Thrush is a symptom of the yeast-like fungus candida albicans. It may occur both orally and vaginally. Symptoms of oral thrush include a heavily coated tongue and mucus-filled oral blisters. Vaginal thrush is common during pregnancy due to the increase in body temperature and digestive changes. Symptoms include an itchy vulva and a red vagina that may be sore or bleeding.
- A therapeutic diet is recommended for a few weeks or months until the symptoms have disappeared. This means excluding foods such as yeast and wheat products especially bread and pasta, dairy products with the exception of a little yoghurt that contains lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus, mushrooms, white and brown sugar, tomatoes, alcohol, coffee, all fermented products including vinegars and pickles
- This leaves a diet that is largely based on vegetables, wholegrains, fish, chicken, tofu and meat if desired.
- Bathing in lavender and/or tea tree can help heal the local area.
- Taking lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus will help balance the bowel flora in the intestines.
- Some naturopaths suggest inserting a peeled clove of garlic into the vagina and replace every few hours. Garlic is a natural antibiotic.