As ladies we know when our vagina is out of balance. The usual signs are a little itch (or a major one if we don’t get something to help quickly enough), a change is female juices or maybe a smell change. Sure signs that there is life down there.
Unless something is wrong most of us are unaware of the sensitive balance of bacteria that keep everything peachy. Our vaginas usually have an acidic 4.5ph.
The human vaginal microbiota seem to play a key role in preventing a number of urogenital diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and HIV infection.
A healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus which produce various antimicrobial compounds. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is a loss or sharp decline in the total number of Lactobacillus which then results marked increase in the concentration of anaerobic microbes (aka the bad guys).
In our vaginal ecosystem, a homeostatic and mutualistic relationship exists between the microbiota and us, the human host. We provide a humid, nutritious, and warm habitat for the microbes, these beneficial microbiota produce antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits
Production of hydrogen peroxide (explains the pantie bleaching better) and other substances inhibit the growth of unfavourable or ‘pathogenic’ strains of bacteria and yeast. We want to avoid upsetting the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome or we could experience the pathogens overgrowing and cause intimate health infections.
The Gut-Vagina Axis
In the same way that diet affects the intestinal microbiome, it also affects microbial diversity in the vagina.
The enemy we love called sugar is a major culprit in disrupting the microbiome. Reducing or eliminating carbohydrates, sugars, and alcohol often alleviates vaginal symptoms and prevents them from recurring. Patients with persistent yeast infections may need to follow a strict zero-sugar anti-candida or low-mould diet. Others with less severe or less frequent infections can tolerate modest amounts of sugar or other carbs.
Equally important as what’s removed from the diet is what stays in it. In addition to plenty of fresh or lightly cooked vegetables, it is wise for women to increase their intake of fermented vegetables, kefir, or other Lactobacillus-containing foods.
Underwear made of cotton or other breathable fabrics will help and so will reducing use of perfumed bath products and soups, avoiding bath oil at all costs (rather use coconut oil) and changing out of tight-fitting swim-suits or sweaty workout clothing straight after use.
It is also a good idea to avoid douching and instead wash the vulvovaginal area with water only. May of the sanitary products we use can also contribute to irritation. The perfumes and bleaching agents as well as the special gels are very irritating and cause burns. Look for products that are natural, cotton feel, not deodorised. You can also consider saving yourself and the planet by changing over to a moon cup and using reusable cotton sanitary wear.
Babies
A baby’s gut flora begins developing in utero, but the birthing process will significantly influence the “initial colonization process of the new-born microbiome.”
During vaginal delivery, infants are inoculated with microbes from the mother’s vagina while passing through the birth canal. Exposure to healthy––or unhealthy––vaginal flora can affect a baby’s health for years after birth. Studies indicate that babies delivered by Caesarean section have distinctly different microbiomes than those delivered vaginally. C-section infants frequently carry higher levels of opportunistic pathogens at birth, as compared to vaginally delivered babies.
There are some forward-thinking Doctors who are willing to place a sterile swab into a C-section mommies vagina during birth to collect these microbes and will then swab the baby to introduce the good flora.
There is great news for anyone suffering from BV & thrush can be treated in a safe and wholistic way. The below Vaginal Kefir Douche protocol is shared from Holisticprimarycare.net. This is what I have done and I’ve found it to be amazing and getting the balance back. I drink kefir several times a week now, have done for years and haven’t had thrush or constipation for that matter. The Microbes matter! .
Balancing the Vaginal Microbiome: An Unmet Women’s Health Need – Holistic Primary Care
Vaginal Kefir Douche & Tampon
Do You Need a Douche?
‘Douching’ means to wash, soak or spray.
A couple of decades ago, douching was all the rage. Cleverly marketed by douching companies, women in America suddenly thought douching was a compulsory part of womanhood. It angers me to no end that women were duped into buying ‘feminine hygiene’ products that were filled with toxic chemicals, synthetic fragrances, alcohol and preservatives that claimed to clean out the vagina and leave it smelling like flowers!
First off, the vagina is NOT meant to smell like flowers. That is completely unnatural. But more importantly, the vagina does NOT need ‘help’ cleaning it out. In fact, the vagina is perfectly capable of self-cleansing and naturally maintains a healthy pH balance within itself.
By this point, I think you understand that I am against douching. However, I cannot deny that douching does have a place in feminine wellbeing. So who needs a douche? Not everyone. Here are some signs that you may need a douche:
Recurrent candida/yeast infections
Excessive vaginal discharge
Bad vaginal odour
Bacterial vaginiosis
Viral vaginiosis
Itching
Gonorrhea, chlamydia and other STDs
Note: If you have any problem with your vagina, please consult your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment. After finding out what is wrong, you can tthen make an informed decision about which path to take to get your vagina back to health.
Why Use a Kefir Douche
Let me make it clear that you should completely stay away from conventional douches! Those things are filled with nasty chemicals that you do not want anywhere near your lady bits. Douching can cause many problems including vaginal infections, STDs and even infertility.
A kefir douche is completely natural and is made of kefir diluted with clean water or a flower hydrosol. Nothing more, nothing less.
Kefir is a fermented milk product that is made by placing milk (pasteurized, boiled or raw) in a jar with kefir grains. Between a period of 6 – 24 hours, the milk ferments and becomes kefir.
Unlike yogurt, the friendly bacteria in kefir actually have the ability to stay in the gut and colonize the intestine. Once these good bacteria settle in your gut, they provide a host of benefits including making digestion more efficient, helping with weight control, balancing the hormones, reducing gas and bloating, supporting the immune system and many more!
The Delicate Balance of Vaginal Flora
The vagina has a delicate balance of good bacteria and a slightly acidic pH. Once there is any disturbance in this delicate balance, you become more prone to infections. Too many sugary items, caffeine and alcohol contribute to the disruption of the vaginal balance.
The good bacteria in kefir can help rectify any bacterial imbalances in the vagina. They also help balance the natural pH of the vagina. Kefir can also help soothe the vaginal membranes, reduce itchiness and quell redness, irritation and inflammation.
Guidelines on Using Kefir as a Douche
Only use homemade kefir made with kefir grains or NuMe Kefir as we ferment with kefir grains. Many other store-bought kefir contains sugar and additives, which are not good for vaginal health!
Do not use a kefir douche if you have no vaginal problems. The number 1 rule of naturopathic treatments is, “If there is no problem, don’t treat it.” If your vagina is in perfect health, and you have no ailments affecting you, then there is absolutely no need to douche.
The vagina is capable of cleansing itself and balancing its pH on its own. Unnecessary douching can actually CAUSE imbalances and irritation.
https://www.doctorsbeyondmedicine.com/listing/vaginal-kefir-douche-tampon
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