Balance women's microbes

Surveys indicate that approximately 75% of women will experience a yeast infection or candidiasis (vulvovaginal candidiasis) at least once in their lifetime. The yeast organism, Candida Albicans, is primarily responsible for these infections and is caused by dysbiosis, a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the body. Dysbiosis can be triggered by many factors, including antibiotics, poor diet, stress, birth control pills, and other medications.

The normal vaginal microbiota is dominated by lactobacilli species that produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which helps maintain a low vaginal pH.² Lactobacilli and their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory products, along with components of the epithelial mucosal barrier, provide an effective first-line defense against invading pathogens, including bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis-associated bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.³

While taking an over-the-counter antifungal medication may temporarily relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection, the root of the problem lies in dysbiosis. The solution to overcoming the infection is to examine the underlying cause of the problem, including diet and lifestyle habits, and rebalance the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the body. Taking targeted probiotics will greatly help restore this balance.

Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® VS for Women is a multi-strain probiotic blend for women, supporting gut and women's health. It provides 50 billion live bacterial cultures in a convenient once-daily capsule. It contains 9 different strains of live bacteria, 7 of which are lactobacilli. Lactobacilli account for 45 billion active cultures in the formula, while 2 strains of bifidobacteria make up the remaining 5 billion cultures. The product is packaged in acid-resistant vegetarian capsules to help protect live bacteria from harsh stomach acids.

If you suffer from Candida, here are some additional recommendations that may help:

• Eliminate or minimize antibiotic use as much as possible (consult a healthcare professional about alternatives).
• Cleanse your system with antifungal herbs. There are cleansing kits available on the market that contain antifungal herbs.
• Increase your fiber intake to promote healthy elimination.
• Change your diet to one that does not encourage Candida growth. The Candida diet is a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet that promotes good gut health and eliminates the sugars that feed it. The diet includes non-starchy vegetables, low-sugar fruits, non-gluten grains, healthy proteins, certain dairy products, nuts and seeds, fermented foods, and many herbs, spices, fats, and oils. https://www.thecandidadiet.com/
• Drink plenty of clean, purified water.
• Improve digestion by eating more alkaline and raw foods (seasonally), chewing thoroughly, and taking digestive enzymes with meals.
• Improve immune function by stimulating lymphatic flow through exercise and deep breathing.
• Destress your life through activities like walking, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and even cuddling a cat, if you can – their purring is very therapeutic!