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. Try to eat foods that strengthen the immune system to help your body fight the infection naturally. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy product and lean meats or other healthy sources of protein in the diet. According to Kristi Carter of BacterialVaginosisRecurrent.com, yogurt, flax seed, brown rice and oat bran are considered especially beneficial.
Proper hygiene
Practice good personal hygiene. Bathe daily, wash your under garments regularly and abstain from sexual intercourse for the duration of the infection. In addition, you might want to try a therapeutic internal wash, or douche. Add a few drops of echinacea, goldenseal or calendula extract to a warm water douche once daily. Although many natural health practitioners recommend therapeutic douching for bacterial vaginosis, the practice is not supported by the medical community in general. Talk to your health care provider before trying herbal douching.
Herbs
Other holistic therapies include herbs and supplementation. Echinacea, goldenseal and calendula are all herbal remedies commonly recommended by herbalists for bacterial infections. They are naturally antibacterial and antiviral. The University of Maryland Medical Center specifically lists vaginal infections among the uses of echinacea. The recommended dose is 1 to 2 g of dried root or herb, or 2 to 3 mL of standardized tincture extract, taken three times daily. Goldenseal, which is often combined with echinacea to fight infection, is generally taken in capsule or liquid extract form, 500 to 1,000 mg, up to three times per day. Calendula, although not as common, can also be found in liquid extract form and is taken at 0.5 to 1.0 mL, three times daily. 5) Check with your doctor before trying herbal supplements.
Other Supplements
In addition to herbal remedies, certain nutritional supplements can also help strengthen the immune system and fight infection. Acidophillus, a natural bacteria found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, is believed to help fight bacterial infections, especially vaginitis. Other immune-boosting supplements to try include vitamin A, up to 50,000 international units daily; B complex, 50 to 100 mg, three times per day; 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily; and, vitamin E, 400 IU daily. These amounts do exceed the recommended daily allowances for these nutrients, and are considered therapeutic values. Always check with your health care practitioner before using nutritional supplements.
